F-2 Residence Visa | Long-Term Residence in Korea
F-2 is a residence status containing multiple independent pathways. The correct subcategory must be identified before income, points, residence period, Korean-language ability and other conditions can be assessed.
Request a Consultation →Major F-2 pathways
Different F-2 routes have different legal requirements.
Points-based Residence
A points-based pathway assessing factors such as age, education, Korean ability, income and other qualifying items.
Long-term Residence
A pathway for eligible foreign nationals with the required lawful long-term residence and other conditions.
Family-related Residence
Certain family relationships and circumstances lead to separate F-2 categories.
Investment-linked Residence
Specified investment-immigration programs may grant F-2 residence subject to their own investment rules.
What is reviewed
F-2 residence requires more than simply having lived in Korea for a long time.
Immigration history
Eligible status, continuity and lawful stay are reviewed.
Income and assets
The applicable category may impose an income, asset or financial-capacity standard.
Korean integration
Korean ability, KIIP and other integration criteria can matter depending on the category.
Planning for F-5
F-2 can be an important intermediate status, but permanent residence is a separate application.
Choose the future route
If F-5 is the goal, identify the likely F-5 category before selecting or changing F-2 status.
Maintain eligibility
Income, employment, points and residence history should be monitored over time.
Separate requirements
Holding F-2 never guarantees permanent residence by itself.
T-ONE Practice Notes & Case Studies
More Korean-language practice articles
Browse T-ONE’s practical immigration and visa case studies.
View original Korean article →Frequently Asked Questions
Is every F-2 points-based?
No. F-2 includes both points-based and non-points-based categories.
Does F-2 automatically become F-5?
No. A separate F-5 category and all of its requirements must be satisfied.
What should be checked first?
The exact F-2 subcategory, because the label “F-2 visa” alone is too broad for an eligibility assessment.
Plan the F2 case before filing.
Eligibility, evidence and filing routes depend on the applicant’s actual circumstances. T-ONE reviews the complete case and prepares a consistent application.
Consult T-ONE →