From the perspective of a foreigner, the very first and most important step to work in Korea is obtaining a work visa.
In order to be granted a work visa, a labor contract is generally required, along with fulfilling conditions such as educational background and work experience. In the case of E-7 visas, the employer’s qualifications are also taken into account.
Additionally, if a foreigner fails to find another job within a certain period after resignation, visa extension becomes impossible, and they may be forced to leave Korea.
To reduce such instability and to reside long-term in Korea, many foreigners choose residence visas (F-2) or permanent residence visas (F-5). Among them, today we introduce a specific type of F-2 visa under the points system — F-2-7.
✅ What is the F-2-7 Visa?
F-2-7 is one category of the long-term residence visa F-2, known as the Points-Based Residence Visa. Applicants are evaluated comprehensively on education, age, Korean language ability, income, and social contribution. Those who score above the required threshold are eligible for long-term residence.
Once granted the F-2-7 visa, applying for F-5 (permanent residency) becomes much easier, which is why many foreigners pursue this route.
If you wish to work and live long-term in Korea, it is advantageous to prepare for the F-2-7 visa starting from the stage of study or academic programs. The higher the score, the greater the chance of approval and the longer the residence period. Therefore, it is important to plan your career strategically, such as pursuing degrees in fields with stable and high income.
✅ Eligibility
The points and qualifications listed are only the minimum requirements for application. Approval is based on a comprehensive evaluation of submitted documents, employment stability, and settlement potential. If income is expected to be unstable or there is a record of non-compliance, the application may be denied.
In principle, employment status is independent of the issuance of F-2-7. However, in practice, employment and stable income are essential since income scores are critical during both issuance and extension reviews.
① Points Requirement
At least 80 points out of 170
② Eligible Applicants
Professionals (Applicable in most cases) | • Holders of D-5 ~ D-10, E-1 ~ E-7 visas • Minimum of 3 years residence |
Talented International Students | • D-2, D-10 visa holders with a combined residence of at least 3 years • Master’s degree or higher obtained in Korea • Employment secured in a field under D-5~D-10, E-1 ~ E-7 categories |
Employees of Listed Companies | • Workers at KOSPI or KOSDAQ listed companies |
Workers in High-Tech Industries | • Fields: IT, Nano, Technology Management, Digital Electronics, Bio, New Materials, Energy, etc. • Income at least 1.5 times Korea’s GNI |
Potential Talents | • Holders of Master’s/PhD degrees from specialized science & engineering universities or research institutes • Even without confirmed domestic employment, applicants with a university president’s recommendation letter |
✅ Required Documents
Other supporting documents depending on applicant type
✅ Advantages of F-2-7 Visa
