✅ What is the F-2-R Visa?
The F-2-R visa is a region-specific long-term residence visa introduced in South Korea in 2023. It grants long-term residency for up to 5 years to foreigners who live in designated regions, contribute to local communities through employment or entrepreneurship, and allows family sponsorship (spouse or children) and eligibility for future conversion to permanent residency (F-5), ensuring stable, long-term stay.
The F-2-R visa aims to alleviate labor shortages in population-declining regions, stimulate local economies, and expand the working population. Compared to the E-7 visa, aside from restrictions regarding employment locations, the F-2-R visa provides numerous advantages and benefits. It is highly recommended for international students who do not necessarily insist on living in major cities.
✅ Comparison between E-7 and F-2-R Visa
Category | E-7 (Professional Employment) | F-2-R (Region-specific Residence) |
Employment Contract | Mandatory | Optional |
Regional Conditions | None | Required |
Job Restrictions | Yes | None |
Ease of Long-term Stay | Average | High |
Path to Permanent Residency | Moderate | Very High |
✅ Application Regions
The F-2-R visa is only available in government-designated population-declining areas.
Metropolitan Area | Population Decline Regions (89) | Areas of Interest for Population Decline (18) |
Busan | Dong-gu, Seo-gu, Yeongdo-gu | Geumjeong-gu, Jung-gu |
Daegu | Nam-gu, Seo-gu, Gunwi-gun | - |
Inchoen | Ganghwa-gun, Ongjin-gun | Dong-gu |
Gwangju | - | Dong-gu |
Daejeon | - | Daedeok-gu, Dong-gu, Jung-gu |
Gyeonggi | Goseong-gun, Samcheok-si, Yanggu-gun, Yangyang-gun, Yeongwol-gun, Jeongseon-gun, Cheorwon-gun, Taebaek-si, Pyeongchang-gun, Hongcheon-gun, Hwacheon-gun, Hoengseong-gun | Dongducheon-si, Pocheon-si |
Gangwon | Goseong-gun, Samcheok-si, Yanggu-gun, Yangyang-gun, Yeongwol-gun, Jeongseon-gun, Cheorwon-gun, Taebaek-si, Pyeongchang-gun, Hongcheon-gun, Hwacheon-gun, Hoengseong-gun | Gangneung-si, Donghae-si, Sokcho-si, Inje-gun |
Chungbuk | Goesan-gun, Danyang-gun, Boeun-gun, Yeongdong-gun, Okcheon-gun, Jecheon-si | - |
Chungnam | Gongju-si, Geumsan-gun, Nonsan-si, Boryeong-si, Buyeo-gun, Seocheon-gun, Yesan-gun, Cheongyang-gun, Taean-gun | - |
Jeonbuk | Gochang-gun, Gimje-si, Namwon-si, Muju-gun, Buan-gun, Sunchang-gun, Imsil-gun, Jangsu-gun, Jeongeup-si, Jinan-gun | Iksan-si |
Jeonnam | Gangjin-gun, Goheung-gun, Gokseong-gun, Gurye-gun, Damyang-gun, Boseong-gun, Sinan-gun, Yeonggwang-gun, Yeongam-gun, Wando-gun, Jangseong-gun, Jangheung-gun, Jindo-gun, Hampyeong-gun, Haenam-gun, Hwasun-gun | - |
Gyeongbuk | Goryeong-gun, Mungyeong-si, Bonghwa-gun, Sangju-si, Seongju-gun, Andong-si, Yeongdeok-gun, Yeongyang-gun, Yeongju-si, Yeongcheon-si, Uljin-gun, Ulleung-gun, Uiseong-gun, Cheongdo-gun, Cheongsong-gun | Gyeongju-si, Gimcheon-si |
Gyeongnam | Geochang-gun, Goseong-gun, Namhae-gun, Miryang-si, Sancheong-gun, Uiryeong-gun, Changnyeong-gun, Hadong-gun, Hamyang-gun, Hapcheon-gun | Sacheon-si, Tongyeong-si |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
① TOPIK level 3 or higher or completion of KIIP level 4 or higher
② Must reside and work in the designated region
③ Income equal to or higher than the regional living wage (approximately 30 million KRW annually from July 2025; varies slightly by region). If lacking past income, anticipated income can be demonstrated with an employment contract
④ Maintain residency and employment in the designated region for at least 5 years post visa issuance
(Ineligible Visas)
① Technical Training (D-3), General Training (D-4), Entertainment (E-6-2), Seasonal Work (E-8), Non-professional (F-9), Ship Crew Employment (E-10), Miscellaneous (G-1), Working Holiday (H-1)
② Job Seeker (D-10) holders who previously held visas mentioned above ①
✅ Application Method
Check regional selection periods and submit required documents during the specified time. Selection periods, quotas, and nationality quotas vary by region. It is possible to apply even if currently employed with another work visa before the selection period.
If living elsewhere, employment and relocation to the designated region are required. If unable to relocate before the F-2-R visa application deadline, submission of a relocation plan statement is permitted.
✅ Evaluation Criteria
A minimum of 70 points is required, with higher scores increasing approval likelihood.
Criteria | Points |
Age | 10 |
Education | 15 |
TOPIK or KIIP | 25 |
Income | 30 |
Regional Settlement Plan + Local Government Evaluation | 20 |
Total | 100 |
[Related Links]
🔗 TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)
🔗 KIIP (Korea Immigration and Integration Program)
🔗 E-7 Visa
