Most foreigners preparing to work in Korea first think of Seoul and the capital region. However, from the perspective of securing a status of stay, broadening your options a little can sometimes open a much more stable path.
That path is the Regional Specialized Visa.
To address the problem of regional population decline, this system supports foreigners who settle in areas with shrinking populations. Below is an overview of what the Regional Specialized Visa is and what types are available.
It is a system operated by the Minister of Justice to support labor supply and demand and revitalize regions experiencing population decline.
Foreigners recommended by the head of the local government with jurisdiction over the relevant area, are granted special provisions regarding visa issuance procedures, changes of status of stay, and extensions of the period of stay.
In other words, the key is 'recommendation by the local government'. If you are recognized as talent needed by the region, you may secure a status of stay under more favorable conditions than through ordinary procedures.
Category | Status of Stay | Code | Short Name |
|---|---|---|---|
Outstanding Talent | Regional Specialized Outstanding Talent | F-2-R | Regional Outstanding Talent |
Family of Regional Talent (Accompanying Family) | F-3-1R | ||
Skilled Worker | Regional Specialized Skilled Worker | E-7-4R | Regional Skilled Worker |
Family of Regional Skilled Worker (Accompanying Family) | F-3-3R | — | |
Overseas Korean | Regional Specialized Overseas Korean | F-4-R | Regional Overseas Korean |
Family of Regional Overseas Korean (Accompanying Family) | F-3-2R | — | |
Regional Specialized Overseas Korean Permanent Resident | F-5-6R | Regional Overseas Korean Permanent Resident |
※ Accompanying family members are limited to spouses and minor children.
① Regional Specialized Outstanding Talent (F-2-R) This applies to foreigners who meet requirements set by the Minister of Justice, such as education or income requirements, and receive a recommendation from the head of a local government. It is issued on the condition that the applicant resides in a population-decline area for at least 5 years or works·starts a business there. Because it is a Residence(F-2) category status, it is characterized by a relatively broad scope of permitted activities. ② Regional Specialized Skilled Worker (E-7-4R) This applies to foreigners who have stayed under Non-professional Employment(E-9), Crew Employment(E-10), Working Visit for Overseas Koreans(H-2) status for at least 2 years, meet other requirements set by the Minister of Justice, and receive a recommendation from the head of a local government. It is issued on the condition that the applicant resides and works in a population-decline area or similar designated area for at least 3 years. It provides a pathway for people who have already worked and built experience in Korea to be recognized as skilled workers. ③ Regional Specialized Overseas Korean (F-4-R) This applies to foreign-national overseas Koreans who meet requirements set by the Minister of Justice and receive a recommendation from the head of a local government. It is issued on the condition that the applicant resides in a population-decline area for at least 2 years, and if the requirements are met, a separate permanent resident status called Regional Specialized Overseas Korean Permanent Resident(F-5-6R) is also available. |
🌟 Conclusion
Regional Specialized Visas show that 'where you work'can affect your options for status of stay if you think just a little differently about it .
Competing in the capital region while continuing on short-term visas is one path , but in regional areas another path is to steadily build your career while looking ahead to residence and even permanent residency clearly open .
If you are considering your long-term future in Korea , first check whether Regional Specialized Visa program is available in the area you are interested in
💼 Related Information
F-2-R Visa Eligibility Every International Student Should Know
