Understanding Income Requirements for Inviting Foreign Spouses to South Korea

Inviting a foreign spouse to South Korea involves navigating a number of legal and economic requirements. Among these, proving a certain level of income is particularly significant. To welcome a foreign spouse, the host must demonstrate adequate income to ensure that the partner can settle and live comfortably in South Korea. However, there are certain circumstances under which these income requirements may be waived or relaxed. In this article, we will explore the income criteria needed for inviting a foreign spouse and the scenarios in which these requirements may be exempted.

1. Basic Income Requirements for Inviting an F6 Visa Spouse (2024 Guidelines)

In order to invite a foreign spouse to Korea, hosts must meet specific income standards set by the Ministry of Justice. These income requirements are based on the host’s earnings from the previous year and vary according to the number of individuals in the household. Here are the income benchmarks for inviting a foreign spouse in 2024:

• Household of 2: 22,095,654 KRW
• Household of 3: 28,287,942 KRW
• Household of 4: 34,379,478 KRW
• Household of 5: 40,174,410 KRW
• Household of 6: 45,710,214 KRW
• Household of 7: 51,089,964 KRW
• Households of 8 or more: Additional 5,379,750 KRW per person

For example, if the host belongs to a household of four, their annual income must exceed 34,379,478 KRW to invite their foreign spouse to Korea.

Income Status for Households

If the host has direct family members living at the same registered address, their income can be included in the calculation. This is particularly relevant if parents or siblings live together. Additionally, not just cash assets but also properties, savings, and other forms of wealth can contribute towards meeting the income criteria. This policy aims to provide foreign spouses with a stable financial environment upon their arrival in Korea. Nonetheless, there may be situations where hosts fall short of these income requirements; thus, the Ministry of Justice offers several exemptions.

2. Exemptions from Income Requirements

For those feeling overwhelmed by the income requirements, there is some good news: the law does provide several exemptions. If certain conditions are met, hosts may invite their foreign spouses without needing to prove their income. Here are notable circumstances under which the income requirements are waived:

1. When the Couple Has Children Together:
   If a couple has a child born from their marriage, the income requirement is waived. This is because the couple is already recognized as a family, and the easing of this requirement is aimed at facilitating family unity. This policy takes into account the welfare of the child and the stability of the family unit, allowing many households to benefit from this provision.

2. When the Couple Has Resided Together Abroad for Over a Year:
   If a couple has lived together outside South Korea for over a year, the income requirement may also be exempted. In such cases, the couple may find it challenging to provide income proof from Korea due to their life abroad. For example, if a host and their foreign spouse have lived together for education or work purposes, they may still invite the spouse to Korea even without local income, provided they furnish evidence of their shared life abroad.

3. Special Recognition by the Minister of Justice:
   If the Minister of Justice deems it necessary to waive the income requirements for humanitarian reasons, the income criteria may be exempted. This includes urgent circumstances related to family reunification or other social and humanitarian needs. For instance, if a family faces an urgent medical need or significant special circumstances, the Minister may determine to exempt the income requirement.

3. Procedure and Considerations for Inviting a Foreign Spouse on an F6 Visa

To invite a foreign spouse, hosts must fulfill more than just the income criteria; there are various documents and procedures needed. When applying for a visa for a foreign spouse, the host must submit the following:

• Proof of Income: Such as tax payment certificates or pay slips
• Marriage Certificate: Issued upon completion of marriage registration
• Identity Documents for the Foreign Spouse: Copies of their passport and family relationship certificates
• History of Relationship: A detailed account explaining how the couple met, their relationship journey, and the process leading to their marriage
• Additional Documents Required by the Ministry of Justice

Even if claiming an exemption from income requirements, additional documentation may be needed to substantiate this, particularly in cases involving children, where birth certificates may be required.

While income requirements play a significant role in the process of inviting a foreign spouse, exemptions based on family stability and humanitarian needs do exist. By adequately preparing the necessary procedures and paperwork, hosts can facilitate a smoother reunification with their foreign partners.

It’s advisable to seek further guidance from the Ministry of Justice for additional support, especially regarding potential eligibility for income exemptions. Please note that this article reflects policies as of the writing date and governmental regulations may change. This is intended as informational content, not legal interpretation or advice. For more personal assistance, feel free to consult us through the 1:1 Counseling Board.