How to Obtain F2 Visa or F5 Visa Permanent Residency from D-8 or D-9 Visa

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How to Transition from D8 or D9 Visa to F-2 Visa and Obtain F-5 Permanent Residency

For foreigners holding D8 or D9 visas, the ultimate goal typically revolves around obtaining the F-5 visa, which grants permanent residency. However, transitioning directly from a D8 or D9 visa to an F-5 visa can be quite challenging. As a result, many opt to first switch to an F-2 visa before pursuing their F-5 qualification. In this article, we’ll explore how to convert from a D8 or D9 visa to an F-2 visa, along with the necessary steps.

Why Is It Difficult to Change from D-8/D-9 Visa to F-5?

There are several stringent requirements that must be satisfied to transition to the F-5 visa (permanent residency). The key conditions include:

  1. Residency Requirement: You need to have resided in South Korea on a D-8 or D-9 visa for at least 5 years.
  2. Income Requirement: Your annual income must exceed double the Gross National Income (GNI) of South Korea.
  3. Korean Language Proficiency: You must pass the Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK) at a level suitable for permanent residents.

In addition, D-8 visa holders are required to maintain an average annual revenue of at least 1 billion KRW over two years, while D-9 visa holders must achieve either 500 million KRW in exports or 1 billion KRW in revenue over the same period. Given these stringent prerequisites, it’s common for individuals to first change to an F-2 visa and then work towards meeting the requirements for F-5 eligibility.

Three Pathways to Change from D-8/D-9 Visa to F-2 Visa

There are three primary pathways to transition to an F-2 visa:

  1. F-2-5 (High-Value Investor)
  • Investment Amount: If you invest more than $500,000 and have resided for over 3 years, you can apply for this visa.
  • Domestic Employees: Employees dispatched by foreign investment companies are also subject to the same conditions.
  • Employment of Nationals: If you invest over $300,000 and employ at least two South Korean nationals, you may also qualify.
  1. F-2-7 (Points-Based System)
  • If you have stayed on a D-8 or D-9 visa for more than a year, scoring over 80 points in the points-based system will allow you to transition to F-2-7. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, income, and Korean language skills.
  1. F-2-99 (Long-Term Resident)
  • If you’ve continuously resided in South Korea for over 5 years on a D-8 or D-9 visa, you may qualify for the F-2-99 visa. You will still need to meet the language proficiency and income conditions.

Transitioning from F-2 Visa to F-5 Permanent Residency

Once you’ve changed to an F-2 visa, you can apply for F-5 permanent residency as soon as you meet the necessary requirements. Alternatively, you can take your time to gradually fulfill all the criteria before converting to F-5. When switching to an F-2 visa, be sure that your spouse and minor children also change their visas accordingly. After qualifying for F-5, additional visa transition procedures may be necessary for family members.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

  1. What’s the difference between D-8 and D-9 visas?
  • The D-8 visa is aimed at corporate investments, whereas the D-9 visa focuses on trade management. The investment and revenue requirements differ accordingly.
  1. What tips can help increase my score for the F-2-7 points-based visa?
  • To enhance your score, it’s vital to improve in areas including Korean language proficiency, education, work experience, and income. Achieving a high score on the Korean language test is particularly beneficial.
  1. Are there benefits to applying for the F-5 visa?
  • The F-5 visa offers the advantage of permanent residency, allowing you unlimited stay in South Korea without restrictions on employment or business activities. It also provides various benefits, including advantages for your children’s education.
  1. Can family members apply for the F-2 visa together?
  • Yes, they can. When changing to F-2 status, family members can apply under the F-2-3 category and ultimately transition to F-5.
  1. Is Korean language proficiency mandatory?
  • Yes, demonstrating proficiency in the Korean language is one of the essential requirements for applying for the F-5 visa. You must pass the Korean language proficiency test.

This article reflects the conditions as of the time of writing, and government policies may vary over time. It is meant for informational purposes and does not provide legal interpretation or advice. For more personalized assistance, feel free to visit our 1:1 Consultation Board.