Understanding the Income Requirements for the F-6 (Marriage Immigration) Visa

The F-6 (Marriage Immigration) Visa is essential for foreigners married to Korean citizens who wish to live together in South Korea. To apply for this visa, there are several requirements that must be met, with one of the most crucial being the income level of the Korean spouse. Why is this income requirement so significant? The South Korean government evaluates the economic stability of the Korean spouse to ensure that marriage immigrants can settle down in the country without financial hardships. In this article, we’ll break down the main aspects of the income requirement for the Korean spouse.

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What Are the Income Requirements for the Korean Spouse?

When applying for the F-6 Visa, the Korean spouse must demonstrate that they earn an income above a certain threshold. However, this threshold may change each year based on the overall income levels of South Korean citizens. Simply stating that “I have income” isn’t enough; official documentation is necessary. So, what documents are required?

How to Prove Income

Methods for proving income can vary based on whether the Korean spouse is an employee or self-employed. Let’s start with typical scenarios.

For Employees

If the Korean spouse is employed, proving income is relatively straightforward. They will need to submit the following official documents from their workplace:

Certificate of Income: Can be obtained from the National Tax Service (NTS) or the local tax office.
Withholding Tax Receipt: Issued by the employer and serves as an essential document to verify annual income.
Pay Slips and Bank Statements: It’s recommended to provide pay records from the past six months to a year.
Certificate of Employment: This document verifies that the individual is currently employed.

For the Self-Employed

For those who are self-employed, income proof relies primarily on tax filings. Key documents include:

Business Registration Certificate: This is the fundamental document proving the operation of a business.
Value Added Tax (VAT) Standards Certificate: Important for verifying business revenue.
Comprehensive Income Tax Return and Payment Confirmation: Documenting annual declared income.
Health Insurance or National Pension Payment Confirmation: This can indirectly validate that the business generates a certain level of income.

How Can Farmers Prove Their Income?

If the Korean spouse is engaged in agriculture, the method for proving income differs from that of typical employees or self-employed individuals. Due to the sector’s nature, where a stable monthly salary doesn’t exist, income can be demonstrated through the following:

Farm Registration: Officially verifies involvement in agricultural work.
Certificate of Income: Can be issued through the NTS and will show declared income.
Sales Transaction Records and Revenue Proof: Can be issued by agricultural cooperatives or wholesale markets and are critical for proving agricultural income.
Agricultural Subsidy or Direct Payment Confirmation: Having these documents can help indicate a certain level of income.
Cooperative Bank Statements: Showing deposits from agricultural sales.

What If the Income Is Insufficient?

If the Korean spouse’s income falls short of the requirement, what steps can be taken? There are a few options to consider:

Provide proof of additional income.
Submit documentation for assets held in the spouse’s name.
Set up a financial guarantor.

Meeting the income requirements for the F-6 (Marriage Immigration) Visa is a vital part of the application process. However, since income proof varies by employment type, it’s essential to prepare the appropriate documents tailored to your situation. Are you facing challenges during the preparation process? If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out through our 1:1 Consultation Board. Please note, the information in this article is accurate as of February 2025, and it’s important to verify for any updates in regulations or policies.