What is the F4 Visa?
The F4 visa is designed for overseas Koreans who have acquired foreign nationality, allowing them to live and work in South Korea. Holding this visa enables you to pursue employment, start a business, or register your residence in the country. If you wish to stay long-term, it is mandatory to complete a domestic residence registration.
What is Domestic Residence Registration with the F4 Visa?
Overseas Koreans entering South Korea on an F4 visa must complete their domestic residence registration within 90 days of arrival. Once this registration is done, you will receive a domestic residence certificate, similar to a foreigner registration card, which serves as proof of your stay.
Steps and Required Documents for Issuing a Residence Certificate (Foreigner Registration Card) for F4 Visa Holders
- Eligibility Criteria
- Holders of an F4 (overseas Korean) visa wishing to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days
- Individuals who previously held South Korean nationality (including those who have lost or renounced it)
- Direct descendants of South Korean citizens holding foreign nationality
- Application Authority
- Local immigration office or foreigner’s office (main office or branch office)
- Application Deadline
- You must register your residence (foreigner registration) within 90 days of your entry into South Korea.
- Required Documents
- Integrated application form (available from immigration office)
- Passport and a copy of the F4 visa
- Standard passport-size photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
- Documentation proving your residence registration
- Real estate registration certificate in your name or lease agreements
- Family relationship certificate if living with family, along with proof of residence from the provider
- Documentation to prove your status as an overseas Korean
- Proof of residence (you must provide verification directly)
- Application fee: 30,000 KRW (payment can be made via card or cash)
- Additional Documents That May Be Required
- Tuberculosis test results (for individuals from high-risk countries)
- Other documents that the immigration office may require
- Application Procedure
- Visit the local immigration office or foreigner’s office
- Make a prior reservation (you can use Hi Korea www.hikorea.go.kr)
- Submit your documents for processing
- Await approval and issuance of the residence certificate (generally takes 2-3 weeks)
- Pick up your certificate in person at the immigration office once it’s ready
- Important Notes After Issuance of Residence Certificate (Foreigner Registration Card)
- You must report any changes in residence within 14 days
- You can apply for an extension of stay starting from two months before the expiration date
- Adhere to the conditions for maintaining F4 visa status
- General Considerations
- Application documents must be submitted in English or Korean; if any documents are in another language, a certified translation is required.
- You can apply for an extension of stay using the same procedures as for the initial application.
This information is accurate as of the time of writing and is subject to change based on government policy. It’s important to note that this is a basic information guide and does not constitute legal interpretation or legal advice. 🔹 For additional inquiries, you can consult the 1:1 Counseling Board.