Navigating the Marriage Visa Process: Overcoming Income Requirements
In order to maintain a marital relationship in South Korea, foreign spouses must apply for a marriage visa (F-6 Visa). One of the most scrutinized aspects during the marriage visa application process is the applicant’s ability to meet income requirements. This can be particularly challenging for those with non-traditional income sources, such as freelancers, students, or family members residing overseas.
In this article, we will explore concrete procedures and precautions taken from real-life examples where applicants successfully obtained a marriage visa despite lacking sufficient income through asset verification.
Understanding the Legal Framework and Evaluation Criteria for the Marriage Visa
When applying for the F-6 marriage visa, both the applicant and their spouse are required to demonstrate a minimum level of income or assets. They must submit official documentation to verify this. As of 2024, for instance, the annual income required for a two-person household must meet or exceed the country’s standard living expenses. If income is insufficient, applicants can utilize 5% of their total assets as supplementary proof. For further details, visit the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration Office.
Income Criteria for the 2025 Marriage Visa
To find more information regarding the income requirements for the F-6 Visa in 2025, click here.
Real-Life Situation: Tackling Income Deficiency for Korean Spouses
In a recent case, our client anticipated a smooth marriage visa process, but encountered unexpected hurdles. Specifically, the foreign spouse was a student with no domestic income, and the Korean spouse also lacked a stable salary. Although they submitted income verification documents, the absence of a consistent income stream led to a high likelihood of visa denial.
Notably, the income generated from abroad was not recognized as valid income under South Korean regulations, which posed a significant challenge.
Strategies for Addressing Income Shortages
There are two primary strategies to overcome income deficiencies for the marriage visa application:
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Combining Family Income: Applicants can aggregate the income of immediate family members to meet the required criteria.
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Utilizing Assets: Alternatively, one can consider a portion of their assets as income for verification purposes. However, in this instance, the family aggregation option was not available because the Korean spouse’s immediate family did not reside in South Korea and therefore had no domestic income.
Thus, we explored the asset verification method and found that the Korean spouse had inherited a property from their parents. By applying 5% of this property’s total value as income, we successfully met the income requirements when combined with the previous year’s earnings.
Important Considerations for Asset Verification
To successfully use assets to supplement income, certain criteria must be met:
- Liquid Assets: Savings, insurance, securities, or bonds should exceed 1 million KRW and must have been maintained for at least six months.
- Real Estate: Documentation such as the property’s registry and current public valuation must be submitted.
- Timeliness: Ensure that the documentation is up-to-date as of the date of submission, as you may be asked for additional information afterward.
Neglecting these requirements can lead to denial of income substitution acknowledgment. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with a professional when preparing these documents.
In this case, alongside the asset verification documents, we also needed basic papers like the invitation letter, marriage certificate, and family relationship certificate. A professional handled both the documentation and translation process.
Conclusion
Income deficiencies are a common obstacle in the marriage visa application process. Various factors, including freelancing, student status, or family residing abroad, often prevent applicants from meeting the income requirements. However, with the alternative approach of asset verification, these hurdles can be overcome.
By systematically preparing asset statements and income data with the help of professionals, one can significantly improve the chances of securing a marriage visa. Preparing for a marriage visa involves more than just submitting documents; it necessitates strategy and thorough consultation to ensure all bases are covered.
Please note that this information reflects the situation at the time of writing, and government policies are subject to change. This article serves purely for informational purposes and does not provide legal interpretation or judgment. For additional consultations, you can reach out through our 1:1 Consultation Board.