Expansion of Region-Specific Visa Program by 2026: Overview of F2-R, E7-4R, and F4-R Visa Types

The region-specific visa program is set to expand by 2026 with the introduction of various visa types, including F-2-R, E-7-4R, and F-4-R. This initiative aims to attract residents to areas experiencing population decline and boost local economies. Let’s delve into each visa type and highlight the key changes.

1. Target Areas

• Business Regions: These include local governments that have applied for quotas for region-specific visas in areas identified as experiencing population decline or designated as areas of interest for population decrease.

2. Eligibility

• Outstanding Talent and Skilled Workers: Foreign nationals who meet the criteria set by the Minister of Justice and receive recommendations from local government heads, along with their spouses and minor children.
• Specialized Overseas Korean Visas: Foreign nationals of Korean descent who receive recommendations from local government heads and their spouses and children.

Outstanding Talent Visa (F-2-R) for Population Decline Areas

1. Change in Residency Qualifications

1. Eligibility Criteria

• Foreign nationals who are legally residing and recommended by local government heads, with some exceptions noted below:
  Exceptions:
  • Holders of technical training (D-3), general training (D-4), hotel entertainment (E-6-2), seasonal work (E-8), non-professional employment (E-9), marine employment (E-10), other (G-1), or tourism employment (H-1) visas.
  • Job seekers (D-10) whose prior visa status falls under one of the restricted categories.
  • Holders of specific activity (E-7) visas who have not completed their contract terms.
  • Individuals granted residence extension for departure or granted postponements.
  • Citizens of countries that have specific visa requirements related to short-term stays.
  • Those who have been on region-specific outstanding talent or family accompanying visas within the last five years.

1. Basic Requirements

• Must fulfill the requirements set by the Ministry of Justice, including education/income, residency, Korean language proficiency, and compliance with laws.

Education/Income Requirements: (meeting one of the two is sufficient)

1. Educational Criteria

• Must hold a degree from a vocational college or higher, with proof of graduation or an upcoming graduation (within six months of application), validated by a document from the university president.

1. Income Requirements:

• Principal Income: Only the applicant’s income is counted.

• Income Amount: Must be at least 70% of the previous year’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita at the time of application. If the previous year’s GNI is not available, the GNI from the year before that applies.

• Recognizable Income: Income sources must be taxed and can include interest, dividends, business income, employment income, pension income, and other income, confirmed through tax documents.

  Income Standards for Inviting Family Members: Adjusted based on the number of invitees (2025 housing subsidy standards apply):

| Family Size | Amount (KRW/month) |
|————-|———————|
| 5 | 3,411,932 |
| 6 | 3,871,106 |
| 7 | 4,314,445 |
| 8 | 4,757,784 |

(For families of four or fewer): If the primary visa holder meets the income requirement, they may invite family members.

Additional Details

• Residency: Applicants must reside continuously in the designated recommendation area, although exceptions apply if approved by the Ministry of Justice for employment or entrepreneurship in different regions, provided they have lived in a population decline area within the last three years.

• Employment/Entrepreneurship: Work or business activities must occur within the recommended area, and both must meet a minimum salary threshold defined by the GNI for the previous year.

• Conduct Requirements: Individuals must not fall under disqualification criteria related to criminal activities, tax violations, or any infractions of immigration laws.

• Basic Competence: Applicants need to complete at least level 4 of the social integration program or achieve a TOPIK level 4 in the Korean language.

Expected Changes and Considerations

• Submissions must include a range of documentation, including personal identification, educational credentials, proof of income, and evidence of residence. The process for changing residency status or inviting family members remains subject to specific requirements and must align with both local and national regulations.

This is a brief overview of the expanding region-specific visa programs. For a comprehensive understanding, it’s crucial to consult the official guidelines and application processes detailed by appropriate immigration authorities or legal consultants.