Navigating the Marriage Visa Process in South Korea: A Guide for Foreign Spouses
For foreign spouses looking to maintain their marital relationship in South Korea, applying for a Marriage Visa (F-6 Visa) is essential. One of the most scrutinized aspects during the visa application process is the applicant’s income requirements. This review becomes even more challenging for freelancers, students, or expatriates with no steady domestic income, as basic proof of income alone may not suffice for visa approval.
In this article, we’ll delve into a real-life case to outline the specific procedures and considerations that can lead to a successful Marriage Visa issuance, even when income levels are inadequate.
Legal Basis and Review Criteria for Marriage Visa Income Requirements
When applying for the F-6 Marriage Visa, both the applicant and their spouse must possess a certain level of income or assets, which must be substantiated with official documents. For instance, as of 2024, the minimum annual income required for a two-person household should exceed the living wage threshold. If applicants fall short of this income benchmark, they can supplement their application by converting 5% of their total assets into a form of income for the visa requirements.
For further details, you can refer to the official information from the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration Bureau.
2025’s updated income requirements for the Marriage Visa can be found here: Marriage Visa F-6 Income Requirements 2025 변경소득요건(2024.1.02. 기준) https://yoonhjs.com/?kboardcontent_redirect=402).
Real-life Example: Income Challenges Faced by a Korean Spouse
In a recent case, a client anticipated a smooth process for their Marriage Visa, but unexpected challenges arose. Specifically, the foreign spouse was a student without any domestic income, and the Korean spouse did not have a stable monthly salary. Despite submitting an income certificate, the absence of consistent, verifiable income put their chances of approval at risk.
A significant hurdle was that any income generated abroad is not considered valid domestic income, adding to their difficulties.
Strategies to Overcome Income Shortfalls
There are primarily two strategies to address income deficiencies for the Marriage Visa:
- Combining Income from Immediate Family: This approach allows the inclusion of certain family members’ income to meet the requirements.
- Using Assets as Income Proof: Applicants can demonstrate their financial capability through their assets.
However, in this particular case, the combined income approach was not viable, as the Korean spouse’s direct family did not reside in Korea, lacking domestic income.
Hence, they explored the second option—utilizing assets. They discovered that the Korean spouse owned a property inherited from their parents, allowing them to leverage this asset. By calculating 5% of the property’s total value and adding this figure to the prior year’s income, they were able to fulfill the income requirements.
Important Considerations When Proving Income with Assets
To substitute income with asset proof, several criteria must be met. Eligible assets include bank accounts, insurance policies, stocks, bonds, and real estate, all of which must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Financial assets such as bank deposits and insurance policies must exceed 1 million won and have been maintained for at least six months.
- Real estate requires the submission of both the property title and its publicly assessed value.
- Documentation should be recent, and applicants should be prepared for potential requests for additional information after submission.
Neglecting these conditions could lead to refusals in recognizing the assets as sufficient proof of income. Thus, it’s advisable to seek expert guidance while preparing documentation.
In our case, the preparation involved not only asset proof but also foundational documents such as an invitation letter, marriage certificate, and family relationship certificates. The drafting and translation tasks were handled by professionals to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion
Income insufficiency is a common challenge encountered during the Marriage Visa application process. Many applicants, including freelancers, students, and expatriates, often struggle to meet the financial criteria for various reasons. However, by creatively leveraging asset proof, applicants can effectively bolster their case.
As highlighted in this example, collaboration with professionals to systematically prepare asset documentation and income records can enhance the chances of a successful Marriage Visa application. The preparation process extends beyond mere document submission and requires strategic planning; thus, a thorough consultation and review of materials before submission is highly recommended.
Please note that the information provided reflects the status at the time of writing and is subject to change based on government policies. This article aims to inform and should not be interpreted as legal advice or a definitive legal interpretation. For further consultation, feel free to reach out via our 1:1 Consultation Board.