Navigating the Marriage Visa Process: A Guide for Foreign Spouses
For foreign spouses wishing to maintain a marital relationship in South Korea, applying for a marriage visa (F6 VISA) is essential. A crucial part of the visa application process is demonstrating that the applicant meets the income requirements. This is especially challenging for freelancers, students, and those whose families reside abroad, as they often lack a stable domestic income. Simply providing proof of income may not suffice for visa approval.
This article will explore a real-life case to outline the specific procedures and considerations that can lead to a successful marriage visa issuance, even when income is lacking.
Understanding Income Requirements for the F-6 Visa
When applying for the F-6 marriage visa, both the applicant and their spouse must show they meet a certain income or asset threshold and submit official documentation to prove it. For instance, as of 2024, a household of two must have an annual income equal to or above the minimum cost of living. If income is insufficient, it is permitted to convert 5% of one’s assets into income to meet the requirement. Detailed criteria can be found on the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration Office official site.
Check the 2025 Marriage Visa Income Requirements
Real-Life Case: Income Challenges Faced by a Korean Spouse
One case highlighted that a client expected a straightforward visa issuance process but confronted unexpected hurdles. Specifically, the foreign spouse, a student, did not have any domestic income, and the Korean spouse also lacked a steady paycheck. Although they submitted a certificate of income, the lack of a verifiable income source put them at risk for visa denial. Additionally, income generated abroad does not count as valid domestic income, creating a significant barrier.
Strategies to Overcome Income Shortfalls
There are mainly two strategies to address income deficiencies for the marriage visa:
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Combine Direct Family Income: Aggregate the income of immediate family members to meet the financial requirements.
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Use Assets to Supplement Income: Certain assets can be deemed as income.
In the particular case mentioned, even the option for combined family income was not feasible, as the Korean spouse’s family did not reside in Korea, leaving them without a domestic income source. Thus, they turned to the second strategy, utilizing real estate inherited from parents to bolster their financial standing. By converting 5% of the asset’s total value into income, they were able to supplement their previous year’s income, meeting the requirements.
Key Considerations for Using Assets as Income Evidence
If planning to substitute income with asset documentation, several conditions must be met:
- Bank deposits, insurance, securities, and real estate can all be utilized as assets, provided they meet certain criteria.
- Bank statements, insurance, and securities must total over 1 million KRW and have been maintained for at least six months.
- Documentation for real estate, such as property registration and public price reports, must also be included.
- Recent documents must be prepared based on the issuance date, and be aware that supplementary documentation may be requested after submission.
Overlooking these points can lead to the denial of the income substitution. For this reason, it’s advisable to consult with an expert when preparing the required documentation.
In this case, while preparing additional documentation, standard forms such as an invitation letter, marriage certificate, and family relation certificates were also needed, with the preparation and translation handled by professionals.
Conclusion
Insufficient income is a common hurdle in the marriage visa application process. Numerous individuals, including freelancers, students, and family members living abroad, often find themselves unable to meet the income criteria. However, leveraging asset documentation can provide an effective solution to fulfill these requirements. By seeking professional guidance to systematically prepare detailed asset descriptions and income data, the chances of obtaining a marriage visa can be significantly enhanced.
Preparing for a marriage visa involves more than just submitting documents; it requires strategic planning, so thorough consultations and document reviews are highly recommended. Keep in mind that this information is accurate as of the time of writing and that government policies may change over time. This article serves merely as informational content and should not be construed as legal advice or interpretation.
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