F-4 Overseas Korean Visa

For eligible overseas Koreans who meet the statutory and immigration requirements for F-4 status.

F-4 Overseas Korean Visa

Visa Overview

The F-4 Visa is Korea’s principal residence status for eligible overseas Koreans. Route-specific eligibility requirements and employment restrictions continue to apply under the integrated policy effective February 12, 2026.

Processing Time

Varies by Application

Processing time depends on application type, case facts, and document review.

Stay Period

Up to 3 Years at a Time

This is the official maximum at one time. The actual grant may be shorter.

Work Activity

Residence + Permitted Employment / Business

Activities must remain within the approved scope.

Government Fee

Varies by Application Type

Confirm the current official fee for the exact immigration procedure before filing.

Important Notice

F-4 does not permit unrestricted employment in every occupation. Ministry of Justice restrictions continue to apply, and the granted stay may vary based on Korean proficiency and Korea Immigration & Integration Program participation.

Need F-4 information?

Our team helps you find public visa resources and arrange practical support within an agreed scope.

Eligibility

General Requirements

The exact requirements depend on the application route and the facts of each case. These are general points listed for this status.

  • ✓The applicant must fit the exact statutory/official subcategory or route.
  • ✓The claimed family, residence, professional, overseas-Korean, marriage, or remote-work basis must be supported by reliable documents.
  • ✓The applicant must satisfy route-specific immigration requirements and must not fall under applicable disqualification grounds.
  • ✓Meet the legal definition and route requirements for Overseas Korean status, including the current 2026 consolidated framework where applicable.

Documents

Common Document Categories

Check the competent authority’s latest instructions for documents required for your specific application.

  • ✓Application form, passport, and residence card where applicable.
  • ✓Documents proving the exact eligibility basis for the selected subcategory.
  • ✓Residence, family/civil-status, income/assets, employment/business, or other supporting records where required.
  • ✓Subcategory-specific documents and any supplementary evidence requested by immigration.

Process

General Application Steps

These general steps describe the applicant’s process, not a filing service provided by Modical.

  1. 1

    Identify the exact subcategory and legal/official route.

  2. 2

    Review eligibility and any disqualification issues.

  3. 3

    Prepare applicant and supporting documents.

  4. 4

    Submit the applicable visa or stay application.

  5. 5

    Respond to supplementary-document or factual-review requests if required.

  6. 6

    Maintain the conditions of the approved status and complete extension/change/reporting procedures when required.

FAQ

Common questions

Can an F-4 holder work in any occupation?+

No. F-4 provides broad activity rights, but specified employment restrictions still apply.