Immigration Control

F4 visa

Application for a certificate of residency

What is an F4 visa?

For foreign compatriots F4 visa는 gigantism It serves as a domestic identification card when issued.
This is a system that allows long-term stays while allowing free economic activities and enjoying similar benefits to Koreans, such as medical care and finance.

Practical Overview and Requirements

1. The role of giantism

F4 visa Foreigners who qualify as overseas KoreansIt is a residence qualification granted to. This is a visa that helps compatriots who have acquired foreign citizenship to engage in economic activities and stay long-term in Korea..

2. Necessity

A residence permit is required to engage in basic economic activities in Korea, such as opening a bank account, signing up for a mobile phone service, finding a job, or signing up for health insurance.. Additionally, the certificate of residence must be valid when applying for restoration of nationality for those aged 65 or older..

3. Requirements

Applicants must be able to prove their overseas Korean status, and if under 60 years of age, must meet requirements such as proof of criminal record..

type

The period of stay granted varies depending on the application method.

1. Apply at an overseas consulate
If you obtain an F4 visa from overseas and enter the country and only apply for a residence permit, you will normally be granted a two-year period of stay.
2. Domestic integrated application
If you apply for an F4 visa and register your residence permit at the same time after entering Korea, you will be granted an advantage of a 3-year period of stay.

F4 visa procedures

1
Make an appointment
When applying individually, you must make a reservation at the relevant immigration office through the 'Hi Korea' website.
2
Document submission
Please visit us on the reserved date with the prepared documents.
3
Review and Approval
The immigration office will conduct a document review.
4
Creation and receipt of certificate of alien registration
After approval, a residence permit will be created and you can pick it up in person or receive it by mail (delivery).

Issuance period

• Entire period: Average when acting as an agent 3~4 weeks It takes about.
• Review period: The approval process for the certificate of residency itself is 2 weeks It takes both inside and outside.
• caution: Issuance may be delayed during the spring and fall seasons when there are many foreigners entering the country, or during the international student arrival season (March and September)..

Required documents

• Common: Integrated application form, original passport, 1 passport-sized photo.
• Proof of identity: Original citizenship certificate (must be presented), basic certificate (detailed), family relationship certificate (detailed).
• Criminal record: Criminal record certificate (required for those under 60 years of age, Apostille verification required).
• Other: Occupation report, pledge to refrain from employment in restricted occupations for overseas Koreans, documents proving residence (lease agreement, accommodation reservation, etc.).
• When changing your name: Court-issued Name Change Document or Identity Confirmation.

Why you need an administrative scrivener

1. Exemption from waiting for a visit reservation
In the metropolitan area (Seoul, Suwon, Incheon, etc.), there are many cases where you have to wait for more than a month for personal reservations, but administrative scriveners can accept applications immediately without making an appointment through a separate window.
2. Speed
For compatriots visiting Korea for a short period of time, the time from document preparation to issuance can be shortened.
3. Accuracy
We'll help you prepare accurate documentation to meet the complex 2025 regulations and provide a preemptive diagnosis of your visa denial risk.