F Visa Family Reunion Requirements Guide for 2026

Navigating the immigration system in South Korea can feel like maneuvering through a labyrinth, especially when the goal is as personal and significant as family reunification. Whether you are a foreign resident looking to bring your spouse and children to Seoul, or you have recently married a South Korean national, understanding the specific F-visa requirements is the first step toward a stable life together in the Land of the Morning Calm.

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The "Family Reunion" category generally encompasses two major visa types: the F-6 (Marriage Immigrant) for those married to Korean nationals, and the F-3 (Dependent Family) for spouses and minor children of long-term visa holders (like E-7 or D-8). As of early 2026, the Korea Immigration Service has tightened documentation standards while streamlining digital processing, making accuracy more critical than ever.

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Understanding the F-Visa Landscape

Before diving into the paperwork, it is essential to identify which visa subclass applies to your situation. The "F" series visas are residential visas that offer more stability than work-tethered "E" visas.

The most sought-after status is the F-6, which allows for full employment freedom. In contrast, the F-3 is strictly for residency; F-3 holders cannot legally work without applying for separate permission, a process that can take an additional 14 to 21 days.

The F-6 Marriage Migrant Visa Requirements

The F-6 visa is designed for foreign nationals legally married to a Korean citizen. To curb sham marriages, the Ministry of Justice applies strict criteria focusing on income, language proficiency, and housing.

1. Income Requirements (The Financial Hurdle)

The Korean spouse (the inviter) must prove they can financially support the household. This is the number one reason for application denial. The specific threshold is calculated annually based on the Ministry of Health and Welfare's standard median income.

For 2026 applications, the thresholds have seen a slight increase due to inflation.

The income must be proven via the previous year's "Certificate of Income Amount" (Sodeuk-geumaek-jeungmyung-won) issued by the National Tax Service. If the Korean spouse is a freelancer or business owner, they must provide a business registration certificate and proof of VAT filings.

2. Communication and Language Proficiency

The couple must prove they can communicate effectively. While this usually means the foreign spouse learning Korean, there are exceptions if the couple communicates in a third language (usually English).

To satisfy the Korean requirement, you need one of the following:

• TOPIK Score: A certificate of Level 1 or higher on the Test of Proficiency in Korean.
• Sejong Institute: Completion of a designated beginner course (usually 120 to 150 hours of instruction).
• Degree in Korean: A degree from a university with a Korean major.

If you claim to communicate in English (or another foreign language), you must provide proof that the Korean spouse has lived in a country speaking that language for at least 1 year, or provide transcripts showing they studied the language.

3. Housing Requirements

You must prove you have a suitable place to live. This does not mean you must own a luxury apartment in Gangnam, but a tiny "Gosiwon" (exam study room) is generally not accepted.

The space must be suitable for two adults. If the property is rented, the lease must be in the name of the Korean spouse, the foreign applicant, or the Korean spouse's immediate family (parents/siblings).

• Average Studio Deposit: 5,000,000 to ₩10,000,000 in Seoul.
• Required Document: Certified Copy of Real Estate Register (Deunggi-bu-deungbon).

F-3 Dependent Family Visa Requirements

For expats living in Korea on E-1 (Professor), E-5 (Professional), or E-7 (Specific Activity) visas, bringing your family requires the F-3 visa. This process is generally more straightforward than the F-6 but requires precise documentation of the relationship.

Eligibility and Limitations

Only the legal spouse and unmarried minor children (under Korean age 19) are eligible. Parents of the expat are not eligible for F-3; they usually require a temporary F-1 visa under specific hardship circumstances.

Required Documents for F-3

1. Marriage/Birth Certificates: These must be apostilled or consular verified from your home country. This is the most time-consuming step, often taking 4 to 8 weeks depending on your country of origin.
2. Financial Proof: The main visa holder must show proof of employment and income (usually exceeding the GNI per capita, approx. ₩44 million as of late 2025 data).
3. Tuberculosis Test: Applicants from high-risk countries must provide a TB test result issued by a designated hospital in Korea or their home country.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Whether applying for F-6 or F-3, the procedure varies slightly depending on whether you are applying from your home country (Consulate) or changing status within Korea (Immigration Office).

Criminal Background Checks (F-6 Specific)

For F-6 applicants, the foreign spouse (you) and the Korean spouse (inviter) have different requirements.

• Korean Spouse: Must not have a specific criminal record related to domestic violence or sexual offenses. If they have a "domestic violence" strike on their record ("One-strike Out" policy introduced in 2024), the invitation will be denied.
• Foreign Spouse: Must provide a criminal background check from their home country, apostilled.
  • Cost: Varies by country, but third-party agencies charge $50 - $150 USD.
  • Timeline: 2 to 4 weeks for issuance and apostille.

Inviting Parents: The F-1-5 Visa

Many long-term residents ask, "Can I bring my parents to live with me?" The answer is complex. Generally, Korea does not have a visa for parents simply to "retire" here.

However, the F-1-5 visa allows parents of F-6 holders to stay in Korea specifically to help raise children.

• Purpose: Child-rearing support.
• Duration: Maximum 3 years total (renewed annually).
• Requirement: The child must be under a certain age (usually 7-9 years old depending on current policy).
• Limit: Only 2 parents total (e.g., one from the father's side, one from the mother's side) can stay at one time.

Visa Fees and Costs (2026 Update)

Budgeting for your visa run is essential. Beyond the emotional toll, there are hard costs involved.

• Application Fee (In Korea): ₩100,000 (approx. $75 USD).
• Registration Card Fee: ₩30,000 (approx. $23 USD).
• Medical Checkup: 50,000 - ₩120,000 (depending on the hospital).
• Translation/Notary: 30,000 - ₩50,000 per page.
• TB Test: 20,000 - ₩30,000.

If you hire an administrative agent (Haeng-jeong-sa), expect to pay between ₩500,000 and ₩1,500,000 depending on the complexity of your case.

Common Rejection Reasons to Avoid

Even with a genuine marriage, rejections happen. In 2024, approximately 15% of initial F-6 applications were rejected.

1. Insufficient Income Proof: The most common reason. Ensure the Korean spouse's tax forms match the requirement exactly.
2. Lack of Dating Proof: You must submit a "Statement of Circumstance" detailing how you met. If you met online or through a broker, scrutiny is higher. Include photos, chat logs (KakaoTalk/WhatsApp history exports), and call records.
3. Language Barrier: Failing to prove you can speak a common language.

Timeline for F-Visa Approval

Understanding the timeline helps manage expectations.

• Overseas Application (Consulate): 3 to 6 weeks.
  • Note: The embassy may request an interview, which adds 2 weeks.
• In-Korea Change of Status: 3 to 8 weeks.
  • Note: During peak student visa seasons (February/August), this can stretch to 10 weeks.

Extending Your F-Visa

Once you have the F-6, it is not permanent yet.

1. Initial Grant: Usually 1 year.
2. First Renewal: Usually 1 year.
3. Subsequent Renewals: Can be 2 or 3 years if you have children or demonstrate good income stability.

To renew, you must visit the immigration office before the expiration date printed on the back of your ARC. The renewal fee is ₩60,000.

Transitioning to F-5 (Permanent Residency)

The ultimate goal for many is the F-5 Permanent Residency. F-6 holders can apply for F-5-2 after:

• Living in Korea for 2 years as an F-6 holder.
• Passing the KIIP (Korea Immigration and Integration Program) Level 5.
• Showing an income equal to the GNI per capita (approx. 44-₩45 million).

Final Thoughts

Securing an F-Visa for family reunion in Korea is a rigorous process, demanding patience and attention to detail. However, it is the gateway to a stable life in one of Asia's most dynamic countries. By preparing your documents 3 to 4 months in advance and understanding the specific income and language thresholds for 2026, you can navigate the bureaucracy with confidence.