F-2-7 Visa Guide: The Best Long-Term Visa for Expats in Korea

Are you tired of renewing your visa every year? Want more freedom to change jobs or start a business?

The F-2-7 Visa (Points-Based Resident Visa) is widely considered the “Holy Grail” for expats in Korea who haven’t yet qualified for permanent residency.

It offers freedom, stability, and a clear path to the F-5 Permanent Resident visa.

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📋 Table of Contents

1. What is the F-2-7 Visa?
2. Key Benefits
3. Eligibility Requirements
4. How to Calculate Your Points
5. Required Documents
6. Application Process

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🆔 1. What is the F-2-7 Visa?

The F-2-7 visa is a long-term residency visa awarded based on a points system. It evaluates candidates on age, education, income, and Korean language ability.

Unlike the E-7 (Specific Activity) visa, which is tied to a specific employer, the F-2-7 gives you the freedom to choose your workplace.

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🎁 2. Key Benefits

Why is everyone trying to get this visa?

• Job Freedom: You can change jobs without your employer’s permission (just report the change).
• Longer Stay: Depending on your points, you can get up to 3 or 5 years at once.
• Family Spouse/Children: Your spouse (F-2-71) and children can get F-2 status as well, allowing your spouse to work legally.
• Business: You can start your own business or do freelance work (under specific conditions).
• Path to F-5: After 3 years on an F-2-7 visa, you become eligible to apply for the F-5-16 Permanent Residency (if you meet income requirements).

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✅ 3. Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must meet ONE of the following base criteria AND score 80 points or higher:

1. E-Series Visa Holders: E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6-1, E-6-3, E-7-1 who have held their visa for at least 1 year.
2. D-2/D-10 Holders: Master’s/PhD graduates from a Korean university (D-2) or Job Seekers (D-10) who have found a job qualifying for E-7-1.
3. Listed Company Employees: Working for a KOSPI/KOSDAQ listed company.

⚠️ Important: You must score at least 80 points out of 170 total points.

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🧮 4. How to Calculate Your Points

The system is broken down into 4 main categories.

A. Age (Max 25 points)

• 18 ~ 24: 23 pts
• 25 ~ 29: 25 pts (Max)
• 30 ~ 34: 23 pts
• 35 ~ 39: 20 pts
• 40 ~ 44: 12 pts
• 45 ~ 49: 8 pts
• 51+: 3 pts

B. Education (Max 25 points)

• PhD (Science/Engineering): 25 pts
• PhD (Other): 20 pts
• Master’s: 15~20 pts
• Bachelor’s: 10~15 pts
• Associate Degree: 5~10 pts

C. Korean Language (Max 20 points)

Based on KIIP or TOPIK.

• Level 5 / KIIP Completed: 20 pts
• Level 4: 15 pts
• Level 3: 10 pts
• Level 2: 5 pts
• Level 1: 3 pts

💡 Tip: Completing KIIP (Korea Immigration & Integration Program) is the best way to get max points and is mandatory for F-5 later.

D. Annual Income (Max 60 points)

Based on your previous year’s “Income Certificate” (소득금액증명원).

• 100M KRW +: 60 pts
• 90M ~ 100M: 58 pts
• …
• 30M ~ 40M: 30 pts
• Below 30M: Low score (10~20 pts)

Bonus Points

• KIIP Completion: +10 pts
• Study in Korea: +10 pts (PhD), +6 pts (Master’s), +4 pts (Bachelor’s)
• Top University: +10 pts (Times Higher Education Top 500)
• Volunteer Work: +1~3 pts

Penalty Points

• Visa violations, fines, or illegal stay history will deduct points.

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📄 5. Required Documents

1. Passport & Alien Registration Card (ARC)
2. Application Form (Form No. 34)
3. Photo (3.5 x 4.5cm, white background)
4. Documents Proving Points:
   • Degree Certificates (Apostilled/Notarized)
   • TOPIK/KIIP Certificate
   • Income Certificate (Tax Office)
   • Employment Certificate
5. Housing Contract (Lease Agreement)
6. Tuberculosis Test Certificate (if applicable)
7. Criminal Background Check (if applicable)
8. Application Fee (130,000 KRW cash)

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✨ 6. Application Process

1. Calculate Points: Ensure you have a safe margin above 80 points.
2. Gather Documents: This can take time, especially Apostilles.
3. Reserve Visit: Book an appointment at HiKorea.go.kr.
4. Submit: Visit your local Immigration Office.
5. Wait: Processing usually takes 2~4 weeks.

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❓ FAQ

Q: Can I teach English on an F-2-7 visa? A: Yes. Unlike E-2, you are not restricted to conversation teaching. You can work in other fields or do private tutoring (needs to be reported).

Q: What if my points drop below 80 when renewing? A: If you fall below 80 points at renewal time, your visa may NOT be renewed, or you might be given a very short extension (6 months) to fix it. Always maintain your points!

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📅 Last Updated: January 2026 📚 Source: HiKorea, Korea Immigration Service