F-4 Visa For Living in Korea

About the F-4 Visa

In 1999, G.O.A.’L. successfully helped to petition the Korean government to include Korean adoptees in the Overseas Korean Act, granting adoptees access to the F-4 visa.

Prior to this, overseas adopted Koreans who had acquired foreign nationality were only permitted to visit Korea on an F-1 visa, which limited and restricted their time in the country. The F-4 visa allows adoptees more freedom and access to Korean services while living in Korea.

The F-4 visa is a residence visa that requires you to live in Korea and prove residency with a Korean address. If you do not intend to live in Korea, you will not be eligible for the F-4 visa.

Descendants of adoptees are also eligible to apply for the F-4 visa.

F-4 Visa for Descendants
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F-4 Visa Advantages

For adoptees who plan to reside in Korea for longer than 3 months, it is advised to apply for the F-4 visa. The F-4 visa is one of the most advantageous visas to have as a foreigner in Korea. It provides ease of living long-term in Korea without the constraints of a specific purpose (i.e. studying or certain profession).
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Multiple entry status, allowing you to enter/exit Korea without limit for up to three years.
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Reside in Korea for up to 3 years and is easily extended with a renewal application.
F-4 Visa Renewal
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Able to obtain a wider variety of corporate, teaching, and other professional positions without visa sponsorship.
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Gives better access to long-term Korean services such as phone plans, rental agreements, financial, etc.
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There is no Korean language eligibility requirement for adoptees* applying for the F-4 visa.

*Descendants require Korean language proficiency test

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Exemption from some foreigner regulations (i.e. F-4 visa holders may trade in their driver’s license without taking the test.)

Applying for the F-4 Visa

If you’re thinking about making the move to Korea, G.O.A.’L. can help you apply for the F-4 visa. In order to apply, you will need the following documents:

APPLICATION FORMS

  • Application Form 34 (재외동포 통합신청서 (신고서))
  • Foreigner Occupation and Annual Income Report (외국인 직업 및 연간 소득금액 신고서)
  • Domestic Residence Report Form (거소 신청서)
    • If applying for your visa outside of Korea, you will need to submit this form to Immigration once you enter Korea
  • *Optional* Application for Adding Korean Name to Residence Card (외국인등록증(거소신고증) 한글성명 병기 신청서)
    • Submit this only if you want your Korean name listed with your adoptive name on your Residence Card

DOCUMENTS

  • (A) Removed Registry (제적등본) (less than 6 months old)
    ~OR~
    (B) Korean Family Registry (가족관계증명서)
    and Basic Certificate (기본증명서) (less than 6 months old)
  • Copy of Housing contract or rental agreement
    • If your name is NOT the signer of the housing contract, you will also need the Confirmation of Residence / Accommodation (거주/숙소제공 확인서)
  • Passport – original + color copy (Valid for 3+ years)
  • Certificate of Citizenship / Naturalization + color copy
    • If it is not in ENGLISH or KOREAN, a translated copy of Citizenship / Naturalization citizenship is needed.
  • Adoption Certificate (입양사실확인서) (Less than 3 months old)
    • In case of an individual adoption: court decree on adoption, birth certificate, and all other adoption-related documents
  • Criminal Background Check + Apostille from your adoptive country (Less than 6 months old)
    • Exempt if over 60 years of age

ETC.

  • Two photos 3.5cm x 4.5cm (Less than 6 months old, must be identical)
  • Processing Fee – 135,000 KRW*
    *This is the cost for applying in Korea, but if applying overseas, please check with your Consulate/Embassy

    For a step-by-step guide on how to obtain each document and further personalized assistance, please become a member.

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    G.O.A.'L. Members

    By becoming a member of G.O.A.’L., you will have access to:

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    1:1 Consultation

    We know the process can be overwhelming, so we offer 1:1 consultations and support via Zoom or in-person.
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    Step-by-Step Guide

    A one-stop shop for how to obtain and complete all the documents you need to apply for the F-4 visa.
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    Translation

    If you need your documents translated to Korean, we offer this service to our members.
    Become a Member
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    F-4 Visa FAQ

    Resources

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    How to Renew Your F-4 Visa

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    Find Your Consulate/Embassy

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    Membership Site