Republic of Korea · skilled migration · Leads to settlement
F-2-7 Points-Based Long-Term Residence
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Points-based long-term residence for skilled professionals scoring 80+ points — the bridge between work visas and permanent residence in Korea.
- Processing time
- 2–4 weeks.
- Government fees
- KRW 130,000.
- Typical duration
- 3 years; renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The F-2-7 visa is South Korea's points-based long-term residence permit targeting skilled foreign professionals. Points are scored across five categories: (1) annual income (up to 25 points), (2) education/qualifications (up to 20 points — doctoral degrees score highest), (3) age (up to 15 points — 25–29 scores maximum), (4) TOPIK Korean-language proficiency (up to 20 points), and (5) social contribution/integration (up to 20 points — volunteer work, Korean cultural knowledge, tax compliance, professional awards). Scoring 80+ points qualifies for F-2-7. F-2-7 holders can work for any employer without restriction (no employer tying) and can apply for F-5 permanent residence after 2+ years of continuous F-2 residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Score 80+ points on the F-2-7 points system across income, education, age, TOPIK, and social contribution.
- ✓Currently holding a lawful residence status in Korea (typically E-7, E-2, D-8, or another qualifying visa).
- ✓No criminal record in Korea.
- ✓Current on taxes and social-insurance obligations (National Health Insurance, National Pension).
Common blockers
- !Points below 80 — the most common shortfall is insufficient TOPIK score. Without any TOPIK certification, you lose up to 20 points, making 80 nearly impossible from other categories alone.
- !No TOPIK certificate — Korean language is by far the most impactful single category for swing points.
- !Tax or social-insurance arrears — compliance with Korean tax and NHIS/NPS obligations is verified.
Typical evidence
- ·Points calculation sheet with supporting documents for each category.
- ·TOPIK certificate (from the official Test of Proficiency in Korean administered by NIIED).
- ·Income-tax payment certificates (from the National Tax Service).
- ·Employment verification from current employer.
- ·Evidence of social contribution (volunteer certificates, awards, etc.).
Application pathway
Calculate your F-2-7 points
Use the immigration points table to verify you score 80+. Focus on TOPIK — it is the single most impactful category. TOPIK Level 5–6 scores 20 points; Level 3–4 scores 15; Level 1–2 scores 10. Most successful applicants have at least TOPIK Level 3.
Prepare supporting documents
Gather income-tax certificates, TOPIK certificate, employment verification, and any social-contribution evidence.
Apply at the regional immigration office
Submit the F-2-7 application at your local immigration office with the complete points-evidence package.
Receive F-2-7 and work freely
F-2-7 holders can work for any employer in any sector without restriction. No employer sponsorship or notification required for job changes.
Apply for F-5 permanent residence after 2+ years
After 2+ years of continuous F-2-7 residence, apply for F-5 permanent residence. F-5 is employer-independent and indefinite.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official portalApplicantApply through Hi Korea or immigration office ↗
Use Hi Korea or the competent immigration office to file the F-2-7 status-change application with points evidence.
Korea Immigration Service · verified
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Related routes
E-7 Designated Activities Visa
Work visa for foreign professionals in specialised occupations — Korea's primary employer-sponsored route for skilled workers.
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
Visa for foreign nationals investing in or managing a Korean corporation — requires minimum investment and creates a pathway to long-term residence.
Frequently asked questions
How many points is TOPIK worth for F-2-7?+
TOPIK Level 5–6 (highest levels): 20 points. TOPIK Level 3–4: 15 points. TOPIK Level 1–2: 10 points. No TOPIK: 0 points. Korean language is typically the swing factor — an E-7 holder with a good salary, a master's degree, and the right age range can score 55–60 points without TOPIK. Adding TOPIK Level 3–4 (15 points) pushes them to 70–75, and Level 5–6 (20 points) to 75–80. The message is clear: invest in Korean language from day one.
What counts as "social contribution" for F-2-7 points?+
Up to 20 points for social contribution and integration. This includes: volunteer work documented by official organisations, professional awards or patents registered in Korea, completion of the Korea Immigration Integration Program (KIIP), tax-compliance record, and participation in local community activities. The KIIP programme (free Korean-language and social-integration courses offered by immigration) is particularly valuable as it contributes to both language and integration points.
Can I bring my family on F-2-7?+
Yes. F-2-7 holders can sponsor their spouse and children under 18 for dependent visas. Spouses receive work rights. This is a significant upgrade from the E-7, where family sponsorship conditions can be more restrictive depending on the employer.
How long does it take to go from E-7 to F-5 permanent residence?+
Realistically: 4–6 years total. Example timeline: 2–3 years on E-7 (accumulating TOPIK and work experience) → apply for F-2-7 when you reach 80 points → 2 years on F-2-7 → apply for F-5. The speed depends primarily on how quickly you achieve a qualifying TOPIK score. Intensive Korean-language study can compress the timeline.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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