Republic of Korea · family
F-1 Family Visitation / F-3 Dependent Family
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Residence permits for family members of work-visa and student-visa holders in Korea — F-3 for dependents of E-series workers, F-1 for extended family visits.
- Processing time
- 2–4 weeks.
- Government fees
- KRW 130,000.
- Typical duration
- Tied to the sponsoring family member's visa status.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
Korea provides family visa categories for dependents of foreign workers and students. The F-3 visa is for spouses and minor children of E-series (employment) visa holders — F-3 holders can apply for work permission. The F-1 visa covers broader family visitation. For family members seeking long-term residence with work rights, the pathway through F-2-7 (points-based) is the most effective route. Spouses of F-5 (permanent resident) or F-6 (marriage to a Korean national) have dedicated visa categories with work rights.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The sponsoring family member holds a valid E-series, D-series, or other qualifying visa.
- ✓Marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificates (for children) with apostille.
- ✓Financial evidence showing the sponsor can support the family.
Common blockers
- !Sponsor's visa status does not qualify for family accompaniment.
- !Insufficient financial evidence.
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage or birth certificates with apostille.
- ·Sponsor's visa/ARC and employment evidence.
- ·Financial evidence.
Application pathway
Sponsor is established in Korea
The primary visa holder must have a valid, active visa status in Korea.
Apply for F-3 visa at Korean consulate
Submit the family visa application with relationship and financial evidence.
Enter Korea and register
Obtain ARC within 90 days of arrival.
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 Korea Visa Portal ↗
Use the official visa portal or Korean consulate process for F-1 or F-3 family visa filing.
Korea Visa Portal / Ministry of Justice · verified
- Official portalApplicantUse Hi Korea after arrival ↗
Use Hi Korea for alien registration, appointments and dependent stay services after entry.
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.
F-2-7 Points-Based Long-Term Residence
Points-based long-term residence for skilled professionals scoring 80+ points — the bridge between work visas and permanent residence in Korea.
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse work on an F-3 visa?+
F-3 holders can apply for work permission at the immigration office. Permission is assessed case-by-case. Once granted, the spouse can work — but it is not automatic. For spouses seeking unrestricted work rights, transitioning to F-2-7 (points-based) is the best long-term strategy.
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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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