Korea Family Visa Explained for Spouses and Dependents

Moving your spouse or child to Korea depends on picking the right visa category. The rules for a gajok (family) visa differ sharply between a spouse of a Korean citizen and a dependent of a foreign resident. This guide breaks down the two main tracks, the F-6 and F-3, using current rules from the Korea Immigration Service.

What Counts as a Korea Family Visa?

A family visa lets a foreign relative live in Korea based on a family tie, not a job or study. The main types are F-6 (spouse of a Korean), F-3 (dependent of a foreign resident), F-1 (other relatives), and F-4 (overseas Korean). Each has a different sponsor, income rule, and length of stay. The Korea Immigration Service sets these categories.

Who sponsors which visa

The sponsor decides the category. If your partner is a Korean national, you follow the F-6 track. If your partner is a foreigner on a long-term visa such as E-7, D-2, or F-2, you follow the F-3 track. Overseas Koreans use the separate F-4 route, which does not depend on a current resident sponsor. F visa types Korea

What Are the F-6 Spousal Visa Requirements?

The F-6 spousal visa requires a legally registered marriage to a Korean citizen, proof that the couple can support themselves, and basic communication ability. The Korean sponsor must usually show annual income above roughly 21 million KRW for a two-person household. Both partners often attend a short interview. The visa is first issued for one to three years.

Income and housing proof

The income floor rises with household size and is updated each year, so confirm the current figure on HiKorea before you file. The sponsor proves income with tax records, employment certificates, or bank statements. You also show secured housing, such as a lease contract or proof of a jeonse deposit. Immigration reviews whether the couple can live without public assistance.

Language and interview

One spouse must show basic Korean ability or proof of a shared language the couple genuinely uses. Options include a TOPIK level 1 result, completion of a KIIP integration course, or an equivalent test. The Ministry of Justice added this rule to reduce marriages where partners cannot communicate. The officer may waive it if you have a child together or lived abroad together.

“A foreign spouse of a national may be granted an F-6 visa where the genuineness of the marriage and the couple’s capacity to maintain a livelihood are confirmed.” - Ministry of Justice guidance published via MOLEG

Who Qualifies for F-3 Dependent Visa Eligibility?

F-3 dependent visa eligibility covers the spouse and unmarried minor children of a foreigner holding a qualifying long-term visa. Common sponsor visas include E-7 (skilled work), D-2 (student), E-2 (teaching), and F-2 (residence). The dependent cannot work on an F-3 unless they later change status. The visa length matches the sponsor’s remaining stay period.

What an F-3 holder can and cannot do

An F-3 holder may live in Korea, attend school, and enroll in health insurance, but may not take paid employment. To work, they must change to a work visa or qualify for F-2. Students on D-2 who bring a spouse should confirm their program allows dependents, because some scholarship tracks restrict it. visa category change Korea

What Are the Family Visa Required Documents?

The core family visa required documents are a completed application form, passport and photo, proof of the family relationship, and evidence the sponsor can support the family. F-6 applicants add a criminal background check and a marriage authenticity statement. F-3 applicants add the sponsor’s visa and ARC copy. All foreign documents need an apostille or consular legalization.

Document checklist

Prepare these items and bring both originals and copies:

1. Visa application form, available on HiKorea, plus one passport photo.
2. Passport valid for at least six months.
3. Proof of relationship: a marriage certificate for F-6, or a birth or family relation certificate for F-3.
4. Sponsor income proof: tax certificate, employment letter, or bank statement.
5. Housing proof: lease or property document.
6. For F-6 only: a criminal background check from your home country, apostilled.
7. For F-3 only: the sponsor’s Alien Registration Card (ARC) and visa copy.

Apostille rules vary by country, so check the process through your embassy and the Government24 portal. A missing apostille is the most common reason for a same-day rejection.

How to Apply for a Family Visa in Korea

To apply, the sponsor first requests a Confirmation of Visa Issuance from a local immigration office, then the family member applies at a Korean embassy abroad. Applicants already in Korea on another visa may change status directly. Book every visit through HiKorea, submit documents in person, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes two to four weeks.

Marriage visa application procedure step by step

The marriage visa application procedure for an F-6 runs in a clear order:

1. Register the marriage at a Korean district office so it appears on the family relation record.
2. The Korean spouse gathers income, housing, and background documents.
3. Book an appointment on HiKorea at the immigration office covering your address.
4. Submit documents and attend the couple interview.
5. Receive the visa or a Confirmation of Visa Issuance number for embassy pickup.
6. Within 90 days of arrival, register for your ARC at the same immigration office.

After you receive your card, enroll in the National Health Insurance Service so your family has medical coverage from day one. NHIS foreigner registration

Where the two tracks meet

Both F-6 and F-3 families finish at the same counter: the local immigration office that issues the ARC and links you to services. From there, an F-6 spouse builds toward permanent residence (F-5) after two years, while an F-3 dependent renews alongside the sponsor. Keep every receipt, because renewals reuse much of the same paperwork. Confirm any income or fee figure directly with HiKorea, since thresholds change yearly.