Get into Korea
F-4

Overseas Korean Visa

For Koreans of Foreign Nationality

For ethnic Koreans with foreign citizenship and their direct descendants — former Korean nationals and all generations of their lineage (the old grandchildren limit was removed in 2019). Broad work rights except simple-labor jobs.

Stay: 3 years, effectively renewable indefinitelyHeritage
Former Korean nationals who acquired foreign citizenshipChildren and all direct descendants (직계비속) of (former) Korean nationals
How are you getting this visa?
0/3 stamped

Korean terms in ( ) are the exact words to show or say at the immigration counter.

Before you arrive

01

The core is documentary: the Korean ancestor's family-register records (제적등본, 가족관계증명서) plus documents linking each generation (birth certificates, name-change records).

Documents

  • Korean family register (제적등본) of the ancestor
  • Birth certificates linking generations (apostilled)
  • Proof of foreign citizenship
If the ancestor's register can't be found, the consulate can guide an alternative-evidence route — call before giving up.
02

After you arrive in Korea

03

Documents for your nationality

Some documents depend on your country. Pick it to see what changes for you.

Count your deadlines

Enter your dates to see how many days you have. The 90-day residence-card deadline is the one most people miss.

Fill in a date above to see your countdown.

Estimate only — confirm exact dates with HiKorea.

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Sign in and we'll save your dates and track every deadline on My page — no more mental math.

Sending money home from Korea

Banks vs licensed apps, the January 2026 rule changes, and how to stop losing money in the exchange rate.

Read the guide →

Exceptions worth knowing

  • Simple-labor jobs (단순노무) are restricted on F-4 — though the restricted-occupation list was cut (39→29) in 2026 and eased in designated population-decline areas. Job category still matters more than people expect.
  • As of Feb 2026 the old H-2 track for Chinese/CIS Koreans was merged into F-4 (no new H-2 issuance). The gateway is now mainly Korean-language proof (KIIP / TOPIK 1+ / Sejong Institute), with exemptions for older applicants, minors, and former Korean nationals.
  • During the H-2→F-4 diaspora transition, the change-of-status fee is waived for applications filed through 31 December 2027 — in that window you typically pay only the ~KRW 35,000 card fee.

Unsure about your case?

Call 1345, the Immigration Contact Center (19 languages; +82-1345 from abroad), describe your situation, and ask for the document checklist for your case by email. Can't make calls? HiKorea's online inquiry answers in writing, and before you fly, your local Korean embassy's email works just as well.

This is a guide — confirm before you act

Get into Korea is an independent guide, not a government body and not legal or administrative advice. Requirements change often and depend on your nationality and situation, so details here may be outdated or not apply to you. We take no responsibility for any decision made from this page — always verify your exact case with the official sources below before you apply or pay any fee.

Official sources — verify here