MORE ABOUT South Korea

South Korea's Economic Residency

Economic Residency in South Korea (also known as the South Korea Immigrant Investor Program) offers a pathway to permanent residency for qualified investors who make substantial economic contributions to South Korea through various investment options.

MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT

Discover Economic Residency in South Korea

The South Korea Immigrant Investor Program provides a route to permanent residency for investors looking to base their business and investment activities in the country. This program is designed to attract foreign capital to contribute to South Korea's economic growth and development.

South Korea
Mobility Asset Index Score
49.10%
Mobility Asset Type
Economic Residency
Official Name
Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business (IISPB)
Launched in:
1999
Online Submission:
Yes
Residency Privileges
(in months)
12
Adjudication Time
(in months)
6
Minimum Stay Requirement
(in days)
183
In-Country Presence Requirement
(in months)
3

Overview

A Snapshot of Economic Residency in South Korea

A route to permanent residency for qualified investors in South Korea

Eligibility Requirements

Substantial investment in approved sectors

Anchor Ancestor restrictions

Months to citizenship

Length of Visa

2-year resident permit, renewable

Months to Visa

2-6 months

Physical Presence Requirement

Visit South Korea at least once a year

Availability

Medium

Family Allowance

Spouse and children

Overview

How to Apply for the Immigrant Investor Program in South Korea

Submit application to the Immigration Office in South Korea

Overview

Discover How GlobalPassport Simplifies the Application Process for South Korea's Economic Residency

Step-by-Step Guidance

Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.

Document Preparation

We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.

Application Submission

Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

How long does it take to process a South Korean investor visa application?

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Can I include my family members in my South Korean investor visa application?

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What are the investment options under the South Korean Immigrant Investor Program?

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How long is the initial residence permit valid?

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Can investor visa holders apply for South Korean citizenship?

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benefits

Benefits of Economic Residency in South Korea

Economic Residency in South Korea offers numerous advantages for investors looking to establish their presence in one of Asia's most advanced economies.

  • Path to permanent residency for you and your immediate family
  • Access to high-quality education and healthcare systems
  • No language proficiency requirements for initial residency
  • Ability to live, work, and study anywhere in South Korea
  • Potential tax exemptions on foreign income for non-permanent residents

Advanced technology infrastructure

Safe and modern environment

Strategic location in East Asia

Fast Processing Time

Path to citizenship allowed after 5 years of permanent residence

Online Submission Allowed

Visa-Free Travel Countries

158

Passport Validity

10 years

Overview

Why South Korea

South Korea offers a robust economy, advanced technology sector, and an attractive lifestyle for investors and entrepreneurs.

Benefits:

  • Advanced and innovative economy
  • Stable political and legal system
  • World-class infrastructure and technology

Advantages:

  • Strategic location in East Asia
  • Strong intellectual property protection
  • High standard of living

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

How long does it take to process a South Korean investor visa application?

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Can I include my family members in my South Korean investor visa application?

Plus icon

What are the investment options under the South Korean Immigrant Investor Program?

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How long is the initial residence permit valid?

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Can investor visa holders apply for South Korean citizenship?

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REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for South Korea - Economic Residency

Check if you qualify based on your family history

Direct Ancestral Connection

Not applicable

Documentation

Proof of investment: supporting documents of the investment made in any of the eligible investment types

Unbroken Chain of Citizenship

Not applicable

Legal Compliance

Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required+Compliance with Visa Conditions: Applicants must agree to maintain the investment and comply with all other residency conditions.

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for South Korea's Immigrant Investor Program

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet specific criteria demonstrating their investment capacity.

  • Invest a minimum of KRW 300 million (about US$220,000) for temporary residency (F-2 visa)
  • Invest KRW 1.5 billion (about US$1.2 million) for immediate permanent residency (F-5 visa)
  • Choose from public business investment, real estate investment, or risk-based investment options
  • Prove the legal source of investment funds
  • Provide a police report and be of good character
  • Possess a net worth above KRW 300 million

PROCESS

Economic Residency Process

#1

Initial Assessment

• Verify investment capacity

• Review investment options

• Complete preliminary eligibility check

#2

Investment Selection

• Choose qualifying investment type

• Perform due diligence on investment options

• Engage legal/financial advisors

#3

Application Preparation

• Gather source of funds documentation

• Prepare investment documentation

• Complete background verification

• Obtain required certifications

#4

Investment Execution

• Make qualifying investment

• Obtain investment verification

• Complete any required registrations

#5

Submission & Approval

• Submit residency application

• Complete biometrics (if required)

• Receive residency card/approval

Start now by taking our free assessment

START ASSESSMENT

PROCESS

Timeline for South Korea - Economic Residency

DOCUMENTS

Documents Needed for South Korea - Economic Residency

Important Notes
• All documents must be original or certified copies
• Non-English documents require certified translations
• Documents must be apostilled where applicable
Personal Identification Documents
Core identity documents required from the applicantis is some text inside of a div block.

Passport+Photograph

Vital Records Documents
Birth, marriage, and death certificates from applicant and ancestors

Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)

Proof of Residence Documents
Evidence of current residence status

Proof of current address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.) may be required

Criminal Clearance Documents
Background check documentation

Police clearance certificate from the country of origin or residence for the past 5 years.

Financial Documents
Proof of payment and financial requirements

Proof of Investment: Bank statements or other documents verifying the investment+Property purchase agreement or business investment documents+Proof of Funds: Documentation demonstrating the source of the investment funds (e.g., tax returns, bank statements).

DOCUMENTS

Costs Associated with South Korea - Economic Residency

Pre-Application Costs
Essential document preparation and verification costs

Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences

Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization

Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services

Government Application Fees
Official fees charged by government authorities

Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees

$3,000

Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing

Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing

Post-Submission Costs
Costs after submitting your application

Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates

Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)

Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests

Professional Services
Optional external support services

Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees

Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services

Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services

Post-Acceptance Costs
Costs after approval

Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates

Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees

Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees

Rankings

GlobalPassport™ Mobility Asset Index

134

Overall Rank

Cost

Based on application fee

Residency Requirements

Based on residency requirements

Residency Privileges Length

Based on programs’s term

Processing Speed

Based on estimated processing time

Eligibility Requirements

Based on entry requirements

Program Stability

Based on years of activity

Time to Permanent Residency

Based on permanent residency timeline

Rankings

Global Rankings/ Comparisions

Safety

South Korea

46

Cost of Living

South Korea

24

Quality of Life

South Korea

24

Healthcare Quality

South Korea

22

Internet Speed

South Korea

28

Human Freedom

South Korea

28

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