F-4 Overseas Korean
Foreign nationals of Korean heritage (and their descendants) holding overseas-Korean status.
The F-4 Overseas Korean is a South Korean family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~₩80,000 / US$60 (long-term single-entry)) and processing time (~2-4 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the F-4 Overseas Korean is for
Foreign nationals of Korean heritage (and their descendants) holding overseas-Korean status.
Provides an easier route to F-5 permanent residence and to restoring Korean nationality.
F-4 Overseas Korean - eligibility criteria
- Be a former Korean national or descendant within eligible generations
- Proof of Korean lineage / family records
- Clean criminal record
- Not in an excluded simple-labour occupation
F-4 Overseas Korean cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the F-4 Overseas Korean (South Korea) is ~₩80,000 / US$60 (long-term single-entry), with an indicative processing time of ~2-4 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at HiKorea (Korea Immigration).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside Korea (consulate) or change of status inside Korea |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 years, renewable |
| Work rights | Broad work rights (excluding simple-labour jobs) |
| Study rights | Permitted |
| Government fee | ~₩80,000 / US$60 (long-term single-entry) |
| Processing time | ~2-4 weeks |
| Route to PR | Provides an easier route to F-5 permanent residence and to restoring Korean nationality. |
Pathway & next steps
Provides an easier route to F-5 permanent residence and to restoring Korean nationality.
Many applicants also compare F-5 · F-5 Permanent Residence, Citizenship · Naturalisation (Korean Citizenship), F-2 · F-2 Long-Term Residence. Run a free VisaChief check to see which South Korean route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common F-4 Overseas Korean pitfalls we fix
F-4 Overseas Korean - frequently asked questions
How much does the F-4 Overseas Korean cost?
The F-4 Overseas Korean government fee is ~₩80,000 / US$60 (long-term single-entry). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at HiKorea (Korea Immigration) before applying.
How long does the F-4 Overseas Korean take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-4 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the F-4 Overseas Korean lead to permanent residence?
Provides an easier route to F-5 permanent residence and to restoring Korean nationality.
Can I work on the F-4 Overseas Korean?
Work rights: Broad work rights (excluding simple-labour jobs).
Who can apply for the F-4 Overseas Korean?
Foreign nationals of Korean heritage (and their descendants) holding overseas-Korean status.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official South Korea government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- HiKorea (Korea Immigration) - official South Korea immigration authority