F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean)
Foreign spouses of Korean nationals coming to live with their partner in Korea.
The F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a 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 (after marriage-visa screening)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean) is for
Foreign spouses of Korean nationals coming to live with their partner in Korea.
Leads to F-5 permanent residence and simplified naturalisation after qualifying years.
F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean) - eligibility criteria
- Legally married to a Korean national (or raising a Korean child)
- Genuine and subsisting relationship
- Sponsor meets income requirements
- Basic Korean ability (KIIP or test) for the sponsor's spouse route
- Both parties pass the marriage-visa interview/screening
F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean) (South Korea) is ~₩80,000 / US$60 (long-term single-entry), with an indicative processing time of ~2-4 weeks (after marriage-visa screening). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at HiKorea (Korea Immigration).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside Korea (consulate) after issuance confirmation, or change of status inside Korea |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 years, renewable |
| Work rights | Full work rights |
| Study rights | Permitted |
| Government fee | ~₩80,000 / US$60 (long-term single-entry) |
| Processing time | ~2-4 weeks (after marriage-visa screening) |
| Route to PR | Leads to F-5 permanent residence and simplified naturalisation after qualifying years. |
Pathway & next steps
Leads to F-5 permanent residence and simplified naturalisation after qualifying years.
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-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean) pitfalls we fix
F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean) - frequently asked questions
How much does the F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean) cost?
The F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a 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-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-4 weeks (after marriage-visa screening). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean) lead to permanent residence?
Leads to F-5 permanent residence and simplified naturalisation after qualifying years.
Can I work on the F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean)?
Work rights: Full work rights.
Who can apply for the F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean)?
Foreign spouses of Korean nationals coming to live with their partner in Korea.
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