Moving to South Korea
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

South Korea has gained immense popularity as a tourist destination in recent years. It's a country that seamlessly combines a rich historical heritage with stunning natural landscapes, making it a preferred choice for travelers. However, South Korea isn't just about tourism. With its exceptional quality of life, manageable cost of living, and promising job market, it has emerged as a top destination for expatriates seeking long-term residence.
If you're contemplating a move to South Korea but feel overwhelmed by the initial steps, this comprehensive guide will steer you in the right direction.

Before embarking on your journey to South Korea, it's crucial to understand the visa requirements. To stay in South Korea for more than the standard 90 days (typically granted by a tourist visa), you must obtain a long-term visa that aligns with your specific purpose.

To legally establish your life in South Korea for over three months, you'll need to follow one of three routes.

When relocating for work, securing the appropriate work visa and permit is paramount. The specific type of work visa is determined by your job role and the intended duration of your stay. Work visas that permit stays longer than 90 days include:

• E-1 professor visa
• E-2 foreign language instructor visa
• E-3 research visa
• E-4 technological guidance visa
• E-5 special profession visa
• E-6 culture and art visa
• E-7 specially designed activities visa
• D-5 long-term new coverage visa
• D-8-4 technology and business start-up visa
• D-10-2 business start-up visa
• D-8-1 investment visa

Once you arrive in South Korea, it's mandatory to register your stay at a local Immigration Office and acquire an Alien Registration Card (ARC). For permanent residency, you can consider the F-5 visa, which requires prior possession of an F-2-7 or F-2-99 visa. The F-2-7 visa is valid for three years, whereas the F-2-99 visa ranges from one to three years.

Moving to South Korea Without a Job:

If you haven't secured employment, you can still move to South Korea by applying for a D-10 Job Seeker visa. To qualify for this visa, you must meet specific requirements, such as having a previous employer featured in the Fortune 500 list (within the last three years), graduating from a university listed in the Times Higher World University Rankings, or recently completing a research program at a Korean research institution with a bachelor's degree or higher. Recognition by the head of a diplomatic mission is also a qualifying criterion.

Pursuing an education in South Korea involves several steps, beginning with applying to a university, gaining acceptance, and obtaining a "Certificate of Admission." You can then apply for a student visa (D-2 visa), depending on your intended course, whether it's an associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctoral degree, research, or an exchange program.

Within 90 days of your arrival, it's essential to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC). To qualify for permanent residency as a student in South Korea, you must meet the requirements for an F-5 visa, including graduating from a South Korean university.

Reuniting with family members in South Korea necessitates applying for a long-term family visit visa. Eligibility criteria encompass:

• Being the spouse of a South Korean citizen
• Being the spouse or a child under 20 years of age of a South Korean temporary or permanent resident

Upon entry into South Korea, registering your stay and applying for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at the nearest Immigration Office is mandatory.

Obtaining permanent residency in South Korea is an attractive prospect for long-term residents. It's attainable after holding one of the F-type long-term residency visas. The F-5 permanent residency visa is highly sought after and can be achieved by fulfilling certain requirements, including:

• Investing nearly ₩600 million (approximately $500,000) or more in a Korean business and employing at least five locals.
• Marrying a Korean citizen or an F-5 visa holder.
• Earning a degree in South Korea.
• Attaining a doctorate degree and securing a job in the high-tech sector.
• Running a business under a D-8-4 start-up visa for a minimum of three years, generating ₩300 million (around $256,100) in revenue, and employing at least two Korean workers for no less than six months.
• Receiving recognition from the Ministry of Justice for exceptional talent in Science, Education, Culture, Arts, Sports, or Management.
• Holding an F-2 visa for a minimum of five years and demonstrating financial self-sufficiency.
• Maintaining an F-4 Overseas Korean visa for at least two years.

Attaining South Korean citizenship is possible through various routes:

Citizenship by Naturalization

You can become a South Korean citizen through naturalization if you meet specific prerequisites:

• Residing in South Korea for over five consecutive years with permanent residency status
• Being a legal adult, as defined by Korean Civil Law
• Demonstrating good conduct according to the Ministry of Justice decree
• Proving your financial self-sufficiency
• Acquiring knowledge of the Korean language, customs, and culture
• Obtaining acknowledgment from the Minister of Justice

Citizenship by Paternity

South Korean citizenship by paternity can be obtained under the following conditions:

• At least one of your parents is a South Korean citizen at the time of your birth
• You are a minor, as per Korean Civil Law

Citizenship by Marriage

You can become a South Korean citizen through marriage to a South Korean citizen, provided you maintain your marriage for at least two years. Additionally, you must meet the requirements for citizenship by naturalization.

Re-acquisition of Citizenship

If you have lost your South Korean citizenship, you can regain it by declaring citizenship re-acquisition. This involves relinquishing your foreign citizenship within one year of losing your South Korean citizenship.

Moving with your pets to South Korea is also allowed, provided you meet certain requirements to avoid quarantine:

1. All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 pet microchip number.
2. Pets should be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before arriving in South Korea, and they must be at least three months old for rabies vaccinations.
3. You must provide a certified veterinary certificate confirming that your pets have received the rabies vaccine.
4. You should present a health certificate indicating your pets' well-being. South Korea recognizes specific certified health certificates from different countries.
5. If you are moving from a non-rabies-free country, your pets must undergo a rabies titer test no more than 30 days before arrival in South Korea.
6. If you are relocating with more than five pets, you need to apply for an import certificate from South Korean Immigration officials.

South Korea is a popular destination for expatriates, and there are several cities that offer unique advantages for those looking to live and work in the country. Here are some of the popular cities in South Korea for expats:

Seoul:

As the capital city of South Korea, Seoul is a dynamic and vibrant metropolis with a large expat community. It's known for its diverse cuisine, modern and historic architecture, bustling nightlife, and numerous job opportunities. Many expats work as English teachers in the English as a second language (ESL) industry, which is extensive in Seoul. The city also offers high-quality education with international schools, accessible and affordable healthcare, and a relatively reasonable cost of living, depending on one's lifestyle.

Busan:

Despite its smaller size compared to Seoul, Busan is equally attractive and vibrant. The city boasts pristine beaches, hiking trails, and cultural events such as the Busan International Film Festival. This creates a perfect balance between urban and laid-back lifestyles. Busan is also an ideal city for outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to mountains and famous beaches. Families with children will find the city child-friendly, with numerous attractions to keep them busy. While living costs are still relatively high, competitive salaries and employment contracts often include housing and education benefits.

Incheon:


Incheon is South Korea's third-largest city, located west of Seoul on the Yellow Sea. It offers a more affordable and less hectic alternative to Seoul while being close to the capital. Incheon is known for its international opportunities, with South Korea's largest international airport located there. It's a great place for expats interested in learning the Korean language and experiencing Korean culture. The city offers a variety of activities, including a seaport, green spaces, shopping malls, and markets. Expats can explore English teaching jobs, business, and investment prospects in Incheon.

Daegu:

Daegu, the fourth-largest city, offers a balanced lifestyle for expats. It has a tight-knit expat community, abundant job opportunities, a vibrant nightlife, and places that blend Korean and Western cultures. Daegu is known for trendy entertainment districts, professional sports teams, ski resorts, museums, theaters, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The city also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. Living costs in Daegu are relatively more affordable compared to Seoul.

Jeju:

Jeju Island, located off the southern coast, is a renowned tourist destination. It offers a tranquil atmosphere, captivating natural beauty, and lower living costs than major cities like Seoul and Busan. Known for its relaxed lifestyle, Jeju Island is a popular choice for those looking to escape the metropolitan pace and enjoy a serene environment.South Korea offers numerous advantages and some challenges:

South Korea adheres to a strict policy on dual citizenship. It does not permit individuals to hold dual citizenship. Therefore, if you acquire South Korean citizenship, you must renounce your previous citizenship within one year. Conversely, South Korean nationals who acquire foreign citizenship will lose their South Korean citizenship.

To relocate your household to South Korea, you have two main options: air shipping or cargo shipping. The choice depends on your specific requirements and preferences. Air shipping is faster but more expensive, with the possibility of same-day delivery. Cargo shipping is more affordable but can take several months for your items to arrive. South Korea has specific customs regulations that you must adhere to:

1. Your household items must be used to qualify for duty-free import.
2. All items must arrive within six months of your entry into South Korea.
3. Large quantities of any items may be subject to inspection.
4. You must maintain an itemized list and records of the contents within your boxes.
5. To claim any high-value item duty-free, you'll need to provide your passport.

There are certain items that are prohibited in South Korea, including drugs, narcotics, fruits, hay, seeds, and plant products (which require a phytosanitary certificate). Beef and pork need to be declared to Customs agents, and products from communist countries are not allowed. Foreign currency above $10,000 is also prohibited.

Restricted items include weapons and ammunition, recreational drugs (such as opium, marijuana, cocaine), precious metals, goods that may threaten water sources and sapling growth, imported wildlife protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), and products made from animals under CITES.

Bringing your car to South Korea is possible, but you must prove your intention to live in South Korea for at least one year. The car must be in your possession for at least three months, and if it arrives within six months of your arrival, it will not be subject to duty tax. When claiming your car, you need to present documents like the original registration certificate, proof of purchase, your passport, proof of vehicle insurance, a completed customs declaration form, and a work permit or employment contract.