Understanding the F-2-7 Visa: A Pathway for Foreign Talent in Korea

Hello,
This is Hyunsik Ko from KOWORK 😀

Thank you, as always, for visiting our blog.
If you are a frequent reader, you may already know that in most cases, companies hiring foreign talent in Korea require the E-7 visa.

Did you know that talented foreign nationals with a Master’s degree or higher from a Korean university may also qualify for the F-2 Visa? The F-2 is a residency visa that offers greater advantages compared to the E-7. It is a more suitable option for long-term employment.

🔎 What is the F-2 Visa?

The F-2 visa is a residency visa granted to foreign nationals who intend to reside in Korea long-term, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency in the future.

Unlike the E-7 visa, the F-2 visa allows a longer stay of up to 5 years.

The general pathway is as follows:

• E-7 (Employment) → F-2 (Residency) → F-5 (Permanent Residency)

Just as the E-7 visa is subdivided into several categories (E-7-1 ~ E-7-4), the F-2 visa also has multiple types—18 in total, including F-2-2 through F-2-99, F-2-R, and F-2-T.

In this post, we will focus on one particularly important type: the F-2-7 visa, which is based on a point system designed for highly qualified talent.

💯 The F-2-7 Point-Based Visa for Outstanding Talent

✅ Requirements

1. Academic + Job Requirements🌐

Applicants must meet both conditions below:

• Must hold a Master's degree or higher from a Korean university
  Note: Applicants with a foreign Bachelor’s degree + Korean Master’s degree (or higher) are also eligible.
• Must apply within 5 years of the date of graduation, and must either:
  • Be employed, or
  • Have received a confirmed job offer
    under one of the following visa categories:
  • Professors (E-1) through Professionals (E-7-1)
  • Media/Journalism (D-5) through International Trade/Commerce (D-9)

2. Score at least 80 points on the F-2-7 evaluation system ✅

• Points are awarded based on various factors (education, career experience, income, Korean proficiency, etc.).
• Applicants with a total score of 80 or higher are eligible to apply.

Q. What documents are required to apply for the F-2-7 visa?

📄 Required Documents

🔹 To be prepared by the applicant (Foreigner)

• Integrated application form
• Passport
• Alien registration card
• Recent photo
• Proof of residence (lease contract or housing confirmation letter)
• Criminal background certificate & birth certificate issued by home country
• Degree certificate / graduation certificate
• Employment contract
• Proof of Korean language proficiency (TOPIK score or completion of Social Integration Program)
   

🔸 To be prepared by the employer (company):

• Business registration certificate
• List of employees covered by the 4 major social insurances
• Employment insurance report
• Tax payment certificates (national & local)
• Tax payment history
• Corporate registration certificate
• Latest financial statements
• Statement of employment rationale (reason for hiring a foreigner)

✨ Conclusion

The F-2-7 visa is not just a work permit—it paves the way for long-term residency and integration in Korea.
For companies considering the recruitment of foreign professionals, it is a valuable option worth reviewing.

If you have any questions regarding the F-2-7 visa or foreign talent recruitment, please feel free to contact us anytime 👇

Contact Us
📧 E-mail: hyunsik@kowork.kr
📞 Tel: 02-6951-4108