Introducing the newly created F-2-R visa ๐
Hello. This is Kowork ๐
Today, we are going to introduce you to the
Regional Specialization Foreign Talent F-2-R visa!
As it has not been long since its implementation, we anticipate frequent changes. However, we aim to introduce it with the most updated content so far.
The F-2-R visa, despite the regulation that employment is only allowed in regions with decreasing populations, enables
long-term residency and subsequently the acquisition of the F-5 permanent residency visa
. Hence, it's a visa that one can't help but be interested in ๐To acquire the F-2-R visa, there are several requirements that we will examine together.
1. Purpose of Creating the F-2-R Visa
- To prevent regional extinction due to population decline and revitalize the regional economy
- To establish a system that allows foreigners to settle in local autonomous entities experiencing population decline and engage in employment activities and receive various benefits
2. F-2-R Eligibility Requirements
a. Education / Income Requirements (โ Only one needs to be met)
- Education: Graduates or prospective graduates with at least an associate degree in Korea (D-2 or D-10)
- Income: At least 70% of the Gross National Income (GNI) per person based on the application date
b. Residential Requirements
- Actual residence in the local entity at the time of application
- Promise to continue to live in the local entity for at least 5 years
c. Employment Requirements
- Employment or confirmed employment in an industry designated by the Ministry of Justice
- The workplace is located within the target local entity (the place of residence and workplace must be the same)
d. Basic Skills (โ Only one needs to be met)
- Completion of level 3 or higher of the Social Integration Program
- Acquisition of level 3 or higher of the Korean Proficiency Test
e. Good Conduct
- No violations of domestic or foreign laws
3. F-2-R Target Areas
- Busan Metropolitan City: Dong-gu, Seo-gu, Yeongdo-gu
- Chungcheongbuk-do: Danyang County, Jecheon City
- Chungcheongnam-do: Boryeong City, Yesan County
- Jeollabuk-do: Jeongeup City, Namwon City, Gimje City, Gochang County, Buan County, Sunchang County
- Jeollanam-do: Yeongam County, Haenam County, Goheung County, Boseong County
- Gyeongsangbuk-do: Goryeong County, Yeongju City, Yeongcheon City, Uiseong County, Seongju County
- Gyeongsangnam-do: Goseong County
- Daegu Metropolitan City: Nam-gu
- Gyeonggi-do: Gapyeong County, Yeoncheon County
4. F-2-R Visa Application Documents
(Additional documents may be required.)
- Integrated Application Form
- Passport
- Alien Registration Card
- Degree Certificate
- Income Statement
- Residence Proof Documents
- Employment Contract or Certificate of Employment
- Social Integration Program (KIIP) Completion Certificate or TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) Score Report
- Residence Assurance Letter
- Letter of Recommendation from School Principal
- Letter of Recommendation from Local Government
5. What if you do not reside in the target area?
If you are not currently residing in one of the target areas but are interested in obtaining an F-2-R visa, please refer to the following steps!
- You must first secure employment in a company located in the target area. (Please note that permitted industries differ by area, so make sure to check before you find a job!)
- You then move your address to the target area.
- Apply for a recommendation letter from the local government.
- Change your visa to F-2-R at the foreigner's office.
โ๏ธThe Regional Specialization Visa Pilot Project is running until October 3, 2023, so if you are interested in this visa, it's advisable to apply as soon as possible.
For any further questions, please reach out to Kowork๐
