What is the path from D-10 to F-5 permanent residency?

You can change from D‑10 to a points‑based F‑2‑7 visa after at least 1 year of legal stay, earn 80 points or more (including TOPIK level, income ≥ 100 million KRW, education, etc.), then hold the F‑2‑7 status for the required period (generally 2 years) before applying for F‑5 permanent residency; full details below.

Details

• Eligibility to switch from D‑10 to F‑2‑7 (points‑based)

• Must have legally resided in Korea for ≥ 1 year on D‑10 or another eligible status【1†L1-L5】【3†L9-L13】.

• Need a master’s degree or higher (Korean university or foreign degree with Korean employer)【1†L1-L5】【3†L9-L13】.

• Must have a confirmed employment contract with a Korean company【1†L1-L5】【3†L9-L13】.

• Must score ≥ 80 points on the 120‑point system【1†L1-L5】【3†L22-L33】. Key point items:

• TOPIK Level 6 = 20 pts, Level 5 = 18 pts【1†L34-L38】.

• Annual income ≥ 100 million KRW = 10 pts【1†L40-L53】.

• Doctorate/Master’s in science‑tech = 35/32 pts; humanities slightly lower【1†L24-L30】.

• Application procedure for F‑2‑7

1. Gather documents: application form (Form 34), passport, alien registration card, employment contract, degree proof, TOPIK certificate, income proof, and fee【1†L1-L5】.
2. Submit them at your local immigration office as soon as you meet the criteria【1†L7-L9】.

• From F‑2‑7 to F‑5 permanent residency

• After holding F‑2‑7 status for the period required by the Immigration Act (typically 2 years) with stable income and no criminal record, you may apply for F‑5 permanent residency【1†L1-L5】.

• Required documents are similar to the F‑2‑7 application, plus evidence of continuous high‑tech employment and Korean language proficiency【1†L1-L5】.

• Additional points to note

• Changing employers requires prior permission from the immigration office【1†L13-L15】.

• Working without the appropriate visa is punishable under the Immigration Act【1†L13-L15】.

• Helpful hotlines

• Immigration inquiries: 1345

• Labor/visa assistance: 1350

• Legal aid for foreigners: 132