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

As of · sources retrieved from official Korean authorities

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.

The rule this rests on

[9]Act on Registration of Family RelationsArticle 58

Article 58 shall apply mutatis mutandis where a judgment on the termination of adoptive relations becomes final and conclusive. SECTION 6 Adoption of Child through Full Adoption and Dissolution of Adoptive Relations | Article 67 (Report of Adoption of Child through Full Adoption) | | (1) | A person who intends to fully adopt a child in accordance with Article 908-2 of the Civil Act shall file a report referred to in Article 61, attaching a certified copy of written judgment and a certificate of

[10]출입국관리법 시행령Article 3

Article 3 (Transitional Measures concerning Status of Sojourn) | (1) | A status of sojourn specified in a visa, a certificate of visa issuance, or a written notice of permission for foreigner’s entry issued as provided in the previous provisions at the time of enforcement of this Decree shall be deemed as having been provided in this Decree until corrected, but the status of sojourn provided in the previous provisions shall be corrected by the head of the office or branch office when various per

  • 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.

  • Need a master’s degree or higher (Korean university or foreign degree with Korean employer).

  • Must have a confirmed employment contract with a Korean company.

  • Must score ≥ 80 points on the 120‑point system. Key point items:

  • TOPIK Level 6 = 20 pts, Level 5 = 18 pts.

  • Annual income ≥ 100 million KRW = 10 pts.

  • Doctorate/Master’s in science‑tech = 35/32 pts; humanities slightly lower.

  • 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.
  2. Submit them at your local immigration office as soon as you meet the criteria.

  • 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.

  • Required documents are similar to the F‑2‑7 application, plus evidence of continuous high‑tech employment and Korean language proficiency.

  • Additional points to note

  • Changing employers requires prior permission from the immigration office.

  • Working without the appropriate visa is punishable under the Immigration Act.

  • Helpful hotlines

  • Immigration inquiries: 1345

  • Labor/visa assistance: 1350

  • Legal aid for foreigners: 132

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Sources fetched 2026-09-19 · Korean laws change — verify with the issuing authority before acting.

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