1. Overview
Public investment immigration grants F-2 residency to foreigners investing 1.5 billion KRW or more in public investment products designated and announced by the Korean Ministry of Justice. After maintaining the investment for 5+ years, the status transitions to F-5-21 permanent residency.
The visa covers the principal investor and accompanying family (spouse and unmarried children). After 5+ years of continued investment, a change to F-5 permanent residency may be applied for.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- Investment of 1.5 billion KRW or more in public investment products designated by the Ministry of Justice
- Overseas capital remitted in the investor's own name (certain domestically earned income or asset-sale proceeds are exceptionally recognized)
- Maintain the investment for 5+ years (keeping the investment is required for F-2 extension)
- No disqualification grounds (e.g., certain criminal records, forced-deportation or departure-order history, entry-ban grounds)
- Tax payment proof and other F-5 common documents are required at the F-5 stage
- Family eligibility: spouse and unmarried children may apply
3. Required Documents
4. Procedure
- Consultation — pre-screen capital and family eligibility; pre-screening is available to foreigners staying in Korea with valid status, and funds must be brought in within 6 months of pre-screening
- Select an MoJ-designated public investment product (verify 5-year hold feasibility)
- Execute the 1.5B KRW investment and obtain the investment confirmation
- Apply for the F-2 status change (principal + family)
- After 5+ years, apply for F-5-21 permanent residency
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I withdraw the investment?
A. Keeping the investment without eroding the standard amount is required for F-2 extension, and the F-5 stage requires 5+ years of continuous investment. Confirm any withdrawal plan with the competent immigration office beforehand.
Q. I heard 500M KRW was the threshold — has it changed?
A. The general public-investment immigration standard is 1.5 billion KRW (3 billion KRW for the high-amount type, capital-guaranteed non-interest type only). An earlier 500M KRW figure is not a confirmed standard.
Q. Can my family receive residency too?
A. The investor's spouse and unmarried children may apply for F-2 residency.
Q. What are the conditions for F-5-21 conversion?
A. 5+ years of continuous investment under F-2 residency is the core requirement, together with the F-5 common requirements and the absence of disqualification grounds.
Q. Can I choose any investment product?
A. Only products designated and announced by the Ministry of Justice are eligible. Check the current list with the competent immigration office.