South Korea · Spouse visas

South Korea Spouse of a citizen

Income needed: from ₩25.2M a year ≈ $19k

Marriage Migrant (F-6)

First checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026Change log

Key facts

Spouse of a citizen is a spouse visas route for South Korea. Applicants need income from ₩25.2M a year ≈ $19k. You can stay 3 yrs, renewable. You can work locally. Checked 2026-10-10 against the official source.

Money needed: from ₩25.2M a year ≈ $19k
Government fees: $60
First stay: 3 yrs

Cost, time and long term

To apply: government fee $60; income to show from ₩25.2M/yr ≈ $19k. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

Government fees$60

$60Visa application fee for a single-entry visa for a stay of 91 days or longer; the amount differs for some passport countries and multiple-entry visas cost more.

Shown, not spent₩25.2M+/yr ≈ $19k · +6 more

KRW 25,195,752 a year (≈ $18,900)Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 2-person household (spouse plus 0 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added.
KRW 32,154,216 a year (≈ $24,100)Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 3-person household (spouse plus 1 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added.
KRW 38,968,428 a year (≈ $29,200)Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 4-person household (spouse plus 2 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added.
KRW 45,340,314 a year (≈ $34,000)Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 5-person household (spouse plus 3 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added.
KRW 51,335,712 a year (≈ $38,500)Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 6-person household (spouse plus 4 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added.
KRW 57,090,900 a year (≈ $42,800)Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 7-person household (spouse plus 5 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added.
KRW 5,755,188 a year (≈ $4,320)Added to the 7-person figure for each household member beyond 7.

Permanent residenceAfter 2 years of residence

Marriage migrants can apply for F-5 after more than 2 years in F-6 status, once the good-conduct, livelihood and basic-knowledge tests are met.

Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice

CitizenshipAfter 2 years of marriage

A foreign spouse can naturalize after 2 consecutive years of domicile in Korea while married, or after 3 years of marriage with 1 year of domicile.

Korea Legislation Research Institute

What you'll need

Who can apply6

Applicant is married to a Korean national and the marriage is genuine and capable of normal married life.
Applicant has passed TOPIK level 1 or higher (valid score).
Korean language is also met by Korean Education Centre or King Sejong Institute course (120 hours, beginner), KIIP level 2 or higher, a designated consular course, or a Korean-language degree.
Language requirement is waived if the couple have a child, the applicant is an overseas Korean with Korean ability, or the applicant lived in Korea 1 year continuously.
The Korean spouse has not invited another spouse in the past 5 years, unless the couple have a child or the earlier marriage was annulled.
Both spouses exchange health and criminal-record information; this is waived where the couple met while the applicant lived 6 months or more in the spouse's country, or for pregnancy or birth.

What you must show3

Korean spouse's income over the past year is at least the household-size figure set by Ministry of Justice notice (2-person household KRW 25,195,752 (≈ $18,900)).
Net assets held for 6 months or more count at 5% of their value as income; family household income and assets may be added.
Income test is waived if the couple have a child or lived abroad together for 1 year or more after marriage so the spouse has no domestic income.

Documents2

Foreign Spouse Invitation Letter stating the Korean spouse's income and assets, with National Tax Service income proof, property register, bank certificate or employment certificate.
TOPIK certificate, course completion certificate or degree to prove Korean ability.

Steps1

Korean spouse invites the applicant; the Korean embassy or consulate in the applicant's country assesses the courtship, marriage intent and criteria above.

After you arrive2

Residence changes must be reported within 15 days to immigration or the local office.
Permanent residence (F-5) is open after 2 years in F-6 status if good conduct, livelihood and basic knowledge are met; KIIP level 5 satisfies basic knowledge.

What happens at day 183

How South Korea decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

Stay on this route

Up to 3 years at first, renewable

Tax residence

At least 183 days in a continuous residence in KoreaA person with no domicile who has a residence in Korea for 183 days or more is a resident

Foreign-source income

Remittance basis (5 years)

A foreign resident whose total period of domicile or residence in Korea is five years or less in the ten years before the end of the tax period is taxed on foreign-source income only to the extent it is paid in Korea or remitted to Korea.

Special regime

Remittance basis for foreign-source income of foreigners with 5 years or less of residence · Tax relief

All tax rules for South Korea Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026

Official site

Full official text

Residence visa for the foreign husband or wife of a Korean national, with unrestricted employment, leading to permanent residence after 2 years. ^{1 2 3}

What you must show and pay

Income of at least KRW 25,195,752 a year (≈ $18,900) · Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 2-person household (spouse plus 0 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added. ¹
Income of at least KRW 32,154,216 a year (≈ $24,100) · Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 3-person household (spouse plus 1 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added. ¹
Income of at least KRW 38,968,428 a year (≈ $29,200) · Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 4-person household (spouse plus 2 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added. ¹
Income of at least KRW 45,340,314 a year (≈ $34,000) · Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 5-person household (spouse plus 3 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added. ¹
Income of at least KRW 51,335,712 a year (≈ $38,500) · Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 6-person household (spouse plus 4 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added. ¹
Income of at least KRW 57,090,900 a year (≈ $42,800) · Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 7-person household (spouse plus 5 registered household members). Net assets held 6 months or more count at 5% as income; household family income and assets may be added. ¹
Income of at least KRW 5,755,188 a year (≈ $4,320) · Added to the 7-person figure for each household member beyond 7. ¹
A fee of $60 · Visa application fee for a single-entry visa for a stay of 91 days or longer; the amount differs for some passport countries and multiple-entry visas cost more. ³

Requirements

Applicant is married to a Korean national and the marriage is genuine and capable of normal married life. ^{1 2}
Applicant has passed TOPIK level 1 or higher (valid score). ¹
Korean language is also met by Korean Education Centre or King Sejong Institute course (120 hours, beginner), KIIP level 2 or higher, a designated consular course, or a Korean-language degree. ¹
Language requirement is waived if the couple have a child, the applicant is an overseas Korean with Korean ability, or the applicant lived in Korea 1 year continuously. ¹
The Korean spouse has not invited another spouse in the past 5 years, unless the couple have a child or the earlier marriage was annulled. ¹
Both spouses exchange health and criminal-record information; this is waived where the couple met while the applicant lived 6 months or more in the spouse's country, or for pregnancy or birth. ¹
Korean spouse's income over the past year is at least the household-size figure set by Ministry of Justice notice (2-person household KRW 25,195,752 (≈ $18,900)). ¹
Net assets held for 6 months or more count at 5% of their value as income; family household income and assets may be added. ¹
Income test is waived if the couple have a child or lived abroad together for 1 year or more after marriage so the spouse has no domestic income. ¹
Foreign Spouse Invitation Letter stating the Korean spouse's income and assets, with National Tax Service income proof, property register, bank certificate or employment certificate. ¹
TOPIK certificate, course completion certificate or degree to prove Korean ability. ¹
Korean spouse invites the applicant; the Korean embassy or consulate in the applicant's country assesses the courtship, marriage intent and criteria above. ¹
Residence changes must be reported within 15 days to immigration or the local office. ²
Permanent residence (F-5) is open after 2 years in F-6 status if good conduct, livelihood and basic knowledge are met; KIIP level 5 satisfies basic knowledge. ²

Stay

Stay up to 3 years per grant (F-6); extended on application while the marriage continues. Permanent residence (F-5) is possible after 2 years in F-6 status.
First stay: up to 36 months, decided case by case.
Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

Work

No restrictions on employment or profit-making activities.

Family

Persons rearing a child of a Korean national and those whose marriage ended can also hold F-6; parents of marriage migrants can be invited as F-1 where invitation requirements are met.

Checked 2026-10-10

Official sources

Ministry of Justice Notice No. 2025-534: Requirements for visas for marriage and cohabitation and exemption criteria (31 December 2025) · Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2025-12-31
Visa Navigator: Customized Stay Guide for Foreign Residents · Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-12
Visa application fees for each visa type · Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) · checked 2026-10-11
Nationality Act (Articles 5 and 6, English translation) · Korea Legislation Research Institute (Ministry of Government Legislation) · checked 2026-10-11

Spouse of a citizen and its alternatives

Route	Money needed	Stay	Work
Spouse of a citizen	Needs income from ₩25.2M a year ≈ $19k	3 yr, renewable	Yes
Spouse of a permanent resident	–	5 yr	Limited
Spouse of a permanent resident Thailand	–	3 mo, renewable	–
Spouse of a citizen Japan	–	5 yr, renewable	Yes
Spouse of a stay permit holder Indonesia	–	–	No

Questions people ask

How much money do I need for the Spouse of a citizen?

Income of at least KRW 25,195,752 a year (≈ $18,900). Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 2-person household (spouse plus 0 registered household members). Income of at least KRW 32,154,216 a year (≈ $24,100). Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 3-person household (spouse plus 1 registered household members). Income of at least KRW 38,968,428 a year (≈ $29,200). Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 4-person household (spouse plus 2 registered household members). Income of at least KRW 45,340,314 a year (≈ $34,000). Korean spouse's pre-tax income over the past 1 year, 5-person household (spouse plus 3 registered household members).

How long can I stay on the Spouse of a citizen?

Stay up to 3 years per grant (F-6); extended on application while the marriage continues.

Can I work on the Spouse of a citizen?

Yes. No restrictions on employment or profit-making activities.

Can I bring my family on the Spouse of a citizen?

Persons rearing a child of a Korean national and those whose marriage ended can also hold F-6; parents of marriage migrants can be invited as F-1 where invitation requirements are met.

Does the Spouse of a citizen lead to permanent residence in South Korea?

Time on the Spouse of a citizen counts toward permanent residence in South Korea, which the rules allow after 2 years of residence. Time on the Spouse of a citizen counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 2 years of marriage.

Is there a tax break for Spouse of a citizen holders in South Korea?

Korea: remittance basis for foreign-source income of foreigners with 5 years or less of residence: A foreign resident whose total period of domicile or residence in Korea is five years or less in the ten years before the end of the tax period is taxed on foreign-source income only to the extent it is paid in Korea or remitted to Korea. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions.

Tax

Special regime

Korea: remittance basis for foreign-source income of foreigners with 5 years or less of residence

Tax relief

Foreign-source income: Remittance basis (5 years)

Details

On: Foreign-source income that is paid in Korea or remitted to Korea
Who: Foreign national (not a Korean citizen) who is a Korean tax resident

Taxed on

Foreign-source income that is paid in Korea or remitted to Korea; Korean-source income and all other income is taxed in full under the progressive income tax.

Who it applies to

Foreign national (not a Korean citizen) who is a Korean tax resident.
Sum of periods with a domicile or residence in Korea over the 10 years before the end of the taxable period is 5 years or less.
Resident means having a domicile in Korea or a residence of 183 days or more.

Exclusions

After more than five years of domicile or residence within the ten-year look-back, foreign-source income is taxed on a worldwide basis as for Korean residents.
Income not paid or remitted into Korea stays outside the Korean base for qualifying foreigners.

Days in the country

At least 183 days in continuous residence in Korea · A person with no domicile who has a residence in Korea for 183 days or more is a resident

Tax residence

The five-year test is counted over the ten years before the end of the relevant taxable period; non-residents are taxed only on Korean-source income (article 3(2)).

Visas

Applies by tax residence status and nationality, not by visa category.

Other taxes

Local income tax, VAT and social insurance apply separately; see “Optional flat tax rate for foreign employees” and “Korea progressive comprehensive income tax rates” for employment tax rates.

Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026Change log

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Spouse and partner visas elsewhere

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≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

Ask the AI about this route AI

An AI assistant answers from the published records on this page and cites them. It can't assess your personal eligibility. Don't include personal details.

How this was checked

Checked on 2026-10-10 against 4 official sources. Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

Ministry of Justice Notice No. 2025-534: Requirements for visas for marriage and cohabitation and exemption criteria (31 December 2025) · Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea · checked 2026-10-11
Visa Navigator: Customized Stay Guide for Foreign Residents · Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-12
Visa application fees for each visa type · Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) · checked 2026-10-11
Nationality Act (Articles 5 and 6, English translation) · Korea Legislation Research Institute (Ministry of Government Legislation) · checked 2026-10-11

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the changes page, and the methodology page explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email contact@stayglobe.app with a link to the official source.