Korea F-2-7 Residency Visa Guide (2026)
The F-2-7 is Korea's points-based long-term residency visa for professional foreign workers. It offers more stability than a work visa — fewer ties to a single employer — but you have to earn it through a points scorecard covering things like age, education, income, and Korean ability. This page explains how the system generally works, with the firm caveat that the official scoring table is what counts.
The points threshold
Reported guidance is that the F-2-7 generally requires 80 or more points out of a possible 170. Bonus and deduction items are applied on top of your base score — which means a deduction can push you below 80 even if your base score would otherwise qualify. Because the table is updated periodically, do not lock in a number until you've checked the current official scorecard.
What the scorecard generally evaluates
| Category | General role in the score |
|---|---|
| Age | Points typically peak in certain age bands and taper at the edges. |
| Education | Higher degrees, especially from Korean institutions, generally score more. |
| Income | Higher annual income generally adds points and can affect waivers. |
| Korean ability / social integration | TOPIK level and completion of integration programs (e.g. KIIP) generally add points. |
| Residence history | Time legally resident in Korea generally contributes. |
| Bonuses / deductions | Extra items (volunteering, awards) add points; violations can subtract them. |
Exact point values per item are set officially and change. Use any online "calculator" only as a rough estimate, never as a decision.
Income-based residence waiver
The F-2-7 commonly expects a period of continuous residence in Korea on a qualifying visa. Reported guidance indicates this multi-year residence requirement can be waived for applicants whose annual income meets a high threshold — figures around 40 million KRW or more are frequently cited, with higher thresholds for certain advanced-industry categories. Treat these as indicative; the exact current figure and conditions must be confirmed officially.
Common eligibility pathways
Professional visa holders
Graduates of Korean universities
High earners
Where the F-2-7 fits
Many people reach the F-2-7 after time on an E-7 work visa. The F-2-7 itself is a long-term resident visa that can later become a stepping stone toward an F-5 permanent residency visa, under separate rules. You will still need to keep your Residence Card (ARC) current.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do I need?
Reported guidance is 80 or more out of 170, with bonuses and deductions on top. A deduction can drop you below 80. Confirm the current official table.
What does the system score?
Generally age, education, income, Korean ability/social integration, and residence history, plus bonus and deduction items. Exact values change.
Can income waive the residence requirement?
Reported guidance says yes, for applicants meeting a high annual income threshold (around 40 million KRW or more is commonly cited, higher for some categories). Verify the current figure officially.
Who can apply?
Mainly professional foreign workers on qualifying visas held continuously, or eligible graduates of Korean universities employed in a professional role. Check the official pathways.
Is the F-2-7 permanent residency?
No. It is a long-term resident visa that can be a step toward F-5 permanent residency later, under separate rules.