Korea F-3 Dependent Family Visa Guide (2026)
The F-3 is the visa for accompanying family — the spouse and unmarried minor children of someone in Korea on a qualifying study, training, or work visa. The thing that catches people out most in 2026 is the run of 2025 rule changes: tighter document-legalization requirements, a reported move to apply from outside Korea rather than in-country, and a new proof-of-finances requirement. And by default, the F-3 does not let you work. This page explains who qualifies, what changed in 2025, the no-work-by-default limit, and how long you can stay — honestly, with the official sources that decide each case.
Who the F-3 visa is for
The F-3 (dependent family) is for the accompanying family of a foreigner holding a qualifying long-stay status. The core gates below are widely reported, but immigration sets the exact rules, so treat this as orientation.
1. A qualifying principal visa holder
2. A qualifying family relationship
3. Legalized family-relationship documents
4. Proof of financial support
What changed in 2025 & the no-work rule
Two things catch families out: the 2025 procedural changes, and the work limit. The table summarizes them — all set officially and subject to change.
| Item | What to know (verify officially) |
|---|---|
| Document legalization (Apr 2025) | Family-relationship documents generally need legalization/Apostille and Korean/English translation. Confirm the current requirement. |
| Where you apply (reported 2025) | In-country F-3 applications were reported to be no longer permitted, with applications made through an overseas Korean embassy/consulate after the principal's work visa is granted. Confirm the current process. |
| Finance proof (Jul 2025) | Proof of financial support meeting thresholds by family size was reported as required. Confirm the current thresholds. |
| Work | The F-3 does not grant profit-making work by default. A dependant who qualifies for a work/study/business visa may change status; some part-time activity may need specific permission. Confirm before working. |
The qualifying principal visas, dependant definitions, 2025 procedural changes, finance thresholds, and validity are set officially and change. Confirm the current rules on HiKorea, via 1345, and with your Korean embassy before you start gathering documents.
Duration, registration & extensions
The F-3 is widely reported to be tied to the principal visa holder's status — its validity generally matches the principal holder's stay and Residence Card, and is typically extended alongside the principal's extension. After arrival, F-3 dependants staying over 90 days generally must register and obtain a Residence Card (ARC) through HiKorea. Confirm the current duration and steps officially.
Changing to a work status later
If a dependant later qualifies for employment, study, or a business visa, they would generally need a change of visa status — for example to an E-7 work visa. Confirm the current rules with immigration before working.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the F-3?
The accompanying family — typically the spouse and unmarried minor children — of a foreigner holding a qualifying long-stay study/training/work status (e.g. D-2, D-4, D-6, D-7, D-8, E-1 to E-7). Eligibility follows the principal holder. Verify officially.
Can F-3 holders work?
Not by default — the F-3 does not grant profit-making work. A dependant who qualifies for a work/study/business visa can change status; some part-time activity may need specific permission. Confirm the current rules on HiKorea.
What changed for F-3 in 2025?
Reported changes include April 2025 document legalization/Apostille and translation, a move to apply from outside Korea after the principal's work visa is granted, and a July 2025 proof-of-finances requirement by family size. Confirm the current rules officially.
How long is the F-3 valid?
Generally tied to the principal visa holder's status — its validity matches the principal's stay and Residence Card, and is typically extended alongside it. Confirm on HiKorea.
Do F-3 holders need to register?
Yes — staying over 90 days generally requires registering and obtaining a Residence Card (ARC) through HiKorea within the deadline. Confirm the steps officially after you arrive.