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Korea F-2-7 Residence Visa Eligibility

F-2-7 is the points-based residence visa, a step before permanent residence (F-5). Check your applicant category and core requirements, and see how the 80-point test works. Sub-scores are unofficial, so we don't assert a number — verify at hikorea.

Applicant type

Core requirements

F-2-7 basic eligibility

Select your type and requirements, then check.

What this tool does

F-2-7 is Korea's points-based residence visa — a common step toward permanent residence (F-5). To apply you must (1) fall under one of five eligible categories, (2) meet core requirements (a 3-year continuous legal stay or ₩40M+ annual income, good conduct, public health), and (3) reach 80 of 170 points on a scoring test. This tool checks the categories and core requirements. It deliberately does NOT compute a point total, because the detailed scoring is an internal, unpublished Ministry of Justice manual that varies by source and changes without notice.

Who uses this

  • Professionals (E-7, etc.) on a 3+ year stay checking if they can move to F-2-7
  • Graduates of Korean master's programs exploring the residence track
  • Anyone mapping the path from work visa → F-2-7 → F-5 permanent residence
  • Confirming core requirements before booking a hikorea consultation
  • Understanding what the 80-point test actually weighs

How to use (4 steps)

  1. 1Pick the applicant category that matches you (listed-company employee, growth-industry worker, 3-year professional, domestic master's graduate, or STEM talent).
  2. 2Check the core requirements: 3-year continuous legal stay or ₩40M+ income, good conduct, and the public-health requirement.
  3. 3See whether your core requirements are met and what is still missing.
  4. 4Then confirm your actual point total and eligibility at hikorea.go.kr or 1345 — this tool won't guess your score.

How the 80-point test works (informational)

Pass mark: 80 of 170 points (130 core + up to 40 bonus). Scored items: age, education level, Korean ability (TOPIK or KIIP), annual income, work/stay experience, plus bonuses (Korean degree, government recommendation, KIIP completion, volunteering) and deductions (immigration violations, criminal record). ⚠️ Exact sub-scores are NOT published — they live in an internal MOJ manual and differ between unofficial sources, so this tool does not calculate a number. Income carries the most weight. Verify your real score at hikorea.

Typical scenarios

Professional on a 3-year E-7

Meets the professional category and the 3-year requirement. Still needs 80 points (income and Korean ability usually decide it) plus good conduct. Check the score at hikorea.

Master's graduate from a Korean university

Qualifies under the study-talent category; the 3-year stay can be waived with ₩40M+ income. Education and Korean ability tend to score well.

High earner in a growth industry

The growth-industry category plus high income (the heaviest-weighted item) makes 80 points reachable — but the category itself requires income of at least 1.5× GNI.

Frequently asked questions

What is the F-2-7 visa?+

A points-based residence visa for skilled foreigners with broad work and residence rights. After holding it for 3 years in good standing you can pursue points-based permanent residence (F-5).

What score do I need?+

80 out of 170. But 80 alone isn't enough — you must also fit one of the eligible categories and pass the conduct and public-health checks.

Why doesn't this tool calculate my points?+

The detailed scoring table is an unpublished internal MOJ manual, and unofficial sources disagree on the numbers (especially income and education). Asserting a wrong score could mislead your application, so we check the verifiable requirements and send you to the official source for the score.

Can the 3-year stay requirement be waived?+

Yes — with ₩40M+ annual income, or via an approved STEM talent-attraction program with a government recommendation.

Does student (D-2) or job-seeker (D-10) time count toward the 3 years?+

For the professional category, prior D-2/D-10 stay generally does not count (per an official advisory). Korean-degree graduates instead apply under the study-talent category.

What comes after F-2-7?+

Hold it for 3+ years in good standing and you can apply for F-5 (permanent residence) on the points track.

Cautions

  • •Sub-scores are unofficial and change without notice — this is a requirements checklist, not a score calculator.
  • •Meeting 80 points does not guarantee approval; category, stay/income, conduct, and health must all be met.
  • •Eligible categories and income thresholds (GNI-linked) shift yearly.
  • •Decisions are case-by-case at officer discretion.
  • •Always verify at hikorea.go.kr or the Immigration Contact Center (1345).

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15

Korea F-2-7 Residence Visa — Eligibility Checklist & Points Guide