Marriage Visa Requirements for Korea 2026
A Local Korean’s Guide for International Couples
If you are planning to marry a Korean and start your life together in South Korea, welcome to one of the most exciting (and paperwork-heavy) chapters of your journey. As a Korean local who has watched many international couples go through the process, I can promise you this: the F-6 Marriage Visa is not difficult, but it does require preparation, patience, and a clear understanding of what Korean immigration really wants to see.
This guide will walk you through the updated 2026 requirements in a clear and friendly way, so you can start your life together in Korea on the right foot.
What the F-6 Marriage Visa Actually Is
The F-6 visa is South Korea’s official residence visa for foreign spouses of Korean nationals. Once approved, you can live in Korea long term, work freely, access national health insurance, and eventually apply for permanent residency.
In simple terms: this visa allows you to build your life in Korea without job restrictions or constant reapplication stress.
Understanding the Core Requirements
Before you start printing documents and booking embassy appointments, it helps to understand what Korean immigration focuses on. The goal is not to make your life difficult, but to confirm three major things:
- Your relationship is genuine and stable
- You have the financial means to live together
- Both partners meet basic legal and health standards
With that in mind, let’s break down the actual 2026 requirements.
Marriage Registration Requirements
Your marriage must be officially recognized by the Korean government. If you married outside Korea, your foreign marriage certificate must be translated, notarized, and then registered with your Korean spouse’s local district office.
What You Will Need
- Marriage certificate from your home country
- Official translation into Korean
- Notarization or apostille, depending on your country
- Registration at the local Korean district office
This step is essential. Without proper registration, you cannot move to the visa application stage.
Required Documents for the Foreign Spouse
Your portion of the paperwork focuses on identity, legal history, and health status. Nothing too dramatic, but you will need to gather everything carefully.
Required Documents Checklist
- F-6 visa application form
- Valid passport and passport photo
- Criminal background check from your home country
- Apostille or notarization for all foreign documents
- Basic health exam results (Korea screens especially for TB)
- Interview (varies by embassy and case)
A clean background check and clear medical results are essential for approval.
Required Documents for the Korean Spouse
The Korean partner’s documents focus on proving financial stability and living conditions. Immigration wants to confirm that the household can function smoothly without financial risk.
Korean Spouse Document Checklist
- Certificate of family relations
- Resident registration
- Employment certificate or income tax documents
- Lease contract or proof of housing
- Written sponsorship letter
- Proof of ongoing communication and relationship history
This combination shows immigration that you have a stable home to move into once the visa is approved.
Proving a Genuine Relationship
This is one of the most important parts of the application. You must demonstrate that you are a real couple, not a convenience marriage.
Recommended Evidence to Prepare
- Photos together over time
- Travel history (flight tickets or hotel bookings)
- Screenshots of messages and call logs
- Documents showing shared financial activity
- Meeting family members or attending events together
- Engagement or wedding records
Immigration is not looking for a perfect love story. They simply want proof of consistent communication, shared experiences, and long-term commitment.
Application Timeline and Processing
In most countries, the standard F-6 visa processing time ranges from three to four weeks. However, complex cases or missing documents can increase the timeline.
What Happens After Submission
- Documents are reviewed
- You may be called for an interview
- Additional proof may be requested
- Visa is approved or denied
- You receive the visa and travel to Korea
- You apply for your ARC within 90 days
The ARC (Alien Registration Card) is your key to daily life in Korea, including opening a bank account, signing a phone contract, and enrolling in health insurance.
After You Arrive in Korea
Once your visa is approved and you officially enter Korea, life becomes much simpler.
What You Can Do With an F-6 Visa
- Work freely without needing a separate work visa
- Register for national health insurance
- Open bank accounts
- Sign rental contracts
- Renew yearly (typical for new couples)
After maintaining a stable marriage and residence for several years, you may be eligible to apply for F-5 permanent residency.
Final Advice from a Korean Local
Documents and rules can feel overwhelming, but the process is entirely manageable with preparation. Be honest, keep everything organized, and remember that Korean immigration is looking for stability, not perfection.
International couples bring so much richness to Korean society, and once you clear the initial paperwork, daily life here becomes much more enjoyable.
If you and your partner are committed to building your life in Korea, the F-6 visa is your doorway into a stable, meaningful, and exciting future together.