Your Guide to South Korea’s Marriage Immigration Requirements
So you’ve found your Korean soulmate, survived the Gobaek, and convinced both sets of parents—congratulations! Now comes the less romantic, but absolutely necessary, part: the F-6 Marriage Immigrant Visa.
This visa is the official document that allows the non-Korean spouse to legally live, work, and build a life in South Korea. The process is famously rigorous because the Korean government is serious about verifying that your marriage is genuine, stable, and financially viable.
As a local, I’m here to demystify the core requirements, break down the stress points, and give you the essential checklist for conquering the F-6 visa application.
Pillar 1: The Financial Test (Proving Stability)
The biggest hurdle for most couples is proving the Korean spouse can financially support the couple. The government wants assurance that the foreign spouse won’t immediately become a burden on the state.
The Income Requirement
The Korean spouse must demonstrate that their income meets or exceeds the minimum required annual income, which is usually 100% of the Gross National Income (GNI) for a two-person household in Korea.
How to Prove It: You’ll typically need to submit tax documents (Income Amount Certificate, Income Tax Deduction Statement) from the previous year.
The Nuance: If the Korean spouse’s income falls short, you can often compensate by including assets (like property or savings) or combining incomes if the foreign spouse is legally working and residing in Korea on a different visa.
The Housing Requirement
You must provide a lease agreement (Jeonse or Wolse) or a property deed proving you have a stable residence where both spouses can live. A letter of housing consent from the landlord might be required.
Pillar 2: The Language & Communication Test
The Korean government requires proof that the couple can actually communicate effectively, which is a unique barrier in international marriage applications.
The Requirement: The foreign spouse must prove they have a fundamental ability to communicate in Korean.
How to Prove It (The Options)
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean): Passing TOPIK Level 1 (or higher). This is the most common and definitive proof.
Korean Language Program: Completion of an approved Korean language course (e.g., from the Ministry of Justice’s social integration program).
Third-Party Language Proof: Proving that the couple’s native languages share a common root (e.g., if one speaks English and the other speaks French, though this is rare) or proving that the foreign spouse has lived in Korea for an extended time.
Local Tip: If you’re serious about marrying a Korean, start studying for TOPIK Level 1 today. It simplifies the entire process and shows incredible commitment to the family.
Pillar 3: The Relationship Authenticity Test
This is where you prove your love is genuine, not a means to gain residency.
The Documents: You must provide concrete evidence of your courtship:
- Photos: A wide variety of photos showing the couple together over time, especially with family and friends.
- Communication Records: Proof of sustained contact (e.g., call logs, Kakaotalk messages, or email records, often translated) that demonstrates frequent communication during the entire dating period.
- Travel Records: Proof that you have traveled together or that the non-Korean spouse has visited Korea multiple times.
The Final Step: Where to Apply
The F-6 visa application is generally submitted by the foreign spouse at the Korean embassy or consulate in their home country (or current country of residence). Once approved, the spouse enters Korea and then files for their Alien Registration Card (ARC) upon arrival.
The F-6 process is a long road—often taking several months—but it’s the secure path to building your life together in Korea. Be organized, be patient, and let the stack of paperwork be a testament to your commitment!
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