South Korea’s public-investment residence routes: KRW 1.5 billion and KRW 3 billion compared
South Korea’s public investment scheme sets thresholds of KRW 1.5 billion and KRW 3 billion. The higher amount brings an earlier opportunity to apply for permanent residence, but both require five years of investment. That makes access to capital part of the decision.
Both require the designated non-interest-bearing public fund, not an ordinary bank deposit. Withdrawal within 5 years under the high-value route may lead to loss of permanent residence. Meeting the amount does not guarantee approval.
Where the investment goes
Often described as Korean “deposit immigration”, this route forms part of the Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business. Its interest-free public fund is operated by the Korea Development Bank under a Ministry of Justice mandate, with repayment of the won principal after five years under the scheme’s rules. An ordinary bank deposit does not qualify.[1]
The money must be available for a five-year commitment alongside the family’s business, education and living expenses. Meeting the minimum threshold is one consideration; being able to leave that capital untouched is another.
How the thresholds affect residence
The current minimum is KRW 1.5 billion for a standard investment and KRW 3 billion for a high-value investment. The Ministry raised the thresholds on 29 June 2023 and abolished the former retirement category. Lower figures still found online predate that change and do not apply to new applications.[2][3]
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| Comparison | KRW 1.5 billion | KRW 3 billion |
|---|---|---|
| Residence application | F-2 first, with the possibility of applying for F-5 after maintaining the investment for at least five years and meeting the conditions | F-5, subject to maintaining the investment for at least five years |
| Early withdrawal | Affects compliance with the investment conditions and the later permanent residence application | The Ministry states that withdrawal before five years leads to cancellation of the relevant F-5 status |
Both routes require an application and approval. Committing the larger amount allows an earlier F-5 application, while the five-year investment requirement remains.[1][2]
The cost of an interest-free investment
The principal is separate from professional fees. Although money placed in the fund is not a service charge, leaving it without interest for five years carries an opportunity cost.
Currency movements add another consideration for families holding assets outside Korea. Funds are converted into won on entry and may be exchanged back after repayment. Recovering the original won amount therefore does not guarantee the same value in dollars, renminbi or any other currency.
The gap between the two routes is KRW 1.5 billion. Its potential use for a business, debt repayments, education or other investments over the next five years provides a practical measure of what an earlier F-5 application is worth to the family.
Who can apply with the investor
The Ministry’s current overview covers the investor, a spouse and unmarried children.[1] Each must still meet the relevant conditions and provide evidence of their relationship and marital status. The provisions do not extend to every relative.
Names, birth dates and family relationships should be consistent across the records. Where documents issued in different countries use different spellings or dates, those discrepancies need explaining before submission. An adult child’s plans for study, employment or marriage can also influence the timing.
Repayment at the end of five years
For a standard investment, the Ministry states that an investor who has met the conditions and obtained F-5 can retain permanent residence when the investment is repaid after five years.[1] Reaching the end of the investment period does not itself confer permanent residence or citizenship.
Before requesting repayment, establish whether the residence application is complete, whether the investment records are in order and how the fund handles the return of capital. Document renewal, extended absences and a subsequent citizenship application each have their own requirements.
The choice rests on the family’s preferred timing for permanent residence and the amount of capital it can leave invested for five years.
Official sources and legislation
1. Ministry of Justice, Korea: current IISPB overview (Korean)
2. Korean Law Information Center: investment thresholds and conditional permanent residence
3. Ministry of Justice, Korea: reform announcement, 29 June 2023
This article provides general information. Check the latest rules, fees and ongoing requirements for your application before proceeding.