South Korea · Investment and residence
South Korean investor residence: KRW 1.5 billion or KRW 3 billion
South Korea’s public investment scheme has two thresholds: KRW 1.5 billion and KRW 3 billion. The main difference is when an investor can apply for permanent residence. Both options require a five-year investment commitment, so the choice also depends on how much money a family can set aside.
Where the money goes
The route often called Korean “deposit immigration” is part of the Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business. This article covers its interest-free public-fund option, operated by the Korea Development Bank under a Ministry of Justice mandate. The scheme provides for repayment of the won principal after five years. An ordinary bank deposit does not qualify.[1]
Before applying, a family needs to allow for business expenses, education and living costs as well as the investment. Having enough money to meet the threshold does not necessarily mean it can be left in the fund for five years.
What each amount allows you to apply for
The current thresholds are KRW 1.5 billion for a standard investment and KRW 3 billion for a high-value investment. The Ministry increased them on 29 June 2023 and removed the former retirement category. Older, lower figures are still available online and should not be used for a new application.[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 options require an application and approval. The larger investment offers earlier access to an F-5 application, not earlier access to the money.[1][2]
The cost of five years without interest
The investment principal and professional fees are separate amounts. Money placed in the fund is not a service fee, but an interest-free investment still has an economic cost.
Exchange rates also matter if the family’s assets are held in another currency. Money is converted into won at the start and may be converted back after repayment. Receiving the same amount in won does not guarantee the same amount in dollars, renminbi or another currency.
The difference between the two options is KRW 1.5 billion. Consider whether that additional money may be needed for a business, debt repayments, education or other investments over the next five years. Those needs help put the value of an earlier F-5 application in perspective.
Which family members can apply
The Ministry’s current overview includes the investor, spouse and unmarried children.[1] Each person’s relationship evidence, marital status and application conditions still need checking. The family provisions do not extend automatically to every relative.
Names, dates of birth and family relationships should be consistent across the documents. Differences in spelling or dates between records issued in different countries need an explanation. Adult children’s plans for study, employment or marriage may also affect timing.
What to check before taking the money back
For the standard route, the Ministry explains that F-5 obtained after meeting the conditions can continue when the investment is repaid at the end of five years.[1] Completing the investment period does not automatically grant permanent residence or citizenship.
Before requesting repayment, check the progress of the residence application, the investment records and the fund’s repayment process. Document renewal, extended absence and any later citizenship application have separate requirements.
The decision comes down to when the family wants to apply for permanent residence and how much money it can commit 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.