South Korea clarifies E-7 dependants and E-7-4 financial checks
The 30 October explanation limits F-3 dependants to a legal spouse and minor children. E-9 status itself does not permit this family route.
A 30 October Ministry of Justice clarification states that F-3 dependants of eligible long-term residents, including E-7 holders, are limited to a legally married spouse and minor children. Parents, siblings and other relatives are outside this category.[1][2]
E-9 non-professional workers cannot sponsor F-3 dependants on that status. After conversion to E-7-4, family relationships, household-size income requirements and separate accommodation are still assessed. The ministry gives approximately KRW 39 million or more in annual income as the 2026 requirement for a four-person household. This clarifies existing rules rather than creating automatic reunification rights.[2]
Official sources
This article provides general information. Individual applications are subject to the applicable rules and the competent authority’s assessment.