Principal protection
The Ministry of Justice describes this option as principal-guaranteed. Repayment is in Korean won; its value in another currency can change.
01 / INVESTMENT
Investment comparison
| Requirements | GeneralINVESTMENT | High-valueINVESTMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | 1.5billion KRW | 3billion KRW |
| Initial status | F-2Resident | F-5Permanent resident |
| Investment term | At least 5 years | At least 5 years |
| Permanent residence | Apply for F-5 after maintaining the investment for 5 years | Apply directly for F-5; commit to and maintain the investment for at least 5 years |
| Repayment | After at least 5 years of investment and F-5 approval | After at least 5 years of investment |
| Early withdrawal | Affects F-2 eligibility and the later F-5 application | F-5 is cancelled if funds are withdrawn within 5 years |
Both routes require eligibility checks and approval. Five years of investment does not automatically confer permanent residence. Repayment follows the fund’s procedures.
02 / CAPITAL & COSTS
Capital and costs
No interest
The investment earns no interest. Allow for at least five years of committed capital, plus transfer and currency conversion costs.
Additional costs
The investment threshold is not the total cost. Confirm application, translation, certification and professional fees separately.
03 / FAMILY
Spouses and children
Family eligibility
Spouses and eligible unmarried children may apply for the relevant status. Family relationships, children’s eligibility and supporting documents need to be checked.
Working in Korea
Investors and family members granted F-2 under this scheme may undertake economic activities. Regulated professions have separate licensing requirements.
04 / APPLICATION
The application process
Check eligibility
Review the investment route, family circumstances, source of funds and immigration history.
Prepare documents and invest
Follow the authority’s and bank’s requirements. Confirm the transfer procedure before making the qualifying investment.
Submit the application
File the application and investment evidence, complete any in-person formalities and respond to document requests.
Maintain the investment and status
Track investment dates, residence documents and reporting duties. General investors apply separately for F-5 once eligible.
Conatus Mobility provides application advice, document assistance and case coordination. The written agreement defines the scope of service.
05 / QUESTIONS
Common questions
Does an ordinary bank deposit qualify?
No. This route requires investment in the designated public fund. An ordinary fixed deposit does not qualify.
Is there a lower threshold for applicants over 55?
The retiree investor category ended on 29 June 2023. The old KRW 300 million and KRW 500 million thresholds do not apply to new applications.
What should I check before leaving Korea?
Registered F-2 holders can generally return within one year, or their remaining permitted stay if shorter, without a re-entry permit. F-5 holders generally have a two-year exemption. Exceptions, including entry restrictions, still apply.
How long does an application take?
Timing depends on documents, investment procedures and official review. Progress can be assessed once the circumstances are known; no fixed approval date is guaranteed.
Enquire about Korean investor residence
Discuss eligibility, required documents and service fees.
Contact usFor your first enquiry
- Investment
- Your intended route and investment timing.
- Source of funds
- Salary, business dividends, asset sales or other sources.
- Family
- Spouse and children, including ages and marital status.
Requirements and decisions rest with the competent authorities at the time of application. Conatus Mobility is not a Korean government body or fund operator. Residence does not confer Korean citizenship.
Architectural interpretations do not depict investment offerings or imply institutional endorsement.