Korea F6 Marriage Visa

The Korea F6 Marriage visa allows a Korean’s spouse to reside in Korea long-term. It can also help them when applying for permanent residency or naturalization.

However, obtaining the F6 visa is not an automatic process. There are strict eligibility criteria, and the couple must be able to prove the legitimacy of the marriage.

Read on to learn how to begin the application process and find out which documents you’ll need to apply.

Korea F6 Marriage Visa Information

The F6 Marriage Visa allows the foreign spouse of a Korean national to live in the country long-term. It differs from short-term visas in that it allows multiple renewals. It eventually allows the spouse to apply for permanent residency (F-5 visa) or Korean citizenship.

Key Features of the F6 Visa:

  • Grants the right to live and work in Korea
  • Valid for one year initially, with extensions based on continued eligibility
  • Requires proof of a genuine marital relationship (to prevent fraudulent marriages)
  • Includes financial and language requirements for the Korean spouse
  • Can allow for naturalization after you maintain residency for a certain period

Who Can Apply for the Korean F6 Visa?

You need to meet several criteria to be eligible for the F6 visa:

  • You must be legally married to a South Korean citizen. Common-law or de facto relationships are not recognized.
  • Provide proof of a genuine marital relationship, such as photos, chat history, and family testimonies.
  • The Korean spouse must meet minimum financial requirements to support the foreign spouse.
  • The couple must be able to communicate with each other. This can include Korean or a mutual language.
  • The applicant must not have a history of serious criminal offenses in any country. They must also not have a history of illegal stays in Korea.
  • The foreign spouse must apply from their home country or another country with a Korean embassy (exceptions apply).

Important:

  • Short-term visa holders (e.g., tourist visas, working holiday visas) cannot switch directly to an F6 visa within Korea.
  • The application process involves a detailed background check to prevent sham marriages.
  • Don’t forget that if the foreign spouse is from a country eligible for visa-free travel to Korea, they still need the F6 to stay long term. They also need to apply for an K-ETA before arriving in the country.

Documents for the Korea F6 Marriage Visa Application

You’ll need to submit several documents to prove the legitimacy of the marriage. You’ll also need to show proof of the financial stability of the Korean spouse. Below is a list of documents that each party will need.

Foreign spouse

  • Completed F6 Visa application form
  • Valid passport (original and a photocopy)
  • Passport-sized photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
  • Criminal record certificate (issued within the last 3 months, apostilled)
  • Health certificate (proving no contagious diseases, issued within the last 6 months)
  • Marriage certificate (officially issued in Korea)
  • Proof of communication ability (TOPIK certificate, language course completion, etc.)
  • Proof of relationship (wedding photos, chat logs, travel history together, etc.)

Korean spouse

  • Copy of Korean passport or resident registration card
  • Family relation certificate, basic certificate, and marriage certificate
  • Proof of financial ability (income certificate, tax records, or bank statements)
  • Housing documents (lease agreement or property registration)
  • Invitation letter explaining the background of the marriage
  • Guarantee letter (confirming responsibility for the foreign spouse’s financial support)

You may need to provide certain additional documents. This depends on the applicant’s nationality or other possible circumstances. Some documents must be translated into Korean and notarized.

Steps to apply for the F6 Visa

Although getting this visa can be complex, it’s certainly possible with some planning. Follow these simple steps to apply for your F6 visa successfully:

Prepare all required documents for the F6 Visa

Gather and translate (if needed) all your necessary documents. Make sure your financial proof meets the minimum income requirement.

Submit the F6 visa application at a Korean embassy

Apply at the Korean embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. Some applicants may be interviewed to verify the legitimacy of the marriage.

Wait for Processing & Approval

The application review typically takes 1-3 months. Immigration officers may request additional documents or conduct background checks.

Enter Korea & Register as a Resident

Once the visa is approved, the applicant can enter Korea and must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days. The visa must be renewed periodically to maintain residency status.

The Korea F6 Marriage Visa is a great opportunity for foreign spouses to build a life in South Korea. However, due to strict requirements and background checks, applicants should carefully prepare their documents and ensure they meet all financial and language criteria.