Moving to South Korea - How to Immigrate to South Korea? (2024)

In this article

South Korea has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the last few years. Traveling through South Korea, you will encounter five thousand years of history and culture and see beautiful mountains and tranquil bays. However, South Korea is not only popular to visit. With its high quality of life, reasonable cost of living, and generous salaries, the country is the best place for expats to move to.

Suppose you are considering relocating to South Korea but need help figuring out where to start. In that case, this article provides an overview of how to move to South Korea.

Do I Need a Visa to Move to South Korea?

Anyone wishing to move to South Korea and stay for a period longer than three months (90 days) needs a visa to move to South Korea. Depending on the purpose of your travel and how long you wish to stay in South Korea, you can choose which type of visa suits you best.

How to Move to South Korea?

To move to South Korea, you must hold a long-term visa. And, to legally reside for a period longer than three months, you must register your stay and apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at the nearest Immigration Office in South Korea.

To move for over three months, you can choose from one of the following routes:

Moving to South Korea to work.
Moving to South Korea to study.
Moving to South Korea to join a family member.

Moving to South Korea for Work

To move to South Korea for work, you need to obtain a work visa and a work permit. What type of work visa and permit you hold depends on your job position and how long you wish to stay in South Korea. The following visas allow you to work longer than 90 days:

E-1 professor visa.
E-2 foreign language instructor.
E-3 research.
E-4 technological guidance.
E-5 special profession.
E-6 culture and art.
E-7 specially designed activities.
D-5 long-term new coverage.
D-8-4 technology and business start-up visa.
D-10-2 business start-up visa.
D-8-1 investment visa.

Upon entering the country, you have to register your stay at a local Immigration Office in South Korea. In addition, you must also get your Alien Registration Card (ARC) at the Immigration Office.

Nevertheless, you must hold an F-5 permanent residence visa to become a permanent resident in South Korea. To be eligible for the visa, you must hold an F-2-7 or F-2-99 visa.

Moving to South Korea to Study

The first thing you must do in order to study in South Korea is apply for a university there. Then get accepted and get a “Certificate of Admission”. Lastly, apply for a student visa (D-2 visa)*. Depending on what you will study, you can choose from the following visas:

D-2-1 associate degree visa.
D-2-2 bachelor’s degree visa.
D-2-3 master’s degree visa.
D-2-4 doctoral degree visa.
D-2-5 research visa.
D-2-6 exchange visa.

Within 90 days of your arrival in South Korea, you must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC). To obtain permanent residency as a student in South Korea, you must hold an F-5 permanent resident visa. In addition, you must get a degree from a South Korean university to be eligible for the visa.

*There is also a D-4 visa general trainee, with which you can study in a non-degree course or engage in research. But the D-4 visa does not lead to permanent residency because you must obtain a degree to be eligible for an F-5 permanent resident visa.

Moving to South Korea for Family Reunification

You can move to South Korea for family reunification if you apply got a long-term family visit visa. You are eligible to apply if:

You are the spouse of a South Korean citizen.
You are the spouse or the child (under the age of 20) of a South Korean temporary or permanent resident.

In addition, after entering South Korea, you must register your stay and apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at the nearest Immigration Office.

Can I Move to South Korea Without a Job?

If you have not found a job, you can still move to South Korea. But first, you have to apply for a D-10 Job Seeker visa. To be eligible for the visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Your previous employer has been featured in the Fortune 500 list (no later than the last three years).
You have graduated from a university listed on the Times Higher World University Rankings.
You are a recent graduate of a Korean community college or university.
Within the past three years, you completed a research program at a Korean research institution with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The head of a diplomatic mission recognizes you.

How Can I Get Permanent Residency in South Korea?

You can get permanent residency in South Korea after holding one of the F-type long-term residency visas. The most popular ones are the F-2-7 and F-2-99. After holding one of the visas, you must apply for the F-5 visa, which is a permanent residence visa for South Korea.

To be eligible for the visa, you must meet the following requirements:

You invest nearly ₩600 million (approx. $500,000) or more in a Korean business and hire five or more locals.
You marry a Korean citizen or an F-5 holder.
You obtain a degree in South Korea.
You obtain a doctorate degree and get a job in the field of high technology.
You run a business under a D-8-4 start-up visa for at least three years; you make ₩300 million (approx. $256,100) and hire at least two Korean employees for no less than six months.
You get recognized by the Ministry of Justice for your exceptional talent in Science, Education, Culture, Arts, Sports, or Management.
You hold an F-2 visa for at least five years and can support yourself financially.
You hold an F-4 Overseas Korean visa for at least two years.

How Can I Obtain South Korean Citizenship?

You can obtain South Korean citizenship through the following routes:

Citizenship by naturalization. You can become a South Korean citizen by naturalization if you meet the following requirements:
You have lived in South Korea for over five consecutive years with permanent residency status.
You are a legal adult, according to Korean Civil Law.
You have good conduct defined by the Ministry of Justice decree.
You can financially support yourself.
You know the Korean language, customs, and culture.
The Minister of Justice acknowledges your Korean citizenship.
Citizenship by paternity. You can obtain South Korean citizenship by paternity if:
At least one of your parents is a South Korean citizen at the time of your birth.*
You are a minor, according to Korean Civil Law.
Citizenship by marriage. You can become a South Korean citizen if you marry a South Korean citizen and maintain your marriage for at least two years. You also must meet the requirements that citizenship by naturalization
Re-acquisition of citizenship. If you have lost your South Korean citizenship, you can obtain it by declaring citizenship re-acquisition. You must give up your foreign citizenship within one year of losing your South Korean citizenship.

*Minors born between unmarried parents (a South Korean citizen and a foreigner) can acquire South Korean citizenship when the South Korean parent files a recognition application after putting their name under his/her family register.

Does South Korea Allow Dual Citizenship?

South Korea does not allow dual citizenship. Therefore, if you acquire Korean citizenship, you must renounce your home country’s citizenship within one year. At the same time, South Korean nationals will lose their Korean citizenship if they acquire a foreign one.

Pros and Cons of Moving to South Korea

The pros and cons of moving to South Korea are:

How Can I Relocate My Household to South Korea?

You can relocate your household to South Korea by plane or cargo ship. It is up to you and your needs to decide which is right for you. Shipping via air can be more expensive, but it will also be faster. You might even receive your items the same day as you do when you ship by air. You can also send your items via cargo ship, it is cheaper, but it will take a few months to get there.

South Korea has a few customs regulations you must follow:

Your household items must be used to be allied duty-free.
Your household items must arrive within six months of your entry.
Large amounts of any items with be inspected.
You must have an itemized list and record what is in the boxes.
To claim any expensive item, you must provide your passport.

Prohibited items in South Korea include:

Drugs and narcotics.
Fruits.
Hay.
Seeds.
Plants and plant products (you must provide a phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant quarantine office of your country).
Beef and pork (declared to Customs agents).
Subversive, harmful items to national security or public interests.
Products from communist countries.
Foreign currency above $10.000.

Restricted items include:

Weapons and ammunition.
Recreational drugs (opium, marijuana, cocaine, etc).
Precious metals.
Goods that may be a threat to the quality of water sources and the growth of saplings.
Imported wildlife that is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Products made from animals under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Can I Bring My Car to South Korea?

You can bring your car to South Korea. But first, you must prove that you intend to live there for at least one year. Then, the car must be in your possession for at least three months, and if it arrives within six months of your arrival will not be subject to duty tax.

When you claim your car, you must present a few documents:

Original registration certificate.
Proof of purchase.
Your passport.
Proof of vehicle insurance.
A completed customs declaration form.
A work permit or employment contract.

Can I Move With My Pets to South Korea?

You can move with your pets to South Korea. And, as long as you meet the following requirements, your pets will not be quarantined:

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 pet microchip number.
All pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before arriving in South Korea.
Your pets must be at least three months old for rabies vaccinations.
You must provide a certified veterinary certificate proving that your pets have received the vaccine.
You must present a health certificate stating the well-being of the pets. South Korea recognizes the following certified health certificates:
EU pet passport.
Thailand Export Health Certificate.
United States: Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Dogs and Cats from the US to South Korea.
Canada: CFIA International Health Certificate.
Singapore: AVA Export Health Certificate/Permit.
Australia: DAFF Export Permit/Health Certificate.
If you are moving from a non-rabies-free country, your pets must have a rabies titer test no more than 30 days before arrival to South Korea.
If you are moving with more than five pets, you must apply for an import certificate from South Korean Immigration officials.

Popular Cities in South Korea for Expats

South Korea is a popular expatriate destination, and you will be pleasantly surprised in any city you choose to live in.

Nevertheless, some of the most popular cities for expats include the following:

Seoul
Busan
Incheon
Daegu
Jeju

Seoul

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is one of the most popular cities in the country. Due to its nightlife, diverse cuisine, advanced technology, and modern and antique architecture, there is a large expat community. It will be easy for you to make new friends, and the expat community hosts frequent events you can join.

Seoul is the center of business and the country’s investment land. Therefore, you will have many job opportunities. The most prominent job is being an English teacher; the English as a second language (ESL) industry is immense, and they always look for new teachers. Furthermore, the education system is of high quality. There are plenty of international schools, but you will get a great education no matter where you attend.

Seoul is also known for its accessible and affordable healthcare. They have a universal healthcare system that you can make use of. The healthcare system will cover up to 50% of the healthcare costs. Finally, Seoul offers a high quality of life, and despite its thriving economy, the living costs tend to be relatively affordable. Of course, they differ depending on lifestyle.

Busan

Despite its smaller size, this energetic city port is no less attractive than Seoul. Busan is a bustling city like Seoul but also possesses pristine beaches, winding trails, and inspiring shrines. This creates a perfect balance between urban and laid-back lifestyles. Furthermore, due to its proximity to the mountains and famed beaches, Busan is an ideal city for outdoor enthusiasts. The city also has many cultural events like the Busan International Film Festival.

Families with children will find the city child-friendly, with numerous attractions to keep them busy. Due to the language barrier, several international schools are also available in the city, which expats usually choose over local Korean schools. Further, Busan is slightly cheaper than Seoul but still very expensive to live in. Nevertheless, salaries are competitive and employment contracts frequently cover housing and education, saving expats a lot of money.

Incheon

Incheon is South Korea’s third largest city. It is located west of Seoul on the Yellow Sea, also known as the East China Sea. It is very close to Seoul, but it feels totally different. It is cheaper and not as busy as Seoul. Moreover, expats looking for international opportunities should consider Incheon because South Korea’s largest international airport is located in Incheon.

The place is also great for expats who want to learn the Korean language and experience Korean culture. You will never get bored there. It has plenty of things to do and see. It has a seaport, various green spaces, shopping malls, and markets. As a final note, Incheon offers expats many English teaching jobs and business and investment opportunities.

Daegu

Daegu is the fourth largest city and another best places to live in South Korea for expats. Daegu’s perfect size and tight-knit expat community make it a wonderful place to live – you will find plenty to do while not being overwhelmed by the city like Seoul. Daegu also has many job opportunities for expats, a vibrant nightlife, and places combining Korean and Western cultures.

Moreover, as one of the most popular destinations in South Korea, Daegu is home to various trendy entertainment districts, professional sports teams, nearby ski resorts, museums, theatres, cafes, restaurants, and bars. It also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. Regarding the living costs, compared to the capital city, is cheaper.

Jeju

Jeju Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations off the southern coast. If you have ever watched any K-drama, you would see Jeju Island every time. Jeju is considered a rival to many famous destinations, such as Paris and Niagara Falls. The island also has a relaxing atmosphere with less of a metropolitan fee compared to other popular cities of the country.

Another benefit you will have if you choose to live on Jeju island is the low living costs. Compared to other parts of the country, you might find lower rent here, and the cost of living is undoubtedly lower than in places like Seoul and Busan.

Basic Information About South Korea

Some basic facts about South Korea include the following:

Official name	The Republic of South Korea
Form of government	Republic
Capital city	Seoul
Population	Around 51 million
Area	98,190 km²
Official language	Korean
Currency	Won (₩)

Fun Facts About South Korea

South Koreans are one year old at birth.
Number 4 is unlucky. In elevators, number 4 is F.
South Koreans do not write in red ink. Red ink is a signal of death.
Women and men are obsessed with makeup.
Plastic surgery is normal.
South Koreans are the top drinkers in Asia.
South Korea is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It has more than 4000 islands.
Taekwondo originated in South Korea.
Crows are considered unlucky.
Blood types are important to South Koreans.
Korean music, also known as K-Pop, is spread globally. Groups such as BTS and Blackpink are the most popular in the world.
The Korean movie “Parasite” is the first foreign movie to win the Best Picture Academy Award.
South Korea is known for its food (K-food) and K-dramas.

Did you find this page helpful?

Yes No

Pros	Cons
Accommodation 一if you move with a job contract, you will most likely have the apartment already paid for and ready for you. It is high-technology, comfortable, and well-made. Further, they have insulation and heated floors. Therefore, you will have no heating problems during the winter months.	Expensive country 一 the cost of living can be high. Of course, it also depends on your lifestyle. Some basic amenities are affordable. However, if you live in South Korea, you are expected to follow the trends. Therefore, many of these things are quite expensive.
Infrastructure 一 South Korea has a modern and well-maintained infrastructure. Its public transportation is one of the best in the world. It has many buses, trains, subways, and cab services. In addition, the internet is one of the fastest in the world. Therefore, you will never come across internet connection issues.	Air pollution 一 the air quality is worsening every year. South Korea has also experienced one of the worst yellow dust storms in the last decade. As a result of the storm, harmful particles like carbon monoxide, sulfur, heavy metals, and carcinogenic compounds are often released into the atmosphere.
Food 一 the main thing in Korean culture is the food. The food is diverse, and every time there is a new dish. Moreover, every place has an abundance of traditional food.	Gender inequality 一 the country is behind when it comes to gender equality. This is often due to the culture. South Korea might be a cultural export, but when it comes to women’s earnings, it lacks.
Safety 一 South Korea has a low crime rate. Of course, you still have to be cautious, but crime will not be a serious problem during your stay there.	Hierarchy 一 South Korean society can be described as hierarchical and collective. As a result of the hierarchical system, employees are rewarded based on their age and seniority rather than their actual abilities.
Scenery 一 considering that South Korea is a peninsula, it boasts a beautiful coast and beaches. South Korea also has many beautiful islands, including Jeju Island, the largest and most popular. Furthermore, the country has 22 national parks with countless mountains. The combination of mountains and coast makes South Korea a popular destination.	High suicide rate 一 In South Korea, suicide rates are notably high due to the extremely stressful atmosphere surrounding education. In order to get into a good university, students are constantly pressured to perform better and study longer. Other reasons for the high suicide rate are workplace stress, poverty, and loneliness.
Unlimited opportunities 一 South Korea has many job opportunities. You can get a job only with a college degree. Further, the average income will be among the highest in the world.
24-hour convenience stores 一 convenience stores in South Korea are open 24/7. They offer anything you need, Starting from toiletries to ready-made meals.
Excellent education 一 South Korea has an education of high quality. They mostly focus on science, mathematics, Korean, and English.
Public healthcare 一 if you work in South Korea, the public healthcare system will cover you. The healthcare system is cheap, and it offers excellent medical care.