What can and can't you do with an F-5 (permanent resident) visa?

F-5 (permanent resident) has no activity restrictions based on visa status. So you can work, run a business, and study almost without choosing the type of job. But activities that break the law are of course not allowed, and permanent residents also have reporting duties they must follow.

What you can do

• Get a job at a company, change jobs, or work part-time. You do not need permission to change your workplace or a part-time work permit.
• Start a business, be self-employed, or work as a freelancer
• Enter a school or study a language
• Unlike other visas, you do not need to extend your period of stay. There is no upper limit on the period of stay you can receive at one time.
• If you come back within 2 years of the day you left Korea, you do not need a re-entry permit.

What you can't do and what you must follow

• You must not work in illegal businesses (gambling, sex-trade-related venues, etc.) or run such venues. Work that is illegal for Korean citizens is also illegal for permanent residents.
• If you move, report your change of residence within 15 days of the day you moved to the new address. The report is free.
• If you plan to stay overseas for more than 2 years, you must get a re-entry permit before you leave. The fee is 30,000 KRW for single entry and 50,000 KRW for multiple entry. If you go over 2 years without permission, you may lose your permanent resident status.
• You usually need to get your permanent resident card reissued within its validity period. The reissue fee is 35,000 KRW.

⚠️ Things to be careful about

Even permanent residents can be subject to deportation if they commit a serious crime. If you are punished, your permanent resident status can also be at risk, so be careful.

For exact details, check again with HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Helpline (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).