Korean Job Discussion Forums

Smithington · Joined: 14 Dec 2011

I know this has probably been asked many times over the years. But, this being Korea, rules concerning foreigners change frequently and, more frequently than not, become more stringent and restrictive. Also, this being Korea, it is often difficult to get a straight, unambiguous answer to a straight, unambiguous question. Finally, few things in this country are enforced in a consistent manner across the board. In all, it's often difficult to know where one stands in relation to any particular situation in Korea, especially new situations.

So here is my question. (And again, I apologize if this has been asked several times before.)

To obtain an F-2 visa do I (or do I not) need to show that I have 30 million won in my bank account.

Thanks kindly.

Carbon · Joined: 28 Jan 2011

I can't say the amount exactly, but I and 2 of my colleagues had to prove financial independence or whatever they call it. We all had more than 30 million in cash or assets, so again, I can't say that there was a particular level or mark I had to attain, which would have made me aware of a certain number. I too have heard 30 million on many occasions and if common thought means truth (big 'if' there), then yes, 30 million sounds right. Otherwise, a phone call or two should sort this out.

From the Korean Gov't website: (this I believe speaks of the F5 visa, but I would think they would have the same or very similar requirements)

- Bank Balance containing more than KR30 million in the name of the applicant or the family

- Lease contract or Estate registry equivalent to KR30 million

r122925 · Joined: 02 Jun 2011

As Carbon pointed out, yes this requirement exists on paper. The problem is that it's not exactly evenly enforced. That's why you get so many different answers when you ask a question like this. "I had to show my bank statement".... "oh yea? I got my visa 3 weeks ago and i didn't have to!!"... standard Dave's flamewar ensues.

It may depend on where you apply (consulate outside of Korea vs. immigration office inside of Korea) and it may even depend on the individual immigration officer that handles your case.

I know in some cases they will overlook this if you have a steady job in Korea, but if you're applying from abroad and have nothing in Korea (no house, no job, etc) they're probably going to make sure you have money to support yourself.

Also, I know some people who didn't have the money who managed to borrow it from friends and family members and then pay it back as soon as they got the visa. Maybe an option for you?

I knot this probably isn't the clear answer you wanted to hear, but it's the best you're going to get.

Good luck.

Smithington · Joined: 14 Dec 2011

Skippy · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon

rendragmc · Joined: 21 May 2010

Just for clarification: Is this situation referring to a F-2 given via the point system or because of marriage to a Korean national? I ask this because I recently got married and am going to call immigration today to ask them loads of questions about what I need for the F-2.

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

If your immigration office isn't too far away, go there and ask them what you will need. Getting what they want is probably easier than finding out what they want.

In my case they just wanted a bank statement of some kind (I forget what exactly.) I did not have 30'000'000원 in my account and had no trouble getting my F-2. Less than a year ago.

Swampfox10mm · Joined: 24 Mar 2011

We showed them combined assets over that, and combined was enough.

phatrick · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Busan

I didn't have to show them any financial information at the Busan immi.

Swampfox10mm · Joined: 24 Mar 2011

I am not sure they even looked at the paper we gave showing the money we had. Honestly I think that rule is just an "out" they can use to deny a visa to some poor sod from SE Asia or Russia or somewhere they might consider less desirable.

rendragmc · Joined: 21 May 2010

Was at the Seoul Immigration Office in Yangcheon-dong today. They didn't ask for any financial info at all beyond my job certificate, however, they wanted a US marriage certificate! They said the US Embassy would give me one. I, in my most polite broken Korean was like, WTF? I asked him why and explained that says right on the embassy website that they don't perform marriages and will only authenticate a translated and notarized Korean marriage certificate if it has been notarized by one their registered Korean notaries (but that would be for use in the US).

Anyway, the dude wouldn't give me a good explanation, nor accept my rationale, and sent me on my way. Anyone have any experience with this one? I guess I'll call the embassy in the morning.

Sorry to hijack this thread.

transmogrifier · Joined: 02 Jan 2012 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Applied for an F2 (now known as an F6) in Auckland, and I definitely had to bring in my bank records, though they didn't specify the amount they were looking for (I had over $30,000 anyway).

Malislamusrex · Joined: 01 Feb 2010

me neither, but I did show them my new contract.

If the guy in immigration likes the look of you, it's possible to get a visa without much hassle, I got one without a marriage certificate from my own country.