Korean Job Discussion Forums

lastat06513 · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:01 pm Post subject: Permanent Residency~~ any info???

Me and my friend were talking about this yesterday and we heard a variety of different answers on trying to get permanent residency here in Korea (yet keeping your nationality).
He said for Canadians, it is 2 years of uninterrupted time in-country under a certain visa status.
I was just wondering if anyone had or knew how to get it?
Especially in regards to Americans.

Inquiring minds want to know...... Question

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

I heard after 5 years. But immigration did not know about this. I also heard it was 12 years and I heard it was 8 years.

And I read 3 years ago that they creating a "denizen" status available after 5 years.

I am in my sixth year and might test that at next renewal in November 2006.

Truth is, so sorry, I know nuffink.

And that may be as much as anyone else. Wink

komtengi · Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Location: Slummin it up in Haebangchon

I was at immigration the other day... and inquired about it... must have been here for 5 years to apply, and then they will consider whether or not to give it to you.

Mashimaro · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Location: location, location

kangnamdragon · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Kangnam, Seoul, Korea

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

komtengi · Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Location: Slummin it up in Haebangchon

Mashimaro · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Location: location, location

Holyjoe · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Location: Away for a cuppa

I know from the cases of a few foreign soccer players that you can take Korean citizenship if you've been living in Korea for five years and can pass the language, culture and history tests required to get the citizenship. Players from Tajikistan, Russia and Croatia have done this in the past to become Korean citizens.

However the OP doesn't want to take citizenship, but instead wants a kind of permanent residency without having to relinquish his current nationality so that rules the above out.

The EFL law forum gives information about getting an F2 visa based on long-term residence (ie without marrying a Korean national) - apparently you can apply for that after seven years' residency in Korea but you need to be of some special 'use' to Korea and EFL law reckon it would be pretty hard to qualify for.

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

A D8 is a foreign investor's visa and provides a work and residence permit. It gives me great flexibility in working patterns. In my case I can have contracts with one or more companies, in Korea or outside. There are too certain tax-breaks. I have had a D8 since my arrival over 5 years ago. Were I to abandon it now it would reduce my opportunities not increase them.

At last renewla, it was renewd for 2 years and at the next it is likely to be good for 3 years (currently the maximum permitted).

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

I see.. I know next to nothing about the D visas Razz

... it makes sense to do what you do.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

A new law about this went into effect in about 2002. If I remember correctly, someone wanting permanent residency needed to have lived here for 7 years and have W20 million in the bank.

I met those requirements so I took a professional Korean translator (knowing things would not be simple) with me to immigration. I was right about it not being simple. According to the immigration officer, this law was passed for ethnic Koreans born abroad. It was not possible for non-ethnic Koreans to get permanent residency, according to that official.

I think we all know how local officials interpret laws as they see fit, and whether or not they are correct is anyone's guess.

kangnamdragon · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Kangnam, Seoul, Korea

It would not be that difficult for an ethnic Korean to get residency. Is there a copy of that law in Korean and English?