Quick answer
F-2-99 is not a new tech visa. It is the long-standing “other long-term residence” subtype of the F-2 residence visa, for foreigners who have lived in Korea continuously for 5 years or more in a status other than the diplomatic ones (A-1 to A-3), have their base of life in Korea and are recognized by the Minister of Justice. Tech professionals who want residence faster usually look at the points-based F-2-7 or, if they meet its elite criteria, the top-tier F-2-T visa linked to the K-Tech Pass.
Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
Correcting a Common Myth
An earlier version of this article described F-2-99 as a tech fast-track launched in January 2026 with three qualification tracks. That was wrong. F-2-99 is an existing residual category of the F-2 residence visa, and there is no tech-specific F-2-99 track. This page has been rewritten to explain what F-2-99 actually is and which routes fit tech professionals.
What Is F-2-99?
The F-2 (residence) visa is defined in item 24 of Annex 1-2 to the Immigration Act Enforcement Decree. Item 24(f) covers:
a person who has stayed in Korea continuously for 5 years or more in a status other than diplomacy (A-1), official duty (A-2) or agreement (A-3), whose base of life is in Korea, and who is recognized by the Minister of Justice.
This category is commonly coded F-2-99 (“other long-term residence”). In practice the immigration office also looks at income, assets, Korean language or social integration, and the applicant’s compliance record under Ministry of Justice guidelines. Those detailed criteria are not in the Decree itself and change from time to time, so confirm them with the immigration office before you apply.
Key points
- Residence-based, not sector-based: there is no requirement to work in tech, and no tech-specific track.
- Long wait: 5+ years of continuous stay is the starting point.
- Discretionary: recognition by the Minister of Justice is required, so meeting the 5-year mark does not guarantee approval.
What F-2 Residence Lets You Do
F-2 is a residence status rather than a job-tied work visa. Compared with an employer-sponsored E-7, F-2 holders generally have much more freedom to change jobs and to work in different fields, and F-2 time counts toward the general F-5 permanent residence route. Check any activity limits stated on your status before changing your work.
Routes That Actually Suit Tech Talent
1. Top-tier visa (F-2-T) via the K-Tech Pass
Launched on April 2, 2025, the top-tier visa gives elite talent in advanced industries F-2 residence from the start and permanent residency eligibility after 3 years (Ministry of Justice). The original criteria are:
- Work for a Korean company in an advanced industry (semiconductors, displays, secondary batteries and biotechnology at launch)
- A master’s or doctorate from a world top-100 university
- 8+ years of experience including 3+ years at a Global 500 company, or 5+ years post-doctoral including 3+ years at a leading research institute
- Annual employment income of at least three times per-capita GNI (about KRW 150 million at launch)
Since July 2, 2026, a qualitative evaluation track and a government-scholar track have widened access (joint press release). See our K-Tech Pass guide for details.
2. Points-based residence (F-2-7)
The F-2-7 awards points for age, education, income, Korean language and similar factors under a Ministry of Justice notice (item 24(i) of Annex 1-2). The commonly cited pass mark is 80 points; confirm the current point table with the immigration office. F-2-7 holders can apply for F-5 after 3+ years in that status if the Minister of Justice recognizes the need for continued residence (item 13 of Annex 1-3).
3. Work visa first (E-7), then residence
Most foreign engineers start on the E-7 professional visa. See our E-7 sponsorship checklist. E-7 time can later support an F-2-7 application or, after 5+ years, the general F-5 route.
4. Founders: D-8 and D-8-4
Founders typically use the D-8 investor visa (at least KRW 100 million per foreign investor) or the D-8-4 technology startup visa. An investor with at least USD 500,000 can move to F-2 after 3 years of continuous D-8 stay, or with USD 300,000 and two Korean employees (item 24(d) of Annex 1-2). D-8-4 founders who stay 3+ years, attract KRW 300 million or more from investors and employ at least two Koreans can apply for F-5 (item 15 of Annex 1-3). See our D-8 business substance guide.
Comparison Table
| Route | Minimum stay before residence | Core requirement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-2-99 | 5+ years continuous | Base of life in Korea, Minister’s recognition | Long-term residents of any field |
| F-2-T (K-Tech Pass) | None (granted at start) | Elite degree, experience and salary, or qualitative evaluation | Senior specialists in advanced industries |
| F-2-7 | Depends on point table | Points pass mark | Skilled workers who score well |
| Investor F-2 | 3 years on D-8 (or none with USD 300,000 + 2 Korean employees) | USD 500,000 / USD 300,000 investment | Investors and founders |
Path to Permanent Residency (F-5)
Under Annex 1-3 to the Immigration Act Enforcement Decree:
- General route: 5+ years of stay in D-7 to E-7 status or F-2 status
- F-2-7 holders: 3+ years in that status
- Top-tier (F-2-T) holders: eligible after 3 years, according to the Ministry of Justice
- Investors: USD 500,000 invested plus at least five Korean employees, with no minimum residence period
- D-8-4 founders: 3+ years, KRW 300 million attracted, at least two Korean employees
In each case the immigration office applies further criteria (income or assets, Korean language and integration, criminal record).
Common Pitfalls
Relying on unofficial “new visa” claims
Check any claimed new visa against the Immigration Act Enforcement Decree or a Ministry of Justice press release before acting on it.
Breaking continuity
F-2-99 and several F-5 routes count continuous stay. Long absences or gaps between statuses can reset the clock.
Ignoring the discretionary element
Several routes depend on the Minister of Justice’s recognition. Keep tax, social insurance and immigration records clean throughout your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is F-2-99 a tech visa?
No. It is the general “other long-term residence” F-2 subtype for people who have lived in Korea continuously for 5+ years, with no tech-specific criteria.
What is the fastest residence route for tech professionals?
For those who meet its criteria, the top-tier F-2-T visa through the K-Tech Pass grants F-2 residence at the start, with permanent residency eligibility after 3 years.
Do I need Korean language skills for F-2-99?
The Decree does not state a language test, but the immigration office’s guidelines assess social integration and related factors. Confirm the current documents and criteria with the immigration office.
How SMA Lawfirm Can Help
We assess which residence route fits your history (F-2-99, F-2-7, F-2-T, investor F-2 or a direct F-5 route), prepare the application and plan the timing around continuity requirements.
📩 Contact us at sma@saemunan.com to discuss your residence options.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration criteria change; confirm current requirements with the immigration office before applying.
Official Sources
For authoritative reference, consult the following Korean government portals: