Recent Changes to Marriage Visa Requirements in Korea 2025:
The Ministry of Justice has recently announced an updated notice (No. 2024-587) regarding the requirements for obtaining marriage-based visas in Korea. At Pureum Law Office, we understand these changes may affect many of our international clients planning to join their Korean spouses. Let’s break down the key points of these new regulations set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
Income Requirements for Korean Sponsors
One of the most significant aspects of the marriage visa process is the financial requirement for Korean citizens sponsoring their foreign spouses. According to the new guidelines, the Korean spouse must demonstrate an annual pre-tax income (based on the previous year) that meets the following thresholds:
- 2-person household: ₩23,595,948
- 3-person household: ₩30,152,118
- 4-person household: ₩36,586,638
- 5-person household: ₩42,649,152
- 6-person household: ₩48,388,830
- 7-person household: ₩53,930,568
For households with 8 or more people, the requirement increases by ₩5,541,738 per additional person.
How Household Size is Calculated
- If the sponsor lives alone: 2-person household (sponsor + foreign spouse)
- If the sponsor lives with direct family members (including children from previous marriages or parents): Those family members are counted in the household size
Recognized Income Sources
The income calculation includes the sum of the following from the past year:
- Employment income
- Business income (including agriculture, forestry, and fishery)
- Real estate rental income
- Interest income
- Dividend income
- Pension income
Non-regular income sources are excluded from this calculation.
Alternative Financial Qualifications
If the sponsor’s income falls short of the requirement, there are alternative ways to qualify:
- Assets: 5% of the sponsor’s assets (deposits, insurance, securities, real estate, etc.) can be counted as income. Note that only assets held for more than 6 months are recognized, and only net assets (minus debt) are counted.
- Family Income: The income or assets of direct family members living in the same household can be considered if they meet the requirements.
Korean Language Proficiency Requirement
Foreign spouses must demonstrate basic Korean language proficiency through one of these methods:
- TOPIK Level 1 or higher (valid certificate required)
- Completion of Korean language courses at a Korean Education Center (Level 2, 120+ hours) or King Sejong Institute (beginner level, 120+ hours)
- Completion of approved Korean language courses designated by diplomatic missions
- Completion of KIIP Level 2 or higher
- University degree in Korean language studies
Exemption Criteria
The notice also outlines various situations where certain requirements may be waived:
Exemptions for Previous Spouse Sponsorship (within 5 years)
- If the couple has a child together
- If the previous marriage was annulled due to fraud (marriage of convenience)
- If the previous visa application was denied or the foreign spouse never entered Korea
- If the previous spouse died due to circumstances not attributable to the sponsor
Income Requirement Exemptions
- If the couple has a child together
- If the couple lived abroad together for more than a year after marriage
- Other special circumstances recognized by the Minister of Justice
Korean Language Requirement Exemptions
- If the couple has a child together
- If the foreign spouse is an ethnic Korean with demonstrated Korean language ability
- If the foreign spouse previously resided in Korea for more than a year continuously
- If the Korean spouse lived in the foreign spouse’s country for more than a year
- If both spouses lived in a third country (where neither Korean nor the foreign spouse’s language is used) for more than a year
- If the Korean spouse’s pre-naturalization nationality shares the same language as the foreign spouse
How This Affects You
At Pureum Law Office, we understand that navigating visa requirements can be challenging, especially when they involve your family life. These new guidelines will affect all marriage visa applications submitted from January 1, 2025.
If you’re planning to sponsor a foreign spouse or are a foreign national hoping to join your Korean spouse in Korea, we recommend preparing your documentation well in advance to ensure a smooth application process.
Our team of experienced immigration attorneys is available to review your specific situation and provide guidance tailored to your needs. Whether you have questions about income documentation, language proficiency evidence, or potential exemptions that might apply to your case, don’t hesitate to reach out.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact Pureum Law Office today.
