How Can International Students Get PR in South Korea in 2025?

Are you an international student wanting to settle in South Korea? Do you want to know how international students can get PR in South Korea? You have come to the right page! This blog covers everything you need to know about the South Korean PR – its eligibility, requirements, and application process. You will also learn how you can switch from a student visa to PR, and how long you have to stay to be eligible for it. Keep reading to find out the answers!

How Can International Students Get PR in South Korea?

International students can get a PR in South Korea. However, you cannot obtain a PR directly after graduation. To obtain a PR you have to stay in the country for at least 5 years as a resident. This means you need to complete your studies in South Korea, apply for a post-study work permit, get a work permit, and get employment. After you have completed 5 years of stay you can apply for PR. Ensure you meet all the requirements before you apply. 

How Do International Students Get PR in South Korea?

How can international students get PR in South Korea? International students can get a PR if they stay in the country for 5 years. Follow the steps below to meet the duration of stay-

Complete your studies

First, enrol in a top educational institution in South Korea. Thereafter, apply for a student visa, and travel to South Korea. You can apply for a residence permit for studies to extend your stay. The duration of studies is counted towards PR duration. However, it is not the only criterion.

Apply for a Post Study Permit 

After you complete your studies you can apply for a post-study permit. The post-study permit is valid for 2 years. During this period you can search for employment in South Korea. You can also learn how you can set up a business.

Apply for Long Term Employment

After you get a job offer you can apply for a work permit. The employer applies for a work permit on your behalf. Ensure that you are seeking long-term work. You also need a residence permit for work. Long-term employment allows you to stay for up to 5 years. This is because employment visas can be renewed.

Choose Point Based System Pathway (Optional)

Applicants ineligible for permanent residence through employment can meet points. South Korea also offers PR based on points. You need to secure 80 points out of 120 points to get a PR. In this case, you will be evaluated based on your education, age, Korean language proficiency, annual income, and work experience. 

Stay for 5 Years 

Those meeting the employment criteria need to stay for 5 years. After 5 years apply for a PR. Ensure you meet additional PR requirements. The South Korean PR will allow you to stay for an indefinite period.

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How Do You Qualify for PR in South Korea?

How can international students get PR in South Korea? To get PR in South Korea you must stay in the country for 5 years. Moreover, you must come under any of the following categories-

1. Staying in South Korea for 5 or more years as a migrant worker
2. Completed official programs at graduate schools and obtained a doctoral degree
3. Obtained a doctorate overseas but have majored in advanced technology, and are employed by a company in Korea.
4. Have specialised skills in areas such as education, science, and administration
5. Worked in the manufacturing industry, etc in the same business for more than 4 years with an H-2 visa.
6. You have lived in Korea for 3 or more years by acquiring a point-based residency visa (F-2)
7. If you have invested in a business or real estate of public interest for 5 years or more 
8. A foreign investor invested around USD 500,000 and has given employment to 5 or more Koreans.

Learn about the Korean Government Scholarship Program

South Korea PR Requirements for International Students 

How can international students get PR in South Korea? To get a PR you must meet the requirements. The general requirements to get a South Korean PR are as follows-

South Korea PR Requirements	Description
Passport	Valid at the time of PR application
Alien registration card	Your ARC must be valid at the time of applicaton
Proof of finance	For example, previous bank statements, tax returns, salary slips, etc
Medical examination report	To prove that you are healthy
Proof of employment/business ownership	Company registration certificate, employment contract etc
Langauge proficiency	Proof of Korean language proficiency (for point-based system applicants)
Graduation certificates	Proof of educational qualifications in Korea

Note- If requested, you may have to submit additional documents.

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Where to Apply for Permanent Residency in Korea?

How can international students get PR in South Korea? To get a PR you must stay in the country for 5 years. After completing 5 years you can apply for a PR. The PR application can be submitted at-

Permit	Where to Apply
South Korea PR	Ministry of Justice- Korea Immigration Service

You can also get South Korean PR by investment, watch this video to learn about it:

How Long Does It Take to Get PR in Korea?

How can international students get PR in South Korea? To get PR in South Korea you must stay in the country for 5 years. After 5 years the application for PR can be made. Once the application is submitted it is processed. The processing time are provided below: 

Permit	Processing Time
South Korea PR	3 to 6 months

How Much is Permanent Residency in Korea?

To get a PR you must pay the fees. The cost of a permanent residency application is estimated to be around-

Permit	Fees
South Korea PR	200,000 Korean Won (KRW

What are the Benefits of Permanent Residency in South Korea?

Now you know how can international students get PR in South Korea. The permanent residency status comes with a lot of benefits. Some of these benefits include- 

1. You can live, study or work in South Korea for an indefinite period
2. You can change jobs without renewal requirements 
3. Moreover, access to the public healthcare system similar to a citizen 
4. Reunify with your family members 
5. No requirement to give up your original nationality
6. No need to secure re-entry permission (if you have left the country for less than 2 years)
7. Right to vote (if you are above 19). You can vote in local elections
8. Pathway to citizenship

How Long Does It Take to Become a Citizen in South Korea?

You know how can international students get PR in South Korea. The South Korean PR is a pathway to citizenship. After you have held permanent residency status for 5 years you can apply to become a citizen in the country. The country does not offer dual citizenship. This means you will have to revoke your original citizenship.

To become a South Korean citizen you need to meet the PR requirements. For example, you must be at least 20 years of age, hold an ARC, be eligible to work in Korea, have a valid Korean address, and be of good conduct. You must be able to support yourself and must have basic knowledge of South Korean culture.

FAQs

We hope you now have the answer to your question-How can international students get PR in South Korea? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!