Region-specific (F-2-R) visa for depopulation areas (지역특화형 비자)
A stable Korean residence status, with your family, in exchange for settling in a shrinkin…
Record checked Oct 27, 2026 · official source not yet confirmed by our automated check
Summary
Ministry of Justice regional visa: foreigners already living in Korea who are recommended by a participating local government can switch to F-2-R residence if they live and work in a designated population-decline area; the scheme covers 89 depopulation areas plus 18 'areas of concern' (107 in total) with 5,072 F-2-R places allocated for 2025–26.
Dream spread
A stable Korean residence status, with your family, in exchange for settling in a shrinking rural county.
Relocation reality check
No cash — it is a residence status. You must already be in Korea on an eligible visa (seasonal, E-9/E-10 non-professional, trainee and similar statuses are excluded) and get a county recommendation. You must live in the recommending depopulation area for 5 years (after 2 years you may move to another depopulation area in the same province); quotas are set per local government. Korean at TOPIK/KIIP level 4 was required under the 2025 plan.
Your fit signals
The real program is below — the 0–100 scoring is a paid feature.
Full match score — Solo / Household
The 0–100 move-match score, quality score, and would-stay breakdown — with confidence and full reasoning — unlock on Solo and Household.
See Solo & Household plansCheck: Residence in South Korea required
The program expects you to live in, or hold residence in, South Korea — check on the official source whether that must…
Reality engine
Four lenses on whether this move fits you — tap a panel to see the logic behind each signal.
Eligibility
Foreign residents of Korea (excluding D-3, D-4, E-6-2, E-8, E-9, E-10, G-1, H-1 and other change-restricted statuses) recommended by a participating local government, with a Korean associate degree or higher or prior-year income ≥70% of per-capita GNI, and Korean ability at TOPIK/KIIP level 4+. E-7-4R holders with 3+ years in a depopulation area can also switch to F-2-R. Spouse and minor children may accompany and work (simple labour, within the target area).
Conditions
The program's rules on record, blockers first. Confirm each on the official source.
Residence in South Korea required
CautionThe program expects you to live in, or hold residence in, South Korea — check on the official source whether that must be in place before you apply.
The long game
If South Korea becomes home, here is the road from first visa to a second passport.
South Korea · residency → PR → citizenship
Curated- Y0Arrive
Costs & money
The amounts & terms on record from the official source. USD figures are estimates.
- Income requirement
- Either a Korean associate degree or higher, or prior-year income of at least 70% of Korea's per-capita GNI
- Property purchase
- Not required
True cost to move
Upfront cash, reimbursements, and net position after approval — not headline incentive amounts.
- Flights & logistics$1,200
- Temporary housing (90 days)$2,400
- Deposit / first month rent$2,000
- Visa & consular fees$500
- Health insurance$600
- Legal & translation$400
Application roadmap
A practical sequence — adjust for your consulate and timeline.
1. Confirm official eligibility
Read the primary government source.
2. Gather income & employment proof
Bank statements, contracts, or tax records.
3. Book consulate / immigration appointment
Slots vary by country and season.
4. Prepare health coverage
Meet minimum coverage rules before arrival.
Meet people before you go
Existing communities already talking about life in 🇰🇷 South Korea. Lurk, ask, make a friend — before the flight.
Source trail
We could not fully confirm the key figures against the official source. Check it yourself before relying on them.
“기존 인구감소지역(89개)에 추가로 인구감소관심지역(18개)을 포함하여 총 107개 지역으로 확대 … 지역특화 우수인재(F-2-R) 총 5,072명을 배정 … 한국어 능력 기준은 … 4단계[또는 한국어능력시험(TOPIK) 4급] 이상으로 상향 [Expanded to 107 areas; 5,072 F-2-R places; Korean requirement raised to level 4] (MOJ press release, 20 Feb 2025)”
Primary official sourceLast checked Oct 27, 2026- Secondary referenceLast checked Oct 27, 2026
Rule changes
CasaSedora last checked the official source on 14 Nov 2026. Changes appear here once two independent automated checks agree on them, or a person confirms them.
No rule changes recorded since monitoring began.
Our summaries point you to what moved — always confirm details on the official source.