Living and working in a region — Regional Resident (F-2-R)

Regional Resident (F-2-R) is a resident status granted with a recommendation from a metropolitan or provincial government that has depopulating areas, on the condition that you live and work in that region.

Under the standard in force from 3 August 2026 (Ministry of Justice Public Notice No. 2026-248), the requirements are: (1) a recommendation letter from the head of a participating government; (2) a Korean associate degree or higher (earned after entering a school for Student status and staying in Korea 2 years or more), or annual income at or above the living wage of the recommending government; (3) TOPIK level 3 or higher, or completion of KIIP level 3 or higher (including placement at level 4 or higher in the pre-assessment); and (4) living and working or running a business in the recommending region for 5 years or more from the date you receive it. This amendment eased the Korean standard from level 4 to level 3.

The eligible areas are depopulating areas and areas of concern within the participating governments, and requirements may differ by region. Check each government's notice for the recommendation schedule and regional requirements.