01General investment
1.5 billionKRW minimum
F-2 → F-5
Eligible applicants first apply for F-2 residence. After maintaining the investment for at least five years, they may apply to change to F-5 permanent residence.
IISPB
An investment plan.
A residence pathway.
This page covers the principal-guaranteed, interest-free route under the Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business (IISPB). Funds are deposited into the public fund operated by Korea Development Bank (KDB), as entrusted by the Ministry of Justice.
This designated public fund investment must follow the programme's procedures.
02High-value investment
3 billionKRW minimum
F-5
Eligible applicants may apply for F-5 permanent residence on the condition of maintaining the investment for at least five years. Withdrawing the investment before completing five years results in cancellation of this F-5 status.
Principal, time and budget
- Return of principal
- The Ministry describes this route as principal-guaranteed and interest-free. General-route investors may request the return of principal after maintaining the investment for at least five years and obtaining F-5 status. High-value investors must also complete the required five-year holding period. Fund documents and authority requirements govern the return process.
- Cost of committing funds
- The investment pays no interest. Consider exposure to the Korean won, the opportunity cost of committed capital, and transfer and currency-conversion costs.
- Application budget
- The investment threshold is not the total cost. Confirm application, document certification, translation and professional fees separately before proceeding.
Include your family's plans.
Spouses and qualifying unmarried children may be included in residence planning. We review family relationships, children's circumstances and application timing to identify relevant conditions and evidence.
CONATUS MOBILITY
From initial review
to ongoing support.
Conatus Mobility helps coordinate the pathway, documents and continuing arrangements. A written agreement defines the scope of our services.
- 01
Eligibility and objectives
Review your family, current status and funding plans to identify the relevant investment category.
- 02
Funds and documents
Check source-of-funds evidence, transfer procedures and documentation against authority and bank requirements before arranging the investment.
- 03
Application support
Coordinate submission and in-person requirements, and follow up on additional documents and review progress.
- 04
Ongoing arrangements
Track the investment period, document expiry and reporting dates; help prepare for a later status change or return of funds.
QUESTIONS & CLARITY
Clarity before you begin.
Does an ordinary bank term deposit qualify?
No. This route requires a qualifying investment in the designated public fund, followed by the prescribed residence application. An ordinary bank deposit is not a substitute.
Is permanent residence automatic after five years?
No. The general route still requires an application and assessment. Review the continued investment, residence status and other applicable conditions before applying.
Can the principal be returned after permanent residence?
The Ministry states that general-route F-5 status continues after the qualifying five-year investment is returned through the prescribed process. High-value investors must also complete the required five-year holding period.
Is there a lower threshold for new applicants aged 55 or over?
The former retirement-investment category was abolished on 29 June 2023. New applicants should use the current general or high-value investment thresholds, rather than earlier KRW 300 million or KRW 500 million figures.
Must I live in South Korea long term?
Registration, absence, re-entry and status-maintenance requirements need to be checked for the approved category and your circumstances. We clarify these arrangements during planning, without blanket promises of no visits or ongoing obligations.
How long does an application take?
Timing depends on documents, funding procedures, appointments and official assessment. An individual plan follows the initial review; we do not promise a fixed approval date.
Policy references and notes
Reviewed on 17 September 2026. Current authority requirements and individual assessment determine eligibility and outcomes.
Conatus Mobility provides advisory and coordination services, independently of the Korean government and fund operator. Residence is not citizenship. General information only, not individual legal or investment advice; authorities determine application outcomes.
Begin with your family's plans.
Discuss your funding arrangements, family needs and longer-term options with us.
Talk to us