Most people calculate their F-2-7 score using their salary. That’s the wrong number. The figure immigration actually checks is your 소득금액증명원 — the taxed income certificate issued by the National Tax Service. For someone earning ₩55 million in total compensation, that document might show ₩47 million. One income bracket lower. That gap alone can cost you 5 points and drop your visa from 2 years to 1.
The gap between your salary and your certified income matters beyond visa applications too. Banks use the same document for credit assessments, and it serves as official proof of income for international purposes. If the number surprises you when you pull it, it’s better to find out now than at the immigration counter.
What is the F-2-7 Visa and Why Does Your Score Matter?
The F-2-7 visa, officially called the “점수제 거주비자” (Jeomsuje Geojubija, or Points-Based Residence Visa), also known as the “Outstanding Talent” visa, is Korea’s way of saying: “We want skilled professionals to stay long-term.” Unlike an E-7 visa that keeps you tied to one employer, or a D-10 job-seeking visa that’s constantly running out, the F-2-7 gives you something precious—freedom.
With an F-2-7, you can:
- Work for any employer without visa sponsorship
- Start your own business
- Stay in Korea for 1-5 years depending on your score
- Eventually apply for permanent residency (F-5)
Score Thresholds and Stay Duration
According to the Korea Immigration Service, the F-2-7 uses a points system with a maximum of 170 points (130 from standard categories + 40 bonus points).
| Total Score | Stay Duration | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 80-109 points | 1 year | Annual renewal required |
| 110-119 points | 2 years | Good score with less frequent renewals |
| 120-129 points | 3 years | Strong score with a comfortable buffer |
| 130+ points | 5 years | Maximum stay |
Age Points Table: The Factor You Can’t Change (Maximum 25 Points)
Your age points are calculated based on your 만 나이 (man nai), which is your international age on the date of application. and your age points can drop the day after your birthday. If you’re turning 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 soon, timing your application is critical.
| Age Range (만 나이) | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 23 points | Young professionals just starting out |
| 25-29 | 25 points | MAXIMUM SCORE |
| 30-34 | 23 points | Still strong |
| 35-39 | 20 points | Slight decrease begins |
| 40-44 | 12 points | Noticeable drop |
| 45-50 | 8 points | Compensate with other categories |
| 51+ | 3 points | Focus on income and education |
Education Points Table: Where Your Degree Pays Off (Maximum 25-35 Points)
Your highest completed degree determines your education points. Korea awards bonus points for STEM fields (이공계, pronounced “ee-gong-gye”) and degrees from Korean universities or top-ranked global institutions.
| Education Level | Standard Points | STEM Field (이공계) |
|---|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) | 20 points | 25 points |
| Master’s Degree | 17 points | 20 points |
| Bachelor’s Degree (4-year) | 15 points | 17 points |
| Associate Degree (전문학사) | 10 points | 15 points |
| High School / No Degree | 0-5 points | — |
What Counts as STEM (이공계)?
STEM fields that qualify for bonus points generally include:
- Engineering (all types)
- Computer Science / IT
- Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Architecture (technical)
University Ranking Bonus Points
Graduates from top-ranked universities can receive additional bonus points (counted separately in the bonus category). According to official guidelines, this includes:
- Top 200 global universities: Up to 15 bonus points
- Top Korean universities (SKY, KAIST, POSTECH, etc.): Up to 10-15 bonus points
Important: Document Requirements for Education
Required documents:
- Original degree certificate (or certified copy)
- Apostille or consular authentication (for foreign degrees)
- Official transcript showing your major field
- Korean translation (공증번역, certified notarized translation) if not in Korean or English
Note: Certificates of completion (수료증, suryo-jeung) are NOT accepted—only full degrees count.
Korean Language Points: TOPIK vs KIIP (Maximum 20 Points)
| Proficiency Level | TOPIK Level | KIIP Level | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced | Level 5–6 | Level 5 | 20 points |
| Upper-Intermediate | Level 4 | Level 4 | 15 points |
| Intermediate | Level 3 | Level 3 | 10 points |
| Elementary | Level 2 | Level 2 | 5 points |
| Beginner | Level 1 | Level 1 | 3 points |
| No Certification | — | — | 0 points |
TOPIK vs KIIP: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | TOPIK | KIIP |
|---|---|---|
| Format | One-time exam | Course-based (100 hours per level) |
| Time Investment | Self-study + 1 exam day | Several months of classes |
| Cost | ₩55,000 per attempt | FREE (government-funded program) |
| Validity | 2 years from test date | No expiration |
| Bonus Points | Standard language points only | Level 5 completion may give extra bonus points |
| Best For | Fast track if you’re already proficient | Building skills while earning bonus points |
Income Points Table: Where High Earners Shine (Maximum 60 Points)
Income is the highest-weighted category in the F-2-7 system, worth up to 60 points. Your score is based on your annual taxable income from the previous year, as shown on your 소득금액증명원 (sodeuggeumaek jeungmyeongwon, or Income Amount Certificate).
| Annual Income (KRW) | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ₩100,000,000+ (100M+) | 60 points | Maximum score |
| ₩90,000,000 – ₩99,999,999 | 58 points | — |
| ₩80,000,000 – ₩89,999,999 | 56 points | Strong earner bracket |
| ₩70,000,000 – ₩79,999,999 | 53 points | — |
| ₩60,000,000 – ₩69,999,999 | 50 points | — |
| ₩50,000,000 – ₩59,999,999 | 45 points | — |
| ₩40,000,000 – ₩49,999,999 | 40 points | Waives 3-year requirement! |
| ₩30,000,000 – ₩39,999,999 | 30 points | — |
| Minimum wage – ₩29,999,999 | 10 points | Minimum for eligibility |
| Below minimum wage / No income | 0 points | May not qualify |
소득금액증명원 (Income Certificate) Critical Requirements
The document you need is the 소득금액증명원 (Income Amount Certificate), available in about 5 minutes at hometax.go.kr or in person at any 세무서 (tax office, about 30 minutes). It must be issued within 3 months of your application and must show the previous tax year’s income. Only taxed income appears — salary and properly reported freelance income count, unreported cash and foreign income not taxed in Korea do not.
Bonus Points (Maximum 40 Points)
Beyond the standard categories, you can earn up to 40 additional bonus points.
Bonus Point Categories
| Category | Detail | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Korean War Veteran Nation | Outstanding talent recommended by a central administrative agency | 20점 |
| Central Government Recommendation | Official recommendation from a central administrative agency head | 20점 |
| KIIP Level 5 Completion | Social Integration Program — Level 5 completion certificate. No expiration date. | 10점 |
| Top University Graduate | Times / QS World Top 500 — PhD / Master’s / Bachelor’s | 30 / 20 / 15점 |
| Korean university — PhD / Master’s / Bachelor’s | 10 / 7 / 5점 | |
| Volunteer Activities in Korea | 3+ years / 2–3 years / 1–2 years | 7 / 5 / 1점 |
Note: QS rankings update every October. The 2026 rankings were released in
October 2025. If your university moved in or out of the Top 500, your bonus points change — verify at topuniversities.com before applying.
Deduction Categories
| Category | Detail | Deduction |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Act Violations (Total penalty amount) |
₩3,000,000 or more | −30점 |
| ₩1,000,000 – ₩2,999,999 | −20점 | |
| ₩500,000 – ₩999,999 | −10점 | |
| Criminal Record | Imprisonment or higher (including suspended sentence) | −40점 |
| Fine of ₩2,000,000 – ₩3,000,000 | −30점 | |
| Fine under ₩2,000,000 | −20점 | |
| Accompanying Family / Invitee | Illegal stay, fine of ₩1M+, deportation order, or forced departure within past 3 years | −10점 |
Strategies to Boost Your F-2-7 Score
If you’re short of 80 points or trying to reach a higher bracket, the fastest
lever is almost always Korean language. TOPIK costs ₩55,000, runs six times a year, and a single level jump can add 5–10 points immediately.
The second fastest is timing. If you’re about to cross an age bracket — turning
35, 40, or 45 — applying before your birthday preserves 2–8 points you’d otherwise lose permanently.
Income takes longer but moves the needle most. Crossing from ₩39M to ₩40M adds 10 points and also waives the 3-year residency requirement. Crossing from ₩49M to ₩50M adds another 5.
For longer timelines: KIIP takes 6–12 months but is free, never expires, and
Level 5 completion adds bonus points on top of the base language score. A Korean master’s degree adds both education points and, if the school ranks well, university bonus points — useful if you were already considering graduate school. Working at a KOSPI/KOSDAQ listed company for 3+ years adds up to 5 bonus points.
TOPIK Score Impact by Level
For most applicants, TOPIK offers the best return on effort. Going from Level 2 to Level 4 adds 10 points. Level 4 to Level 5–6 adds another 5. If you have no certificate at all, passing Level 5 or 6 is worth 20 points in a single sitting — more than you can gain from any other category without changing jobs or going back to school. The exam costs ₩55,000 and runs six times a year.
Official Resources and Links
Always verify information with these official sources before applying:
- Korea Immigration Service – Official policy announcements and visa requirements
- HiKorea Online Portal – Online applications, appointment booking, and official point calculator
- Ministry of Justice Korea – Immigration law and regulation updates
- HomeTax (국세청) – Download your 소득금액증명원 (income verification certificate)
- KIIP Registration (사회통합정보망) – Register for free Korean language and integration courses
- Kowork: From E-7-1 to F-2-7 Guide
- Kowork: F-2-7 Points-Based Outstanding Talent Visa
- Dev-Korea: D-10 to F-2-7 Without E-7
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use my gross salary or only my taxed income for the F-2-7 score?
Only your taxed income counts. Korea’s immigration system uses your 소득금액증명원 (Income Certificate) from the National Tax Service, which shows only your officially taxed earnings. Untaxed allowances like meal allowances (식비) or transportation allowances (교통비) are excluded. Always check your actual certificate before calculating your score — many people are surprised to find their taxable income is lower than their total compensation.
Q2: My birthday is coming up soon. Should I apply before or after?
Apply before your birthday if it will move you into a lower age bracket. For example, if you turn 35 next month, your age points drop from 23 to 19 — that’s a 4-point loss. If you’re close to the 80-point minimum, this could mean the difference between qualifying and not qualifying. Always calculate your score as of your application date.
Q3: Does my TOPIK score expire before my F-2-7 application?
Yes. TOPIK certificates are only valid for 2 years from the test date. If your certificate has expired, you’ll receive 0 language points regardless of your previous level. Check your certificate date before calculating your score. If it’s expiring soon, either apply quickly or retake the test. KIIP completion certificates, on the other hand, never expire — another reason many long-term residents prefer KIIP.
Q4: Can I combine TOPIK and KIIP scores to get more points?
No. You can only claim points from one language certification — either TOPIK or KIIP, whichever gives you the higher score. You cannot add them together. However, if you have KIIP Level 5 completion, this may qualify you for bonus points in addition to the base language points, so check the latest bonus point categories on immigration.go.kr.
Q5: I have two bachelor’s degrees. Do I get points for both?
Having multiple degrees (다수학위) can qualify you for additional education points. A person with two bachelor’s degrees in different fields may qualify for the “multiple degree” category, potentially earning more points than a single degree holder. However, the specific rules depend on your degree fields and the current point table — verify your situation directly with immigration or a licensed immigration attorney.
Q6: My company pays part of my salary as stock options. Does that count?
Generally, no — unless those stock options were exercised and reported as taxable income in the relevant tax year. Only income that appears on your 소득금액증명원 counts toward your F-2-7 income score. Stock options, bonuses paid in a different tax year, and other non-standard compensation may not appear. Always verify with your actual income certificate before assuming your income score.
Q7: How do I calculate my score if I changed jobs mid-year?
Your income score is based on your total taxable income for the previous calendar year, regardless of how many employers contributed to it. If you changed jobs in 2026 and your combined income from both employers was ₩60 million, your 소득금액증명원 will show ₩60 million — and you’d receive 40 income points. The number of employers doesn’t matter; only the total annual taxed income does.
What to Do Next Based on Your Score
Score 130+
You’re in the best position you can be in. Start gathering documents this week — 소득금액증명원 from hometax.go.kr takes about 5 minutes online. If your degree is from overseas and still needs an apostille, that’s the one thing that can take 1–3 weeks, so get it moving first. Book your immigration appointment on hikorea.go.kr at least 3 weeks out — Seoul offices fill up fast.
Score 80–129
You qualify, but it’s worth pausing for a moment before you apply. The difference between 109 and 110 points is one year versus two. Between 129 and 130, it’s three years versus five. If you’re sitting close to one of those thresholds, a TOPIK retake or waiting for next year’s higher income could get you a meaningfully longer stay period. On the other hand, if you’re comfortably mid-range and your score is only going to drop from here — aging, TOPIK expiry — applying sooner makes more sense than waiting.
Score 60–79
The gap is closeable, usually within six months to a year. Korean language is the fastest lever — TOPIK Level 4 gives you 15 points, Level 5–6 gives you 20, and the test runs six times a year at topik.go.kr. KIIP is the free alternative at socinet.go.kr, and Level 5 also unlocks bonus points on top of the base score. On the income side, crossing into the next bracket — say from ₩39M to ₩40M — can add 10 points on its own. Check where you land and negotiate accordingly.
Score Below 60
The F-2-7 isn’t off the table — it’s just a longer runway. The most practical starting point is enrolling in KIIP now, since it’s free and takes time regardless of when you start. While that’s running, work on income growth and keep your immigration record clean. A lot of people in this position reached F-2-7 eligibility in three to five years by doing exactly that — building Korean language and salary in parallel, without rushing any single piece of it.
If you have questions? Call 1345 (press 2 for English, Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM).
It’s free and the officers are genuinely helpful.
