Korea offers faster residency system for foreigners in science, tech sectors

[Source : KAIST]

Foreign professionals in science and technology sectors educated in South Korea will be able to acquire Korean permanent residency and citizenship quickly under a new fast track system starting this year.

The Ministry of Justice said Sunday that it will simplify procedures for foreigners acquiring residency, permanent residency and citizenship by naturalization after they receive master’s and doctorate degrees from six specialized institutions, including Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), and Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST).

Foreign professionals will no longer need to meet the requirement of engaging in professional service for three or more years to acquire Korean residency. They will be given a five-year-stay qualification if they are recommended by university heads.

The new system will shorten the period for foreigners to acquire permanent residency and citizenship by naturalization by up to three years, which typically takes six or more years.

The ministry will also offer new F-5-16S permanent resident visas to talented foreign professionals in science and technology fields that receive certain level of points in academic, research and career performance. Outstanding individuals will be offered to apply for special naturalization.