Spouse of a Korean National (F-6-1) is the status for a foreign national whose marriage is validly established and who intends to continue married life with a Korean. In the visa review, the diplomatic mission may check whether the marriage is established under the laws of the countries concerned; the Korean detailed marriage relation certificate is required, and a home-country marriage certificate is submitted where needed, for example to check for bigamy. Documents issued abroad must carry an apostille or consular confirmation.
Key Summary
- Review items include how the couple met, the intention to marry, and whether the marriage is established under the laws of the countries concerned
- Korean side: basic certificate, marriage relation certificate and family relation certificate (each detailed, Korean original, issued within 3 months)
- The original home-country marriage certificate (with its official name stated) is submitted only where needed to check for bigamy in the home country and similar matters
- Documents issued abroad: apostille from the issuing government or consular confirmation by the Korean mission in that country
- Simple cohabitation and a de facto marriage that is bigamous are not treated as a de facto marriage
1. What kind of marriage does F-6-1 assume?
The status classification describes F-6-1 as a foreign national whose marriage is validly established in both parties' countries and who intends to stay in Korea to continue married life with a Korean national. The visa-stage guidance says the marriage is validly established in Korea. Because the mission may review whether the marriage is established under the laws of the countries concerned, how far registration of the marriage must be completed in the home country needs to be checked individually by country and mission.
2. Which documents show the marriage on the Korean side?
The Korean spouse submits a basic certificate (detailed), a marriage relation certificate (detailed) and a family relation certificate (detailed), 1 Korean original each, issued within 3 months. The original resident registration certificate and a copy of the Korean spouse's passport are also among the basic documents.
3. When is a home-country marriage certificate needed?
The foreign spouse's original marriage certificate (with its official name stated) is optional and is submitted only where needed to check for bigamy in the home country and similar matters. The Philippine PSA marriage certificate is given as an example. It is wise to learn the issuing procedure in advance so you can submit it if the mission asks.
4. How are documents from abroad prepared?
Documents issued abroad must be submitted with an apostille from the issuing government or consular confirmation by the Korean mission in that country. Some documents apply specifically to certain countries; for example, the original and 1 copy of the Philippine CFO training certificate. The mission may also request additional documents beyond those listed when needed for the review.
5. Can I get F-6-1 based on a de facto marriage?
The classification standard for F-6-1 is a validly established marriage. The wording including a de facto marriage is attached to a father or mother raising a child born of a marriage with a Korean national (F-6-2). A de facto marriage exists when there is a subjective intention to marry and, objectively, a real shared married life; simple cohabitation without an intention to marry, or a bigamous de facto relationship that cannot be legally protected, is not treated as a de facto marriage.
6. Common problems
- Registering the marriage only in Korea without checking whether a home-country procedure is needed
- Not stating the official name of the home-country marriage certificate or criminal record certificate
- Not getting an apostille or consular confirmation on documents issued abroad
- Obtaining the marriage relation certificate in the general rather than detailed form, or letting it pass 3 months from issuance
7. How 비전행정사사무소 (Vision Administrative Office) can help
We check the status of the marriage documents in both countries, organize the Korean certificates and home-country documents needed for the visa application, and guide translation and the composition of the submission. We do not represent clients in family lawsuits such as annulment or divorce, or in other court proceedings (outside the scope of an administrative agent).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a marriage visa after registering the marriage only in Korea?
The visa-stage guidance refers to a marriage validly established in Korea, but the mission may also review whether the marriage is established under the laws of the countries concerned. Whether a home-country procedure is needed must be checked individually.
Must I submit a home-country marriage certificate?
It is optional and is submitted only where needed to check for bigamy in the home country and similar matters.
Is translation enough for documents issued abroad?
Documents issued abroad must be submitted with an apostille from the issuing government or consular confirmation by the Korean mission in that country.
Can the Korean certificates be the general version?
The basic, marriage relation and family relation certificates are submitted in the detailed form, as Korean originals issued within 3 months.
Is living together alone recognized as a de facto marriage?
Simple cohabitation without an intention to marry is not treated as a de facto marriage.
Related Guides
- F-6 marriage visa: proof of relationship documents
- F-6 document checklist
- Spouse of a Korean National (F-6-1) Visa
Consultation
비전행정사사무소 (Vision Administrative Office) is an administrative office that supports document preparation and filing with the authorities. Fees vary by case and are explained during a consultation. Phone 02-363-2251