Update on Korea’s GNI per Capita and Immigration Benchmarks

The Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is a key benchmark used by Korean immigration authorities to assess an applicant’s financial capacity when applying for certain visas and statuses.

The GNI per capita for the prior year is announced twice per year, a provisional figure in March and a final figure in June. Previously, immigration benchmarks were updated twice per year based on these announcements.

However, beginning in 2025, the Immigration Office adopted a simplified approach:

The provisional GNI per capita announced in March is used as the benchmark starting the following April for one full year.

According to the announcement today, Korea’s provisional GNI per capita for 2025 is KRW 52,416,000. Accordingly, this figure will apply as the prior year’s GNI per capita benchmark for immigration purposes from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.

Typical GNI-based income benchmarks used in immigration practice include:

• E-2 (foreign language): at least 80% of the prior year's GNI per capita

• E-7-T (top-tier): at least 200% of the prior year's GNI per capita (however, KRW 49,950,000 shall apply in lieu of the prior year's GNI per capita until March 31, 2027)

 • E-7-S1 (high income): at least 300% of the prior year's GNI per capita (however, KRW 49,950,000 shall apply in lieu of the prior year's GNI per capita until March 31, 2027)

• E-7-S2 (high tech): at least 100% of the prior year's GNI per capita (however, KRW 49,950,000 shall apply in lieu of the prior year's GNI per capita until March 31, 2027)

• F-1-D (digital nomad): at least 200% of the prior year's GNI per capita

• F-2-7 (long-term residence): at least 150% of the prior year's GNI per capita (for the promising high-tech industry category)

• F-2-T (top-tier): at least 200% or 300% of the prior year's GNI per capita

• F-5 (permanent residence): at least 70%, 100%, 200%, or 300% of the prior year's GNI per capita, unless exempted

Because these thresholds directly affect eligibility for several residence pathways, applicants should carefully review whether their income meets the updated benchmarks.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to reach us at hakim@diego.kr.