Loss and renunciation of nationality

Loss and renunciation of nationality are different things.

The two

• Loss — Korean nationality is lost when a statutory ground arises, such as voluntarily acquiring a foreign nationality. You have a duty to report it.
• Renunciation — a dual national declaring that they give up Korean nationality within a set period. Deadlines and requirements are strict.

Why it matters

• Without the report, problems follow later with passports, resident registration and inheritance.
• Missing the renunciation deadline can, for sons, become entangled with military service and create long-lasting restrictions.
• Losing nationality makes you a foreigner, so you need a new residence status.

Steps (outline)

1. Establish whether your case is loss or renunciation — 1345 or an overseas mission.
2. Check the deadlines, especially for a child's renunciation.
3. Prepare the documents and file — at an immigration office in Korea, or an overseas mission abroad.
4. If you lost nationality, apply for a residence status such as F-4.

Where to go

• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (20 languages)
• HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr
• The nationality section of your local immigration office
• Overseas missions if you live abroad — Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mofa.go.kr

Questions people ask

I acquired a foreign nationality but didn't report it. Report as soon as you can. Left alone, your documented status becomes tangled and far harder to fix later.

When is my child's renunciation deadline? It depends on age and military service rules. Take your child's date of birth to 1345 or an overseas mission.

If I lose nationality, can I still live in Korea? Yes, with a residence status as a foreigner. Check statuses such as overseas Korean (F-4).

Can lost nationality be recovered? There is a nationality recovery procedure with its own requirements. Ask 1345.

Take care

A child's renunciation deadline, once missed, often cannot be undone. If your child is a dual national, call 1345 now and confirm the deadline.

Related

dual-nationality · child-nationality · naturalization-overview · embassy-contacts

Source

Nationality and Integration Policy Division, Ministry of Justice www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08