Naturalisation: an overview

Naturalisation is the process of acquiring Korean nationality.

Three routes

1. General naturalisation — for foreigners who have lived here continuously for a set period. See naturalization-general.
2. Simplified naturalisation — for those married to a Korean national, or whose parent was Korean, among others. Residence requirements are relaxed. See naturalization-simplified.
3. Special naturalisation — where a parent is a Korean national, or for those with distinguished service to the country.

Common requirements (outline)

• Lawful residence for a set period
• Ability to support yourself
• Basic knowledge — Korean language and civic knowledge (written test and interview; see naturalization-test)
• Good conduct — criminal record and similar
• No disqualifying grounds under the Nationality Act

The exact periods, documents and standards change often. Always confirm current requirements with 1345 or an immigration office.

Steps (outline)

1. Check which route applies to you.
2. Completing the KIIP programme can exempt you from the test or work in your favour. See kiip-program.
3. Apply at an immigration office.
4. Assessment — documents, interview, field investigation.
5. The result follows a review process including the nationality deliberation committee.
6. If approved, take the oath of allegiance and receive the nationality certificate.
7. Complete resident and family relation registration.

The review takes a long time.

Where to go

• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (20 languages)
• HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr
• The nationality section of your local immigration office
• 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline

Questions people ask

How does permanent residence (F-5) differ from naturalisation? Permanent residence lets you stay indefinitely while keeping your foreign nationality; naturalisation makes you a Korean national.

What happens to my original nationality? In principle you must renounce it within a set period, or pledge not to exercise it. See dual-nationality.

Is it possible if my Korean isn't strong? There is a basic knowledge requirement. Completing the KIIP programme is the surest preparation.

How long does it take? It varies greatly with circumstances and timing. Ask 1345.

Take care

Beware brokers who offer to handle naturalisation for you. Forged documents lead to revocation and criminal prosecution. Advice from 1345 is free.

Related

naturalization-simplified · naturalization-general · naturalization-test · kiip-program · permanent-residency

Source

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