General naturalisation requirements
General naturalisation is the route for foreigners without a blood or marriage tie to Korea.
What is generally required
- Continuous lawful residence with an address in Korea for a set period
- Being of full age
- Good conduct — criminal or residence violations count against you
- Ability to support yourself — judged on income, assets and employment
- Basic knowledge — Korean language and civic knowledge. See naturalization-test.
- No disqualifying grounds under the Nationality Act
Periods and criteria change often. Always confirm the current standards with 1345 or an immigration office.
Steps
- Review the requirements in advance, especially your residence history and any fines or penalties.
- Complete the KIIP programme — it helps with the knowledge requirement.
- Apply at an immigration office.
- Assessment — documents, interview, field investigation.
- Result → oath of allegiance → resident registration.
What you need (typical)
- Passport and Alien Registration Card
- Home-country identity and criminal record documents (apostille or consular certification may be needed)
- Evidence of ability to support yourself — employment certificate, income statement, bank balance certificate
- KIIP completion certificate, if you have one
- Evidence of actual residence
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
What if I spent periods outside Korea? It can affect the continuous residence assessment. Check with 1345 using your entry and exit records.
I have paid fines in the past. They may be considered in the conduct assessment. If anything is still unpaid, settle it first.
Does holding permanent residence (F-5) help? Holding it evidences that some requirements were met, though naturalisation is assessed separately.
How long does the review take? A long time. You must keep your residence status valid throughout. Manage your expiry date carefully.
Take care
Your residence status must remain valid throughout the review. Missing an extension and becoming an overstayer is fatal to the application. Put the expiry date in your calendar.
Related
naturalization-overview · naturalization-test · kiip-program · permanent-residency · extension-application
Source
Nationality and Integration Policy Division, Ministry of Justice www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08