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Nationality

The nationality of the Republic of Korea can be acquired through general naturalization.

The nationality of the Republic of Korea can be acquired through simplified naturalization.

The nationality of the Republic of Korea can be acquired through special naturalization.

The nationality of the Republic of Korea can be acquired through general naturalization.

Acquisition requirements

- A foreigner must meet all the following naturalization requirements to obtain permission for general naturalization (Article 5 of the Nationality Act):

Naturalization Requirements

▪ Resided continuously in the Republic of Korea for 5 years or more

▪ Have the eligibility to permanently reside in the Republic of Korea

▪ Be an adult as per the Civil Act of the Republic of Korea.

▪ Comply with laws and otherwise possess a character deemed proper by legal standards.

▪ Have the capability to sustain oneself either through owned assets or skills or by relying on family living together.

▪ Possess basic competence as a national of the Republic of Korea, including proficiency in the Korean language and understanding of Korean customs.

▪ The Minister of Justice must recognize that granting naturalization does not harm national security, public order, or public welfare.

The nationality of the Republic of Korea can be acquired through special naturalization.

Acquisition requirements

- A foreigner who meets any of the following eligibility requirements and resides in the Republic of Korea can acquire nationality through special naturalization if they meet all the naturalization conditions listed below (Article 7(1) of the Nationality Act; Article 6(1) and (2) of the Enforcement Decree of the Nationality Act):

Eligibility Requirements
▪ A person whose father or mother is a national of the Republic of Korea and resides in the Republic of Korea; however, those adopted as adults under the Civil Act of the Republic of Korea are excluded.
▪ A person with special merits to the Republic of Korea and resides in the Republic of Korea	1. Either the individual or their spouse or direct lineal ascendant is: a. A meritorious person commended for Korean independence activties b. A national merit recipient who has received a medal, award, or commendation from the government of the Republic of Korea according to the relevant law 2. A person who has contributed to the national interests of the Republic of Korea in fields such as national security, society, economy, education, or culture 3. A person who, in the opinion of the Minister of Justice, has merits similar to those in 1 and 2.
▪ A person with outstanding capabilities in fields such as science, economy, culture, sports, etc. expected to contribute to the national interests of the Republic of Korea and resides in the Republic of Korea	※ Refers to those who, after review by the Nationality Deliberation Committee, receive a decision by the Minister of Justice: 1. A person recommended by the National Assembly Secretary-General, Chief Administrator of the Court, Constitutional Court Secretary-General, or head of a central administrative agency; 2. A person recommended by the head of an overseas diplomatic mission, head of a local self-governing entity (special city, metropolitan city, special autonomous city, province, special autonomous province), president of a four-year university, or the head of an organization or group determined by the Minister of Justice, and reviewed by the Minister; or 3. A person internationally recognized for awards, research achievements, or experience in fields such as science, economy, culture, sports, etc. and reviewed by the Minister of Justice.

Naturalization Requirements

▪ Must comply with laws and regulations, and otherwise meet the requirements of proper conduct as defined by laws and regulations

▪ Must possess basic qualities as a national of the Republic of Korea, including Korean language proficiency and understanding of Korean customs

▪ The Minister of Justice must recognize that granting naturalization will not harm national security, maintenance of order, or public interest.

※ Concurrent acquisition by naturalization

- A minor, as defined by the Civil Act of the Republic of Korea, who is a child of a foreigner, can apply for nationality when their parent applies for naturalization. This concurrent acquisition of the nationality of the Republic of Korea by the child is referred to as “concurrent acquisition” (Article 8(1) and (2) of the Nationality Act).

- For concurrent acquisition, the intent should be indicated in the naturalization application submitted to the head of an immigration office, the head of a local immigration office, the head of a branch office of an immigration office, or the head of a branch office of a local immigration office (hereinafter “office head, etc.”) by the father or mother (Article 7(1) of the Enforcement Decree of the Nationality Act; attached Form No. 2 of the Enforcement Rules of the Nationality Act).

- If the parents of the concurrent acquisition applicant are divorced, the applicant must provide written proof that the parent applying for concurrent acquisition has custody or parental rights (Article 7(2) of the Enforcement Decree of the Nationality Act).

- When the child applies for concurrent acquisition, the Minister of Justice must notify the child when their parent acquires nationality, inform the registration base family relationship registration office head, and announce it in the Official Gazette (Article 7(3) of the Enforcement Decree of the Nationality Act).

※ For detailed information about naturalization, please check the <Hi Korea website> or contact the Foreigner Information Center (☎1345).