Everything you need to know about obtaining South Korean nationality — eligibility criteria, step-by-step naturalization process, required documents, embassy application procedures, and key legal details based on official government sources.
🧭 Quick Overview
Types of Naturalization: General, Simplified, and Special Naturalization.
Basic Requirements: At least 5 years of continuous residence, legal adulthood, good conduct, financial stability, and basic Korean language and cultural knowledge.
Where to Apply:
In Korea → at the Korean Immigration Service (Ministry of Justice).
Abroad → through a Korean Embassy or Consulate.
1. Types of Naturalization
1.1 General Naturalization
According to Article 5 of the Nationality Act, applicants must:
Have resided in Korea for at least 5 consecutive years.
Be of legal adult age (under Korean civil law).
Have good conduct and no serious criminal record.
Be financially self-sufficient or supported by family.
Possess a basic understanding of the Korean language, culture, and customs.
1.2 Simplified Naturalization
Simplified naturalization applies to those who have specific family or marital ties to a Korean national — for example, a foreign spouse of a Korean citizen, or individuals with Korean ancestry.
The residency and other requirements are partially relaxed compared to general naturalization.
1.3 Special Naturalization
This category is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Korea or whose naturalization is considered beneficial to the national interest. Approval is granted at the discretion of the Minister of Justice.
2. Step-by-Step Naturalization Process
Step 1. Eligibility & Pre-Consultation
Before applying, confirm that you meet the residency, visa, criminal, financial, and language requirements.
Consult your local Immigration Office in Korea or the nearest Korean Embassy/Consulate abroad for personalized guidance.
Step 2. Application Submission
In Korea: Submit your application to the local Immigration Office or the Ministry of Justice’s Naturalization Division.
Abroad: Contact your Korean Embassy or Consulate to verify which naturalization applications they can process and whether you need an appointment.
Step 3. Document Review & Supplementary Requests
Authorities will review your documents and may request additional evidence or corrections. You can track your case status online through the Korea Immigration Service (HiKorea) portal.
Step 4. Interview & Investigation
Applicants are evaluated through an interview that tests Korean language ability, understanding of Korean society, and criminal or behavioral background.
Some applicants may also undergo home visits or lifestyle assessments.
Step 5. Approval by the Minister of Justice
Once your case is approved, you will receive an official naturalization permit issued by the Ministry of Justice.
Step 6. Oath & Nationality Registration
After receiving approval, you must take the naturalization oath and complete nationality registration (resident registration, family record updates, etc.).
Only then will you officially become a citizen of the Republic of Korea.
> ⏱️ Processing time varies widely depending on personal circumstances and documentation. Applicants are advised to regularly check their case progress via the MOJ online system.
3. Required Documents (Checklist)
> ⚠️ The following is a general list. Exact requirements differ depending on the applicant’s type of naturalization, country of origin, and status. Always verify with your local Immigration Office or Embassy.
Completed Application for Naturalization form
Passport and Alien Registration Card (ARC) copies
Proof of residence in Korea (lease agreement, residence certificate, etc.)
Family relationship documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
Criminal background certificate (both Korean and foreign-issued, with translation and apostille if necessary)
Proof of income or financial stability (tax certificate, salary slips, bank statements, etc.)
Certificate of Korean language ability (if applicable)
Passport photos, and fee payment receipts
4. Applying from Outside Korea — Embassy Procedures
If you live abroad, visit your nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Korea.
Each embassy has slightly different rules regarding document authentication, translation, and appointment procedures, so check their Nationality / Consular Affairs page before visiting.
Embassies also handle notifications of loss or recovery of Korean nationality for those who acquire or renounce foreign citizenship.
5. Important Legal and Practical Notes
🧩 Dual Citizenship
South Korea generally does not allow dual citizenship after naturalization.
Applicants must renounce their previous nationality unless they qualify under specific exemptions (e.g., exceptional contributions or special naturalization cases).
⚖️ Criminal or Disciplinary Records
Criminal history (domestic or foreign) can negatively affect your application.
A clean record and honest disclosure are essential.
💬 Korean Language & Cultural Integration
You must demonstrate a basic level of Korean language proficiency and understanding of Korean society and values. This is assessed during interviews.
⏱️ Application Status Tracking
The Ministry of Justice / Korea Immigration Service offers an online application tracking service for ongoing cases.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How much does naturalization cost?
The fee depends on the type of application. Contact your local Immigration Office or Embassy for current fees and payment options.
Q2. Can I apply if I don’t speak Korean well?
Basic Korean proficiency is a key requirement, but there are exceptions in simplified or special cases. Consult an immigration officer for details.
Q3. How long does the process take?
There’s no fixed period. Processing time varies from several months to years, depending on the completeness of documents and background checks.
Outbound Links:
https://www.hikorea.go.kr/mobile/mMain.pt
Hi, Korea
하이코리아는? 대한민국을 찾는 외국인에게 출입국, 체류, 국적 등의 다양한 서비스를 제공하기 위하여 법무부에서 운영 중인 포털입니다. 민원신청 민원인이 직접 온라인으로 신청하
www.hikorea.go.kr
https://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration/index.do
경기도 과천시 관문로 위치. 전자민원, 준법 운동, 여성포럼, 인권 광장.
경기도 과천시 관문로 위치. 전자민원, 준법 운동, 여성포럼, 인권 광장.
www.immigration.go.kr:443
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/returnInfoPage.do
8. Official Reference Sources
HiKorea (MOJ) – Official Naturalization Guide
Korean Immigration Service (Ministry of Justice) – Application & Case Status
Nationality Act of the Republic of Korea (English text)
Embassy of the Republic of Korea – Nationality / Consular Affairs section
Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Nationality Loss & Recovery Information
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