Nationality of South Korea: all obtaining pathways
South Korea requires five years of residence for general naturalization, with a simplified route reduced to two or three years through marriage to a Korean. Extraordinary merits allow exemptions at the discretion of the Minister of Justice, and descent is transmitted by ius sanguinis.
1General naturalization by residence
General naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Domicile in the Republic of Korea for at least 5 CONSECUTIVE YEARS (Nationality Act as amended 2018, art. 5(1)(1))
- Qualification for permanent residence in Korea (art. 5(1)(1-2))
- Continuous residence for a minimum of 5 years
- Minimum age of 19
- Good conduct
- Sufficient financial means to support oneself
- Basic knowledge of Korean (TOPIK level 1 or passing the integration exam)
- Renouncing the previous nationality within 1 year of naturalization
Documentation
- Naturalization application form
- Passport and alien registration certificate
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin and from Korea
- Employment and income certificate
- TOPIK certificate or social-integration exam certificate
- Tax returns
2Simplified naturalization by marriage
Simplified naturalization by marriage
Requirements
- Married to a South Korean national for at least 2 years and resident in Korea for 2 years
- Or 3 years since the marriage with at least 1 year of continuous domicile in Korea in the state of marriage (art. 6(2)2 Nationality Act)
- Good conduct
- Financial self-sufficiency
- Basic knowledge of Korean
- Renouncing the previous nationality
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Korean spouse's family register certificate (gajokjeok)
- Passport and residence visa (F-6)
- Spouse's income certificate
- TOPIK certificate or integration exam
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a South Korean national at the time of birth
- Declaration of nationality before an embassy if born abroad
- Males must complete military service if they acquire nationality before turning 35
- In principle, another nationality must be renounced before turning 22 (the 2011 reform allows exceptions)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Passport of the Korean father/mother
- Gajokjeok (family register certificate)
4Special naturalization for extraordinary merits
Special naturalization for extraordinary merits
Requirements
- Outstanding contribution to South Korea (scientists, athletes, artists, investors)
- Recommendation of the competent minister
- The residence requirement may be reduced or waived
- Approval by the Minister of Justice
Documentation
- Letter of recommendation from the relevant ministry
- Evidence of outstanding contributions
- Passport and identity documents
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of South Korea
How many years of residence does South Korea require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of South Korea (General naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does South Korea allow dual nationality?
Renouncing the previous nationality within 1 year of naturalization
Can the nationality of South Korea be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Simplified naturalization by marriage pathway (2 years (with a 2-year marriage) or 3 years). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in South Korea require?
The General naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application form; Passport and alien registration certificate; Criminal record certificate from the country of origin and from Korea; Employment and income certificate; TOPIK certificate or social-integration exam certificate; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of South Korea?
South Korea provides 4 pathways: General naturalization by residence, Simplified naturalization by marriage, Nationality by descent, Special naturalization for extraordinary merits.
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