Eligibility quiz
Is one of your parents a citizen of South Korea now?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
South Korean passport
South Korean citizens can get a South Korean passport for travel abroad.
Live in South Korea for life
South Korean citizens can enter, leave and live in South Korea without a visa or residence renewal.
There is no minimum time they must spend in the country.
Study in South Korea
South Korean citizens have an equal right to education and do not need a student immigration status to study.
Work in South Korea
South Korean citizens have the right to work without a foreigner's work permission.
Some jobs and professions have their own requirements.
Use registration services
South Korean citizens can use civil and family registration services, and those living abroad can register as overseas nationals to help with administration and protection.
Get help abroad
South Korean citizens can get consular help abroad, including in emergencies, disasters, criminal proceedings and missing-person cases.
Local and international law, and what a person can resolve themselves, limit the help available.
Vote and run for office
South Korean citizens have the right to vote and hold public office under election rules.
Citizens abroad can also vote from abroad if they register and meet the election conditions.
Use public healthcare
South Korean citizens can join National Health Insurance as domestic participants rather than under the rules for foreign residents.
Enrollment can be through work or where they live, and contributions are payable.
Use social support
South Korean citizens have a right to social support under the law.
Social insurance includes pensions, employment and work-accident insurance, but payments depend on the scheme and factors such as work, residence and income.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the nationality office that serves your address in South Korea.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South Korean nationality office handles special naturalisation applications for your city?”
Download the application form
Download the application for permission to naturalise.
Download the formGather your documents
Prepare the documents required by your local nationality office.
See required documentsFill in the form
Complete and sign your application form and attach the required photo.
Get form helpSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the South Korean application for permission to naturalise?”
Book an appointment
Use Hi Korea to confirm your identity and choose your office and appointment date.
Book an appointmentGo to your appointment
Bring your appointment confirmation, passport or ID, completed form and original documents to your local nationality office, and hand in your application. Pay the fee as the office directs; ask in advance how to pay or provide evidence if you qualify for an exemption.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where is the South Korean nationality office for special naturalisation applications in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait while your application is reviewed, and respond if the office asks for more information or documents.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens while I wait for a South Korean special naturalisation decision?”
Take the citizenship oath
Once approved, attend the citizenship ceremony, take the oath and receive your citizenship certificate. You can then apply for a South Korean passport.
Find ceremony informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I take the citizenship oath and receive my certificate after South Korean special naturalisation is approved?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Parent's citizenship records
Get your South Korean parent's family relationship certificate to show that your parent is currently a South Korean citizen. You can request it through Government24 or from the family registration office responsible for your parent's registered home address.
Birth certificates *
Get your birth certificate if you need to give more evidence of your relationship with your South Korean parent, and your child's birth certificate if your minor child is applying with you. If you were adopted, also provide your adoption certificate to show your relationship.
* Only if your parent's family record does not fully show your relationship or your minor child is applying with you.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Military service for men
Male South Korean citizens may have to serve in the military; age, health, time abroad and dual citizenship can affect exemptions or delays.
Those liable who are 25 or older, or doing alternative service, need permission to travel abroad.
Those who left before 25 generally need permission by 15 January of the year they turn 25.
Citizenship can be lost
Voluntarily acquiring another citizenship generally ends South Korean citizenship, with exceptions.
Dual citizens who were not South Korean at birth can lose it after a hearing if keeping it is clearly against national interests or seriously disrupts social order.
Citizenship can also be given up through a legal process, and loss must be reported.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Every Expat in Korea
English Facebook group for people living in South Korea interested in South Korean local life
Join on FacebookForeigners in Seoul
English Facebook group for people living in South Korea interested in South Korean local life
Join on Facebookr/SouthKoreaTravel
English Reddit group for people living in South Korea interested in South Korean local life
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
Adavia doesn't provide advice, but we're building a directory of professionals who do. If you'd like, we can notify you when help is available.
Updated