There are two main ways to acquire Korean citizenship: naturalization application, restoration of nationality, and registration of acquisition of nationality. The application process and conditions vary depending on the individual's situation, so please refer to the information below and choose the method that suits you.
1. How to acquire Korean nationality
① General naturalization: How foreigners without Korean nationality acquire nationality by meeting certain conditions
② Simplified naturalization: How to apply for by a foreigner who has a family relationship (spouse, parent, etc.) with Koreans
③ Special naturalization: A person who has made a special contribution to the Republic of Korea or is of Korean descent
④ Nationality Restoration: How a person with previous Korean nationality acquires nationality again
⑤ Nationality acquisition report: When a child of a Korean citizen automatically acquires nationality through birth
2. How to apply for naturalization (general, simple, special naturalization)
(1) Qualifications and requirements for naturalization application
✅ (1) General naturalization (foreigners with no family relationship with Korea)
Staying in Korea for more than 5 years
Must be legally staying in South Korea (F-2, D-8 etc.)
No criminal records
Need to understand Korean language skills and basic Korean culture
✅ (2) Simple naturalization (if family relationship with Koreans)
A spouse of a Korean national who has lived in Korea continuously for at least two years after marriage
Among those born in Korea, parents are Korean nationals
Adopted by the adoption of a Korean national
✅ (3) Special naturalization (in case of Korean descent or achievement)
If the parent is a Korean national or has made a special contribution to Korean society
Overseas Koreans (e.g., overseas Koreans F-4 visa holders)
(2) naturalization application procedures
✅ Step 1: Preparing documents
application for naturalization of nationality
Copy of passport and alien registration card
Family relationship certificate (if necessary)
documents proving economic competence (income, property evidence)
Proof of Korean proficiency (TOPIK level 2 or higher or completion of social integration program)
✅ Step 2: Visit the Immigration and Foreign Office and receive applications
Application from the Ministry of Justice's Immigration and Foreign Affairs Office
✅ Step 3: Interview screening and Korean language test
Korean language test and basic common sense assessment (interview if necessary)
✅ Step 4: Approval and declaration of nationality acquisition
Acquisition of Korean citizenship after approval from the Ministry of Justice
Issuance of resident registration card and registration as a Korean citizen
3. How to apply for restoration of nationality
✅ Target: In the case of loss of nationality due to acquisition of foreign nationality although he/she has had Korean nationality in the past
✅ Procedure:
Submission of application for restoration of nationality
Ministry of Justice Review and Nationality Restoration Permission
Pledge of renunciation of foreign nationality after acquisition of nationality (except where dual citizenship is permitted)
4. Nationality acquisition report (birth, etc.)
✅ Target:
If one of the parents is a Korean national, the child automatically acquires Korean nationality upon birth
Nationality acquisition registration required within 3 months after birth
✅ Where to report:
Embassy of the Republic of Korea (when born overseas)
Immigration and Foreign Office (when born in Korea)
5. Precautions when applying for nationality
Application may be denied if there is a criminal history, illegal record of stay
If you lack Korean proficiency, you are likely to fail the naturalization examination
The nationality of the Republic of Korea is maintained only when foreign nationality is abandoned within one year after naturalization (excluding cases of non-dual nationality)
✅ TIP: If you lack Korean proficiency, you can be exempted from the exam by completing the **Social Integration Program (KIIP)
6. Inquiry and reception of nationality application
- Immigration Office
- www.immigration.go.kr
- Nationality Division of the Ministry of Justice
- www.moj.go.kr
- Embassy and Consulate of the Republic of Korea (in case of overseas application)
- www.mofa.go.kr
- Conclusion
✅ General naturalization: For foreigners who have lived for more than 5 years
✅ Simple naturalization: Korean spouse or parents are Korean nationals
✅ Special naturalization: If you have Korean ancestry or have a special contribution
✅ Nationality Restoration: For those who previously had Korean nationality
✅ Acquisition of birth nationality: If one of the parents is a Korean national
- If you want to become a naturalized citizen, it is important to develop your Korean language skills first and prepare the necessary documents through expert consultation!
Korea Administrative Agency (010-3732-0033)
107-1 Anjeong-ro, Anjeong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
We specialize in visa counseling. Please feel free to contact us
Thank you.
