What are the requirements for general naturalization?

An adult foreigner can apply for general naturalization if they have had their address in Korea continuously for 5 years or more and hold a status of stay that allows permanent residence (usually F-5). You must also meet the requirements for good conduct, livelihood, and basic knowledge.

7 requirements for general naturalization

• You must have had your address in Korea for 5 years or more continuously (counted from after you entered legally and completed alien registration)
• You must have a status of stay that allows permanent residence in Korea
• You must be an adult under Korean Civil Act
• You must have good conduct (for example, whether you have obeyed laws and regulations)
• You must be able to support yourself (proved by your own assets or job, or by the income of family members living with you)
• You must have basic knowledge (Korean language ability, understanding of Korean customs, etc.)
• You must not harm national security, public order, or public welfare

To keep your residence period unbroken

Only the period you stay in Korea continuously is counted. In the cases below, the periods before and after you leave are added together. However, the time you spent abroad is not counted.

• You received a re-entry permit (or were exempt from the re-entry permit) before your period of stay ended, left Korea, and came back within the permitted period
• You could not extend your period of stay, left Korea briefly, and came back with a visa within 1 month

💡 How to prove your ability to support yourself

You only need to submit one of the documents below. You may be asked to provide more documents later.

• A bank balance certificate of 30,000,000 KRW or more in your name or the name of a family member living with you (a copy of the bankbook or transaction records of 6 months or more)
• Proof that you own real estate worth 30,000,000 KRW or more
• A certificate of employment (submitted together with a copy of the business registration certificate)
• A certificate of expected employment (a financial guarantee is not accepted)

Basic knowledge is usually confirmed by completing the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (사회통합프로그램) or by passing the comprehensive naturalization test. During the review, the Ministry of Justice may call you in to hear your opinion, or visit the place where you live to investigate.

Apply at the nationality section (국적계) of the immigration office. The fee is 300,000 KRW. Nationality work is handled at 19 designated offices, including Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, and you must make a visit reservation in advance. First check whether your residence period meets the requirement at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or by calling 1345.