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Naturalization (Acquiring Citizenship)

After living in Korea long enough and meeting the requirements, you can acquire Korean nationality through ‘naturalization.’ It splits into general, simplified, and special naturalization, with different requirements by type (residence period, livelihood, conduct, basic knowledge such as Korean/social integration). You typically complete the Social Integration Program (KIIP) or a comprehensive evaluation, and after applying you go through review and an interview. The bar is high, so first confirm your type and prepare well in advance.

Based on official sources · verify before deciding· as of 2026-06-09Official site ↗

What to prepare

  • Passport and ARC
  • Naturalization application
  • Proof for your type’s requirements (residence, livelihood, family relations — may include identity/criminal-record documents)
  • Proof of basic knowledge (KIIP completion certificate or naturalization-test/comprehensive-evaluation result — if applicable)
  • Fee

How to proceed

  1. 1Identify your type (general/simplified/special) — depends on marriage, ethnic Korean status, residence, etc.
  2. 2Check whether you meet that type’s requirements (residence, conduct, livelihood, basic knowledge — confirm with immigration/an agent)
  3. 3Basic knowledge: complete KIIP or prepare for the naturalization test (written and interview)
  4. 4Apply for naturalization via Gov24 or the immigration office
  5. 5Review → interview → (field check if needed) → result notice
  6. 6If approved, complete follow-up steps (oath of allegiance, nationality certificate)

Tips

  • ⚠️ Requirements (residence, livelihood) and procedures vary greatly by type/policy and change often — don’t assume figures; verify with ☎1345 or an agent before applying.
  • Completing KIIP can exempt you from the naturalization test (comprehensive evaluation) and helps your case (see the “Learning Korean” guide).
  • ⚠️ Korea generally restricts dual nationality — check in advance about renouncing your original nationality (e.g., an oath not to exercise foreign nationality).
  • Permanent residence (F-5) differs from naturalization — naturalization changes your nationality, while F-5 lets you reside permanently as a foreigner.
  • Review can take a long time — keep your residence status (visa) valid separately in the meantime.

Key contacts

  • Immigration Contact Center ☎1345 (weekdays, multilingual)
  • Hi Korea www.hikorea.go.kr · Gov24 www.gov.kr (naturalization application)

Related guides

Changing Your Status (Visa Change)Extending Your Stay
Check the official site (Hi Korea) ↗

This is general information and has no legal force. Residence rules differ by visa, nationality, and situation and change often — always verify with official sources (Immigration Contact Center ☎1345, Hi Korea, an administrative agent).
Last updated: 2026-06-09