[ Visa ]
Naturalization
Naturalization means that a foreigner acquires the nationality of the Republic of Korea and becomes a citizen of the Republic of Korea. You can get Korean citizenship by marrying a Korean. Foreigners can get an F-2-1 visa for one year after marriage with a Korean citizen. One year of residence may extend from a minimum of one year to a maximum of two years. In accordance with the nationality law revised in June 1998, you have to stay in Korea for two years after your marriage. If you pass the naturalization test after applying for naturalization in the Ministry of Justice, you can obtain Korean nationality. The handwriting test that takes place during naturalization will take 20 questions such as Korean language, history, customs and common sense. If you apply for naturalization one time, you will be given three opportunities for naturalization. If you lose all three times, you will not get naturalization permission. However, those who have completed the social integration program can naturalize only by interview without a written examination.
- Should have resided in Korea for more than 5 years.
- Have a permanent residency status
- Must be legally adult according to Korean Civil Law
- Must have good conduct defined by the Ministry of Justice
- Must have the ability to maintain living on his/her own assets or skills; or is a dependent member of a family capable of the feat.
- Applicants must have basic knowledge befitting a Korean national; such as understanding of the Korean language, customs and culture
(Application: Immigration Office Nationality)
- Naturalization Application Form
- A copy of Passport
- A Statement for Citizenship Application
- A Statement of Identity / A copy of Statement of Identity with photo attached
- A copy of foreign family registration or citizenship papers
- A Recommendation Letter from more than 2 persons
- Documents proving the applicant’s (or the family members’in the same household) financial sufficiency
- Proving documents of parents, spouse, children, marriage status or adoption of person who applied for naturalization
- Fee: 300,000 won (Government Revenue Stamp)
