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South Korea citizenship

1 current source-backed citizenship pathway. Verify the responsible authority before applying.

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This page contains 1 current route for this destination, with the available eligibility, requirements and duration details.

Source-backed legal route · Checked 2026-10-22

Current route records

RouteConditionsEffective or checkedOfficial source
General naturalizationFor foreigners who have lived in Korea for five consecutive years, qualify for permanent residence, know Korean and pass the test or interview; it gives Korean nationality by permission of the Minister of Justice.2026-10-22Official source

Fees, processing times and requirements

Each value as the authority publishes it, in the currency it charges.

RouteFactValueOfficial source
General naturalizationYears of residence required (general)5 yearsOfficial source
General naturalizationYears of residence required (spouse of citizen)2 yearsOfficial source
General naturalizationLanguage level requiredrequired, no CEFR level set (Korean)Official source
General naturalizationOther citizenship may be keptConditional: must renounce the other nationality within one year of naturalising; some groups (e.g. spouses under Art. 6(2)(1) and (2)) may instead vow not to exercise it (Art. 10(2))Official source
General naturalizationWhere to applyin the countryOfficial source

Official sources

  1. Official route conditionswww.law.go.kr · Checked 2026-10-22
  2. Nationality Act, Article 5 (requirements for general naturalization), Article 6 (facilitated naturalization for spouses), Article 10 (renunciation of foreign nationality)Ministry of Justice (Immigration Office) · Checked 2026-10-22
  3. General naturalization: applicationMinistry of Justice (Immigration Office) · Checked 2026-10-22