How to Get Korean Citizenship
This is the second article in our four-part series on South Korean naturalization and how to get Korean citizenship. Please visit our blog posts to see the other articles and many more.
How to Get Korean Citizenship
General Naturalization Requirements: How to get Korean Citizenship
So you’re crazy about South Korea and decided that you’d love to become a Korean citizen. There are a few ways of going about that, but here is the one that Korean Immigration considers the most routine or “General” (일반).
For this general naturalization method, you must:
- Be at least 19 years old;
- Have been a legal resident of South Korea for five or more consecutive years;
- Show that you will be a responsible citizen, by having never been convicted of a criminal offence or other undesirable behavior;
- Prove your financial stability and ability to be a contributing member of society, which means having an annual combined income exceeding Korea’s GNI per capita (about 30 million won as of 2017); and
- Prove your knowledge of the Korean language, customs, and culture by taking a written test and being interviewed by Korean Immigration. You can avoid the written test and interview by passing Korean Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP).
If you meet all of these requirements, you can then begin the application process. It will likely take anywhere from one and a half to two years to complete.
Beccoming a South Korean
Before beginning the process, please note that general naturalization is only applicable for those who intend to rescind their current citizenship, whatever that might be. If you are not willing to give up your original citizenship, then you will not be able to receive Korean citizenship through this method. You can find more details in this blog.
If would like our assistance with the General Naturalization process, please don’t hesitate to email us at ask@pureumlawoffice.com
