What is Naturalization in South Korea?
Naturalization in South Korea is the process through which a foreign national, after meeting certain qualifications, obtains legal status as a citizen of the Republic of Korea. By naturalizing, individuals acquire South Korean nationality and the legal rights associated with it, providing them with protection under South Korean law. The naturalization process can be broadly categorized into three types: ordinary naturalization, marriage-based naturalization, and special naturalization, each with its own set of procedures and requirements. Today, we’ll focus specifically on the process of naturalization through marriage.
Eligibility for Naturalization through Marriage
-
Residing in Korea for Over Two Years After Marriage
A foreigner who has married a South Korean citizen and has been residing in Korea for more than two years with a registered address is eligible to apply for naturalization. It is essential that the marriage is intact and ongoing, and the applicant must possess a foreign registration card. -
Married for Three Years and Residing in Korea for Over One Year
Another scenario qualifies a foreign applicant if they have been married to a South Korean citizen for three years and have lived in Korea for at least one of those years, maintaining a registered address. Similar to the previous requirement, the marriage must remain stable, and the foreign registration card is necessary.
Required Documents for Naturalization Application
-
Proof of Financial Stability
When submitting a naturalization application, either the foreign applicant or their spouse must provide documents that prove their financial capability. This includes demonstrating that they possess assets worth over 30 million KRW (approximately $25,000), which can be in the form of savings, real estate, or other investments. Real estate must meet a valuation benchmark based on assessed public prices. -
Income Verification
In addition to financial stability, if the foreign applicant is employed, they must submit documentation showing that their income exceeds the Gross National Income (GNI) for the previous year. This helps to affirm that the household can maintain a stable life in Korea. -
Criminal Background Certificate
A document certifying that the applicant has no criminal history in their home country is also crucial. This certificate must be obtained from the government or embassy of the applicant’s country, with an Apostille verification for those from countries that are part of the Apostille Convention. For non-Apostille countries, a criminal record document issued by an embassy or Korean consulate with consular verification is required. -
Proof of Family Relations
Foreign nationals from China must provide documentation that verifies their family relationships. This includes notarized documents that confirm the relationship between parents and children, along with Apostille-verified kinship notarizations. -
Additional Documents
Basic documents such as a passport, foreign registration card, proof of residence, and a marriage certificate will also be needed. Most documents should be submitted within three months of issuance, while the criminal background certificate must be issued within the last six months.
Application Procedure for Naturalization
The naturalization application process takes place at the Immigration Office of the relevant jurisdiction. Visiting without an appointment can often be challenging, so it’s important to book a slot in advance and prepare your documents thoroughly. In addition to marriage-based naturalization, other pathways like visa changes, ordinary naturalization, and reinstatement of nationality also exist. Foreigners can also utilize service agencies for a more streamlined application process.
Foreigners married to South Korean citizens looking to secure long-term residency and Korean citizenship through naturalization must be diligent in adhering to the aforementioned qualifications and gathering the necessary documents. It’s important to note that financial stability and income verification are key evaluation criteria, so early preparation and careful document checks are advisable. Naturalization is a significant step towards becoming a legal citizen of South Korea, so ensure all requirements are met.
This information is current as of the writing date, and government policies may change over time. It is intended solely for informational purposes and does not provide legal interpretation or judgment. For further consultation, please visit our 1:1 consultation page.