How to Obtain South Korean Citizenship

In South Korea, there are three ways to acquire citizenship: general naturalization, simplified naturalization, and special naturalization. Among these, special naturalization offers a relatively straightforward process for foreign nationals meeting specific criteria to obtain citizenship without the usual residency period or income requirements. Today, we’ll cover how children can become South Korean citizens through special naturalization when their parents have already acquired citizenship through naturalization.

What is Special Naturalization?

According to Article 7 of the Nationality Act, foreign nationals who fall into one of the following categories can apply for special naturalization with the permission of the Minister of Justice:

1. Children of South Korean citizens (either parent)
2. Foreign spouses currently in a marital relationship with a South Korean citizen
3. Foreign nationals with exceptional contributions to South Korea
4. Outstanding talent in specific fields such as science, economy, culture, or sports that can benefit the nation’s interests

In essence, if one of the parents holds South Korean citizenship, the child is eligible to apply for special naturalization, regardless of the child’s nationality at birth, provided the parent is a South Korean citizen at the time of application.

Key Requirements for Special Naturalization

1. Good Conduct Requirement
   Applicants must have no criminal record or immigration law violations, demonstrating acceptable conduct in line with societal norms.

2. Residential Requirement
   The applicant must have a physical address within South Korea. Temporary accommodations, such as guesthouses or dormitories, are not accepted.

3. Basic Literacy Requirement
   Proficiency in the Korean language and successful completion of the social integration program are required; however, there are some exemptions available.

4. Waivers for Duration of Residence and Financial Requirements
   Unlike general naturalization, individuals applying for special naturalization are exempt from residency, income, and property requirements.

Example of Special Naturalization for Children of Naturalized Foreign Nationals

For instance, if a foreign father acquires South Korean citizenship through naturalization, and his foreign child reaches adulthood and wishes to obtain South Korean citizenship, that child will be recognized as eligible for special naturalization under Article 7, Clause 1 of the Nationality Act. According to the Ministry of Justice’s guidelines (effective March 1, 2025), if the parents hold South Korean nationality at the time of application, it suffices to meet the requirements, even if the child was born with a foreign nationality.

Required Documents for Special Naturalization Application

• Application for Naturalization Permit (Ministry of Justice Form No. 2)
• One recent photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
• Original and copy of passport
• Copy of identity documents (Alien Registration Card, Permanent Resident Card (F-5), or residence notification)
• A foreign criminal record certificate issued within the last six months (apostilled or consular verified)
• Family relations notification and documents proving family relations (Naturalization certificate of either parent, basic certificate, family relations certificate)
• Documentation proving parent-child relationship (birth certificate, DNA test results, etc.)

In cases where the parent-child relationship is unclear due to foreign birth, DNA test results confirming a match of 99.99% or higher may be required.

Application Process and Important Notes

• Book a reservation at the Immigration or Foreign Affairs Office for your residential area before applying.
• All submitted documents must be original or apostilled/consular verified copies.
• Incomplete documents may result in requests for supplementation. (Per Ministry of Justice Guidelines No. 1359, Article 6)
• Applicants must renounce foreign nationality or pledge not to maintain foreign nationality within one year of obtaining naturalization.

In summary, if a parent naturalizes and becomes a South Korean citizen, their child is legally recognized as a “child of a South Korean citizen” and thus is eligible for special naturalization. The child is exempt from residence, income, and property requirements, with the main criteria being good conduct and clear proof of family relationships.

Note: This article is intended for informational purposes as of September 2025. There may be inaccuracies regarding timing or content, and no legal responsibility is assumed. Please use this information as a reference only.

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