How to Obtain Korean Citizenship: An Overview

In South Korea, there are three primary paths for acquiring nationality: general naturalization, simplified naturalization, and special naturalization. Among these, special naturalization allows foreign nationals with specific qualifying circumstances to obtain citizenship without the usual residency or income requirements. Today, we’ll explore how children of parents who have naturalized can also become South Korean citizens through this special process.

Table of Contents

What is Special Naturalization?

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

Children of a parent who is a South Korean citizen
Foreign spouses currently in a marital relationship with a South Korean citizen
Foreign nationals with significant contributions to South Korea
Exceptional talents in fields such as science, economy, culture, or sports that may benefit the nation’s interests

In simpler terms, if one parent is a South Korean citizen, their child can apply for special naturalization. Notably, the eligibility hinges on the parental nationality at the time of the naturalization application, regardless of the child’s citizenship at birth.

Key Requirements for Special Naturalization

To qualify for special naturalization, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Good Character Requirements: Applicants must not have a criminal record or violations of immigration laws and should demonstrate good moral conduct according to societal standards.
Residency Requirements: Applicants must have a permanent residence in South Korea. Temporary accommodations, such as guesthouses or dormitories, are not acceptable.
Basic Competency Requirements: Proficiency in the Korean language and passing a comprehensive evaluation of the social integration program are necessary; however, some exemptions may apply.
Exemptions for Residency and Financial Requirements: Unlike general naturalization, special naturalization waives the residency, income, and property prerequisites.

Cases of Special Naturalization for Children of Naturalized Foreign Parents

For instance, if a foreign father acquires South Korean citizenship through naturalization and later wishes for his foreign child to gain Korean citizenship upon turning legal age, that child would be recognized as a candidate for special naturalization under Article 7, Clause 1 of the Nationality Act. According to the Justice Ministry’s ruling (Regulation No. 1359, effective March 1, 2025), if the parent holds Korean citizenship at the time of application, the child qualifies regardless of their foreign nationality at birth.

Necessary Documents for Special Naturalization Application

Naturalization application form (Ministry of Justice Form No. 2)
One passport-sized photo (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm)
Original and copy of the passport
Copy of identification documents such as a foreign registration card, permanent residency card (F-5), or report of residence
A criminal background certificate issued within the last six months from abroad (Apostille or consular confirmation)
Family relationship notification and supporting documentation
Naturalization certificate of the parent, basic certificate, and family relationship certificate
Proof of parental relationship (such as birth certificate or DNA test results)

If the parent-child relationship is unclear, particularly for children born outside the country, DNA test results verifying a 99.99% confirmation may be necessary.

Application Procedure and Important Notes

Schedule an appointment at the local immigration office where you reside to submit your application.
All documents must be submitted as originals or Apostille/legalized copies.
You may be asked to provide additional documents if there are any deficiencies (per Regulation No. 1359, Section 6).
After obtaining naturalization approval, you will need to renounce your foreign nationality or pledge not to exercise your foreign nationality within one year.

To sum it up, if a parent naturalizes as a South Korean citizen, their child is legally recognized as a “child of a South Korean citizen” and can apply for special naturalization. The requirements for residency, income, and property are waived, while proof of good character and clear family relationship documentation are essential.

This information reflects the situation as of September 2025 and may not be comprehensive; thus, legal responsibilities regarding its accuracy are disclaimed. Please use this content for reference purposes only. 👉 For personalized consultations, you can reach out via our 1:1 consultation board. Apply for Online Consultation