Can You Get South Korean Citizenship by Marriage?

Obtaining South Korean citizenship by marriage allows foreign spouses of Korean nationals to live and work in the country with a structured legal process of simplified naturalization governed by the Nationality Act of South Korea.

This pathway requires meeting specific residency, language, and financial requirements while maintaining a clean legal record.

Key points include:

• How to get Korean citizenship through marriage?
• Who qualifies for Korean citizenship by marriage?
• How long does it take to be a South Korean citizen by marriage?
• Is South Korea a strong passport?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

How to Get South Korean Citizenship by Marriage

Acquiring South Korean citizenship through marriage is a structured process, primarily facilitated via the F-6 Marriage Immigrant Visa.

This visa allows foreign spouses of South Korean nationals to reside in Korea and pursue citizenship.

Step 1: Obtain the F-6 Marriage Immigrant Visa

• Apply at a Korean embassy or consulate in your home country or in South Korea.
• Submit documentation including: marriage certificate, passport, photographs, proof of residence, and proof of financial stability.
• Demonstrate your intention to integrate into Korean society.

Step 2: Reside in South Korea

• After obtaining the F-6 visa, the foreign spouse must live in South Korea for a specified period, generally one year continuously, before applying for naturalization.
• Maintain good conduct and comply with all Korean laws during this period.

Step 3: Demonstrate Language and Cultural Competence

• Applicants are required to show proficiency in the Korean language, including speaking, reading, and writing skills.
• Knowledge of Korean history, culture, and customs is also assessed, often through an interview or written test.

Step 4: Apply for Naturalization

• Once the residency, language, and conduct requirements are fulfilled, submit an application for naturalization under the Nationality Act of South Korea.
• Provide additional documents such as a police clearance certificate, medical certificate, and evidence of financial stability.
• Pay any applicable application fees.

Step 5: Approval and Citizenship

• If the application is approved, the foreign spouse is granted South Korean citizenship.
• In most cases, applicants are expected to renounce their previous nationality, though certain exceptions apply under the dual citizenship law.
• Upon naturalization, the new citizen can apply for a South Korean passport and enjoy the full rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

South Korean Citizenship by Marriage Requirements

To pursue South Korean citizenship by marriage, applicants must first obtain the F-6 Marriage Immigrant Visa and later submit additional documents when applying for naturalization.

What are the requirements for a F6 visa in Korea?

Items may vary depending on individual circumstances:

1. Completed Visa Application – Form provided by the Korean embassy or consulate.
2. Recent Passport Photo – 3.5 x 4.5 cm, color photo.
3. Passport (Original) – Valid for the duration of the process.
4. Marriage Certificate from Korea– Original and photocopy.
5. Certificate of Residence Registration, Personal Information, and Family Relationship of Korean Spouse
6. Copy of Spouse’s Passport or Legal Status Documents – Permanent Resident Card or equivalent.
7. Certificate of Guarantor – Provided by the Korean spouse or a recognized guarantor.
8. Marriage Invitation Letter and Personal Details Form – As required by the embassy/consulate.
9. Proof of Income and Korean Language Capability – Salary certificates, tax records, or language test results.
10. Proof of Residency Requirements – Copy of real estate register, rental agreement, or equivalent.
11. Financial Supporting Letter (Optional) – For applicants who do not meet income requirements.
12. Visa Fee – Refer to the official visa information page for current fees.

Additional Documents for Citizenship/Naturalization

When applying for naturalization under the citizenship by marriage program, applicants must submit additional documents:

1. Alien Registration Card (ARC) – Issued after arriving in Korea on the F-6 visa.
2. Police Clearance Certificate – To demonstrate good conduct, both from Korea and the applicant’s home country.
3. Medical Certificate – Proof of good health and absence of prohibitive diseases.
4. Proof of Continuous Residence – Official documents showing that residency requirements have been met (e.g., rental agreements, utility bills, real estate registration).
5. Proof of Language Proficiency and Cultural Knowledge – Certificates or exam results demonstrating adequate understanding of Korean language, history, and culture.
6. Financial Stability Documents – Updated bank statements, income proofs, or other evidence demonstrating the ability to support oneself.
7. Renunciation Documents (if applicable) – Evidence of renouncing previous nationality, unless exempted under dual citizenship rules.

Who Qualifies for Korean Citizenship in South Korea?

Foreign nationals married to South Korean citizens who meet the requirements are eligible.

Additionally, those who have been married for at least three years may qualify for simplified naturalization, reducing residency requirements to one year.

Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in the Korean language and pass a written test on Korean history and culture.

How Long Does It Take to Get South Korean Citizenship by Marriage?

The naturalization process typically takes up to two years, depending on individual circumstances and the efficiency of the application process.

Applicants must complete the necessary residency period and fulfill all requirements before applying.

Is It Hard to Get Citizenship in South Korea?

While the process is structured, it can be challenging due to stringent requirements, including language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and financial stability.

Applicants must also navigate bureaucratic procedures and may face delays.

However, with proper preparation and adherence to guidelines, obtaining citizenship is achievable as it’s not one of the hardest citizenships to get.

Is a South Korean Passport Powerful?

Yes, the South Korean passport is among the most powerful globally.

As of 2025, it ranks 2nd worldwide, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 countries and territories, according to the Henley Passport Index.

Arton Capital’s Passport Index ranks South Korea 3rd, highlighting its strong global mobility with a score of 174.

Nomad Capitalist’s Passport Index ranks South Korea at 39th, considering factors beyond travel freedom, such as taxation and global perception.

In summary, while rankings may vary slightly depending on the criteria used, South Korea consistently holds a top position in global passport strength.

What Are the Benefits of Korean Citizenship?

• Visa-Free Travel: Citizens can enter many countries without a visa or with visa-on-arrival access, simplifying international travel.
• Social Security: Eligibility for Korea’s national pension and healthcare systems provides financial and medical security.
• Property Ownership: Citizens can purchase property in South Korea without restrictions, making investment and homeownership easier.
• Employment Opportunities: Citizenship grants access to a wider range of jobs, including government and positions requiring Korean nationality.
• Political Participation: Citizens have the right to vote and run for public office, enabling full participation in society.

What Are the Disadvantages of Living in South Korea?

• Language Barrier: Limited English proficiency outside major cities can make daily communication, administrative tasks, and social integration challenging.
• Work Culture: South Korea is known for long working hours, hierarchical structures, and high workplace expectations, which can affect work-life balance.
• Cost of Living: Expenses for housing, food, and transportation are high, particularly in metropolitan areas like Seoul, making budgeting essential for expats.
• Air Pollution: Seasonal dust and industrial emissions can lead to poor air quality, impacting health and outdoor activities.
• Social Pressure: Strong societal expectations around behavior, career success, and conformity can create stress, especially for newcomers adjusting to cultural norms.

Can I Have Dual Citizenship with South Korea?

South Korea generally does not allow dual citizenship, although exceptions exist for certain categories of people.

The most common case of a Korean dual citizen or multiple national by birth occurs when a person acquires Korean nationality through descent (jus sanguinis) while simultaneously obtaining the nationality of their birth country (jus solis).

For example, a child born in a country that grants citizenship based on birthright, such as the USA or Canada, automatically acquires both the nationality of the birth country and Korean nationality if either parent holds Korean nationality at the time of birth.

This is established under Article 2 of the Nationality Act, which states that a person whose father or mother is a national of the Republic of Korea at the time of birth attains Korean nationality.

In addition to multiple nationalities acquired by birth, some individuals obtain them through acquisition.

These cases include naturalization through marriage, special naturalization via a Korean parent, or special naturalization for individuals who have contributed greatly to the Republic of Korea or to its national interests as outstanding talents.

Multiple nationality may also occur for naturalized individuals who cannot renounce their foreign nationality due to foreign laws, or for persons who recover their Korean nationality through achievement, talent, or after overseas adoption as minors.

Korean Dual Citizenship New Law

Recent reforms introduced more flexibility. Individuals who acquire foreign nationality involuntarily, such as by birth or marriage, may keep their Korean citizenship if they submit a pledge not to exercise foreign nationality in Korea.

If this pledge is violated, the Minister of Justice may require the individual to choose one nationality within six months.

Acts considered violations include repeatedly using a foreign passport to enter Korea, registering as a foreigner, or exercising foreign rights within Korean institutions.

Korean Dual Citizenship Military Service

Dual nationals who want to retain both citizenships must file the pledge before age 22, committing to fulfill Korean obligations like taxes and military service.

Male dual citizens must decide by March 31 of the year they turn 18; failure to do so prevents them from renouncing Korean nationality for 20 years, ensuring military service remains binding.

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