South Korea: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
General naturalisation in Korea comes after 5 consecutive years of residence and only with permanent F-5 status; it needs KIIP level 5 or the final exam, and you must give up your previous citizenship within a year. F-5 itself, by the general route, takes 5 years and an annual income of at least twice the national average (≈ ₩105M in 2026); professionals with 80+ points on the F-2-7 visa get it after 3 years with a lower income bar. Spouses of citizens qualify in simplified form after 2 years of married residence and may keep their previous citizenship by pledging not to use it in Korea. Processing takes about 1.5–2 years.
- • 5 consecutive years, F-5 status and giving up the previous citizenship
- • spouses of citizens — 2 years of married residence; the previous citizenship can be kept
Citizenship application processing, years: 1.5–2.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul | ₩1,650,000≈ €1,100 | ₩4,670,000≈ €3,100 |
| Busan | ₩1,430,000≈ €949 | ₩3,770,000≈ €2,510 |
| Incheon | ₩1,420,000≈ €941 | ₩3,800,000≈ €2,520 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety86
- Earning potential85
- Healthcare87
- Path to citizenship0
- Schools and education80
- Environment32
- Warm, sunny climate55
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in South Korea, and how long does it take?
5 consecutive years, F-5 status and giving up the previous citizenship; spouses of citizens — 2 years of married residence; the previous citizenship can be kept. Processing takes 1.5–2 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in South Korea?
The main routes we cover: Work visa (e.g. E-7 for professionals); Spouse-of-citizen F-6 visa. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
Can I keep my citizenship in South Korea?
In general naturalisation Korea requires giving up your previous citizenship within a year. Spouses of citizens may instead pledge not to use it in Korea.
How much does it cost to live in South Korea per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Seoul ≈ ₩1,650,000 / ₩4,670,000; Busan ≈ ₩1,430,000 / ₩3,770,000; Incheon ≈ ₩1,420,000 / ₩3,800,000. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in South Korea?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Seoul ₩675,000–₩1,420,000; Busan ₩475,000–₩825,000; Incheon ₩475,000–₩875,000.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.