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The definition of “Overseas Korean” varies according to the purpose of each legislation, but in general, the term is used not only to refer to those who used to be a Korean citizen before acquiring foreign nationality, but also for Korean citizens residing in foreign countries.
If you are an overseas Korean in need of a civil service, please go to
[Civil Service for Overseas Korean > Application for the Civil Service for Overseas Korean].
Overview of Overseas Koreans
The Acts and subordinate statutes that define the scope of overseas Koreans include the 「Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans」, 「Overseas Korea Foundation Act」, 「Korea Foundation for International Healthcare Act」, and 「Foreign Exchange Transactions Regulations」.
The scope of overseas Koreans varies slightly depending on the purpose of legislation of specific Acts and subordinate statutes. In general, the scope is not limited to those who used to be Korean nationals and obtained foreign nationality; it even includes Korean nationals residing abroad for extended periods of time. The「Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans」defines overseas Koreans as follows: ① nationals of the Republic of Korea who obtain permanent residency in a foreign country or are residing in a foreign country with a view to living permanently there; and ② persons who have held nationality of the Republic of Korea (including Koreans who had emigrated to a foreign country before the Government of the Republic of Korea was established) or their lineal descendants and who obtain the nationality of a foreign country.
The「Overseas Korea Foundation Act」 defines overseas Koreans as ① persons who have nationality of the Republic of Korea, and stay in a foreign country for a long term or obtain permanent residency in a foreign country; and ② persons who have Korean lineage, regardless of their nationality, and reside and make a living in a foreign country. The「Korea Foundation for International Healthcare Act」defines overseas Koreans as persons who have Korean lineage, regardless of their nationality, and reside and make a living in a foreign country. The 「Foreign Exchange Transactions Regulations」 defines overseas Koreans as ① emigrants under the 「Emigration Act」 who gain a foreign nationality; and ② Korean nationals who obtain permanent residency or a corresponding status in a foreign country.
Overseas Koreans Under The 「Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas oreans」
Under the 「Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans」, “overseas Koreans ”shall refer to those who fall under any of the following (Article 2 of the 「Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans」):
- A national of the Republic of Korea who obtains permanent residency in a foreign country or is residing in a foreign country with a view to living permanently there (hereinafter referred to as a 'Korean national residing abroad') (Subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the 「Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans」)
- A person who has held nationality of the Republic of Korea (including Koreans who had emigrated to a foreign country before the Government of the Republic of Korea was established) or his lineal descendant and who obtains the nationality of a foreign country and falls under any of the following (hereinafter referred to as a 'Korean with a foreign nationality') (Subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the 「Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans」):
· A person who used to hold Korean nationality and obtained the nationality of a foreign country (Subparagraph 1 of Article 3 of the 「Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans」)
· A person whose parent or grandparent had Korean nationality and who has obtained a foreign nationality (Subparagraph 2 of Article 3 of the「Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans」)