Restoration with Limited Dual Nationality (senior 65+ returnee)
Citizenship in South Korea
- Eligibility
- Restoration with dual-nationality retention — three special categories: a person who obtains restoration under 제9조 MAY pledge not to exercise foreign nationality (외국국적 불행사 서약) and retain dual nationality if they fall into one of: (제10조제2항제2호) a restored person whom the Minister recognizes as falling under 제7조제1항제2호/제3호 (distinguished-service / excellent-talent); (제10조제2항제3호) a person adopted by an alien before majority who acquired foreign nationality, resided abroad, and then obtained restoration (overseas adoptee); (제10조제2항제4호) a person who, after residing abroad, entered the ROK to permanently reside AFTER fully turning 65 years of age and obtained restoration ('외국에서 거주하다가 영주할 목적으로 만 65세 이후에 입국하여 제9조에 따라 국적회복허가를 받은 자' — the senior-65 dual-nationality route). The 65-age rule lives in 제10조제2항제4호, NOT in 제9조 itself.
- Timeline
- standard
- Renunciation
- Not required
Overview
Restoration with dual-nationality retention — three special categories: a person who obtains restoration under 제9조 MAY pledge not to exercise foreign nationality (외국국적 불행사 서약) and retain dual nationality if they fall into one of: (제10조제2항제2호) a restored person whom the Minister recognizes as falling under 제7조제1항제2호/제3호 (distinguished-service / excellent-talent); (제10조제2항제3호) a person adopted by an alien before majority who acquired foreign nationality, resided abroad, and then obtained restoration (overseas adoptee); (제10조제2항제4호) a person who, after residing abroad, entered the ROK to permanently reside AFTER fully turning 65 years of age and obtained restoration ('외국에서 거주하다가 영주할 목적으로 만 65세 이후에 입국하여 제9조에 따라 국적회복허가를 받은 자' — the senior-65 dual-nationality route). The 65-age rule lives in 제10조제2항제4호, NOT in 제9조 itself.
Legal basis
Primary statute: 국적법 제9조 + 제10조제2항제4호. Operative 2011-01-01–present. Authority: Minister of Justice (법무부장관); Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인정책본부).
Example scenarios
ELIGIBLE with limited dual nationality
Nationality Act Art.9 + Art.10(2)4: a returnee aged 65 or older may pledge non-exercise instead of renouncing, keeping the foreign nationality.
ELIGIBLE for restoration
국적법 제9조 + 제10조제2항제4호: a former national restores by Ministerial permission absent an Art.9(2) bar.
Discretionary / possible bar
국적법 제9조 + 제10조제2항제4호 Art.9(2) conduct/security bars may apply.
Informational summary compiled from primary legal sources — not legal advice. Citizenship law changes; verify with the competent authority before acting. Last verified 2026-06-22.
Track changes to this route
Descent and naturalization rules change. We'll email you in plain English when anything affecting South Korea updates — no spam.