Special Naturalization — Excellent Talent (우수인재)
Citizenship in South Korea
- Eligibility
- Special naturalization — excellent-talent (우수인재) category: an alien with very excellent ability in a specific field such as science, economy, culture or sport, who is recognized as contributing to the national interest of the ROK ('과학ㆍ경제ㆍ문화ㆍ체육 등 특정 분야에서 매우 우수한 능력을 보유한 사람으로서 대한민국의 국익에 기여할 것으로 인정되는 사람') may obtain special naturalization under 국적법 제7조제1항제3호. This is its OWN subparagraph (제3호), distinct from distinguished service (제2호) — the older 2-item form with a 'Presidential approval' clause is superseded (fabrication catch A5). Evaluation criteria and recommendation are set by an MOJ administrative notice (고시) under 시행령 제6조제2항; the 국적심의위원회 deliberates.
- Timeline
- standard
- Renunciation
- Required
Overview
Special naturalization — excellent-talent (우수인재) category: an alien with very excellent ability in a specific field such as science, economy, culture or sport, who is recognized as contributing to the national interest of the ROK ('과학ㆍ경제ㆍ문화ㆍ체육 등 특정 분야에서 매우 우수한 능력을 보유한 사람으로서 대한민국의 국익에 기여할 것으로 인정되는 사람') may obtain special naturalization under 국적법 제7조제1항제3호. This is its OWN subparagraph (제3호), distinct from distinguished service (제2호) — the older 2-item form with a 'Presidential approval' clause is superseded (fabrication catch A5). Evaluation criteria and recommendation are set by an MOJ administrative notice (고시) under 시행령 제6조제2항; the 국적심의위원회 deliberates.
Who qualifies
- Special naturalization — excellent-talent (우수인재) category: an alien with very excellent ability in a specific field such as science, economy, culture or sport, who is recognized as contributing to the national interest of the ROK ('과학ㆍ경제ㆍ문화ㆍ체육 등 특정 분야에서 매우 우수한 능력을 보유한 사람으로서 대한민국의 국익에 기여할 것으로 인정되는 사람') may obtain special naturalization under 국적법 제7조제1항제3호. This is its OWN subparagraph (제3호), distinct from distinguished service (제2호) — the older 2-item form with a 'Presidential approval' clause is superseded (fabrication catch A5). Evaluation criteria and recommendation are set by an MOJ administrative notice (고시) under 시행령 제6조제2항; the 국적심의위원회 deliberates.
How to apply
- NATIONALITY DELIBERATION COMMITTEE (국적심의위원회, 국적법 제22조 — STATUTORY body since Act 18978, 신설 2022-09-15; previously a 시행령 creature). Established under the Minister of Justice to DELIBERATE on: (1) 우수인재 special naturalization (§7(1)3); (2) exceptional renunciation permission (§14의2); (3) loss determination (§14의4); (4) other nationality matters the Minister refers. The Minister MUST pass these through the committee BEFORE the relevant permission/decision (§22(2)), except where requirements are plainly unmet (per Decree). Committee composition/operation: §23 (chair=Vice-Minister of Justice, ≤30 members, 2-yr terms).
Legal basis
Primary statute: 국적법 제7조제1항제3호. Operative 2010-05-04–present. Authority: Minister of Justice (법무부장관); Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인정책본부).
Example scenarios
ELIGIBLE via 우수인재 special naturalization
Nationality Act Art.7(1)3 (excellent talent): very excellent ability in science/economy/culture/sport; Art.22 committee deliberation; may keep dual nationality via the Art.10(2) pledge.
ELIGIBLE subject to committee deliberation
국적법 제7조제1항제3호 routes are deliberated by the 국적심의위원회 (Art.22) before the Minister grants.
NOT eligible (unsubstantiated)
국적법 제7조제1항제3호 requires demonstrable special contribution/excellent talent assessed against Decree standards and Art.22 review.
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
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