Date
2026.02.12
Ministry of SMEs and Startups Notice No. 2026 - 93
To discover and attract outstanding global talent who will contribute to the Korean economy, we are recruiting applicants for the special naturalization recommendation within the private enterprise sector as follows.
To discover and attract outstanding global talent who will contribute to the Korean economy, we are recruiting applicants for the special naturalization recommendation within the private enterprise sector as follows.
February 11, 2026
Minister of SMEs and Startups
Minister of SMEs and Startups
Overview of Special Naturalization for Outstanding Talent
Program Overview
This program grants Republic of Korea citizenship to individuals possessing exceptional abilities in fields such as science, economy, culture, and sports, who are recognized as capable of contributing to the national interest. It allows dual citizenship instead of requiring the renunciation of foreign nationality.
* Ten Categories of Special Naturalization: 1. Prominent figures, 2. Outstanding academic researchers, 3. Outstanding cultural and artistic professionals, 4. Outstanding sports professionals, 5. Outstanding employees in domestic/foreign companies, 6. Workers in new and high-tech industries, 7. Holders of original technologies in new/high-tech fields, 8. Intellectual property holders, 9. Specialized technology holders, 10. International organization professionals.
* Ten Categories of Special Naturalization: 1. Prominent figures, 2. Outstanding academic researchers, 3. Outstanding cultural and artistic professionals, 4. Outstanding sports professionals, 5. Outstanding employees in domestic/foreign companies, 6. Workers in new and high-tech industries, 7. Holders of original technologies in new/high-tech fields, 8. Intellectual property holders, 9. Specialized technology holders, 10. International organization professionals.
Procedure for Acquiring Citizenship via Special Naturalization
- ① Fulfill special naturalization requirements (Applicant)
- ② Issuance of a recommendation letter from a public institution (MSS or other central government ministries)
- ③ Application for special naturalization (Applicant → Ministry of Justice)
- ④ Naturalization interview and Nationality Deliberation Committee review (Ministry of Justice)
- ⑤ Final naturalization approval (Ministry of Justice)
MSS Recommendation Categories
The MSS will issue recommendation letters after evaluating specific private enterprise sectors among the 10 special naturalization categories (refer to the attachment for details).
* As a corporate support ministry, the MSS aims to actively discover and attract global talent contributing to the Korean economy. Applicants may also receive recommendations through institutions other than the MSS.
* As a corporate support ministry, the MSS aims to actively discover and attract global talent contributing to the Korean economy. Applicants may also receive recommendations through institutions other than the MSS.
Eligibility and Required Documents
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals seeking special naturalization who meet the basic requirements for their respective categories.
List of Required Documents
- Documents proving the fulfillment of basic special naturalization requirements (Submission language follows the format of each certificate)
- Request form for special naturalization recommendation from the current employer (Korean form)
- Application form for special naturalization recommendation for outstanding talent (Choice of Korean or English)
- Consent form for the provision, use, and collection of personal information (Korean form)
- Copy of passport or alien registration card
- Other materials necessary for evaluation (Optional)
Evaluation Procedure and Criteria
Evaluation Procedure
- ① Requirement Review: Verify whether the applicant meets the basic special naturalization requirements based on the submitted documents.
- ② Presentation Evaluation: The applicant attends the evaluation committee in person (video participation allowed in unavoidable cases) to directly present the validity of the special naturalization recommendation.
- ③ Final Recommendation Decision: The evaluation committee makes a final decision by comprehensively reviewing the submitted documents and presentation.
Evaluation Criteria (Total 100 points)
- Basic qualities and capabilities (20 points)
- Excellence of past career experiences (20 points)
- Role and performance within the current company (25 points)
- Potential for future contribution to the national interest (25 points)
- Willingness to settle in Korea (10 points)
Application and Submission
- Application Period: From February 11, 2026 (Rolling application and submission)
- Online Submission: Link to Application Page
Inquiries
(Application Inquiries) Global Startup Center
- E-mail: startup.korea.visa@gmail.com
- Phone: +82-02-3440-7346
(General Inquiries) Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED)
- E-mail: yjeee@kised.or.kr
Attachments
- Notice Call for Applications Special Naturalization Recommendation.pdf [View] [Download]
- (제출 양식, Submission Form) 특별귀화 추천 신청, Application for Recommendation for Special Naturalization.docx [View] [Download]