Korea Policy and Law Made Simple

Changing jobs in Korea as a foreigner is not just about submitting a resignation and signing a new contract. It also involves navigating Korean immigration laws, updating your visa status, and ensuring that all legal steps are taken properly to avoid visa violations or unlawful stay. Understanding Visa Ties to Employment In Korea, many work visas—especially the E-2 (Teaching), E-7 (Specialty Occupation), and D-8 (Investment) visas—are directly tied to the employer. This means that switching to a new company requires official approval or a visa transfer process through the Korea Immigration Service (HiKorea.go.kr). If your new job differs in field or duties, the immigration office may even require you to change your visa type. Key Tip! Never start working at the new company before completing the job change process with immigration. Notifying Immigration About a Job Change As of the most recent regulations: You must notify the immigration office within 15 days of leaving your current job...

Moving to Korea for work or study is an exciting opportunity, but understanding your tax obligations is crucial to ensuring a smooth experience. Korea’s tax system can seem complicated for newcomers, especially when it comes to topics like income tax, social security contributions, tax treaties, and foreign income reporting. This guide outlines key information that foreigners need to remain compliant and manage their finances effectively. Who Needs to Pay Taxes in Korea? If you are a foreigner living in Korea for more than 183 days in a year, you are considered a resident for tax purposes. Residents are required to pay taxes on their worldwide income. Non-residents, however, are only taxed on income sourced within Korea. Popular search terms like Korean tax residency, non-resident taxation in Korea, and expat tax rules often confuse many foreigners. Simply put, your visa type (like E-2, D-8, F-6) does not determine your tax status — your physical presence does. Income Tax Rates for...

  Owning a pet in Korea can be a rewarding and joyful experience, but it comes with important responsibilities. Whether you're a resident foreigner or a newcomer, understanding pet ownership laws in Korea is essential. From registering your pet to following public regulations, being well-informed will help you and your furry friend live peacefully within the community. Pet Registration Requirements In Korea, pet registration is mandatory for all dogs aged three months or older. Under the Animal Protection Act, pet owners must register their pets with their local municipal office. Failure to register a pet can lead to fines up to 1 million KRW. Registration includes: Microchipping your dog with an official identification number. Providing your pet’s basic information, including breed, age, and vaccination records. Updating information if ownership changes or the pet is lost. You can register your pet at local veterinary clinics that participate in the government registration program...

Whether you are living, working, or studying in South Korea, legal issues can sometimes arise—from landlord disputes to employment conflicts or even civil litigation. While the Korean legal system can be complex, it is possible for foreigners to file lawsuits and obtain professional legal advice in Korea. This guide will help you understand your rights, the legal process, and where to seek help as a foreigner navigating the Korean legal system. Understanding the Korean Legal System South Korea follows a civil law system, similar to those in many European countries. Laws are codified, and courts rely on written statutes rather than precedent. Key legal institutions include: District Courts (for civil and criminal matters) High Courts Supreme Court Constitutional Court (for constitutional disputes) For most civil or minor criminal cases, the process begins at the District Court level. Can Foreigners File Lawsuits in Korea? Yes. Foreign nationals have the legal right to file lawsuits and ...

Divorce is a sensitive yet significant legal process, especially for foreigners living in South Korea. Whether you're married to a Korean national or another foreigner, navigating the Korean legal system can be overwhelming without proper guidance. This blog post offers an overview of the divorce process in Korea for foreigners, addressing types of divorce, legal procedures, documentation, and the role of the Family Court. Types of Divorce in Korea In South Korea, there are two primary types of divorce:   Mutual Consent Divorce (합의이혼 / Habi Ihon): This is the most common and straightforward form. Both spouses agree to the divorce and file jointly at the Family Court. Foreigners are allowed to file for a consent divorce under Korean law, regardless of nationality, as long as both parties are present in Korea or have legal representation.   Judicial Divorce (재판이혼 / Jaepan Ihon): If mutual consent isn’t possible, one spouse must file a lawsuit in Family Court. Acceptable grounds ...

As more international families settle in South Korea, many parents face questions about the citizenship, residency, and visa status of their children born overseas. Whether one or both parents are Korean nationals or foreigners residing in Korea, understanding the legal process for your child’s nationality and visa can save you stress down the line. This guide will walk you through the nationality rules, visa options, and essential steps for registering a foreign-born child in South Korea. From F-2 dependent visas to dual nationality laws, we’ve compiled everything you need to know. 📌 Who Is This Guide For? This blog is helpful for: Korean citizens married to a foreign spouse with children born abroad Foreigners living in Korea with permanent residency or marriage visas International couples residing in Korea raising children Parents who want their child to attend school, access healthcare, or live in Korea long-term Understanding South Korea’s Nationality Law South Korea follows jus ...