Exam guide
How to apply
Source: 법무부 출입국·외국인정책본부
Last updated: 2026-05-07

Exam overview

There are two paths to Korean citizenship:

KIIP runs in 5 levels, from Level 0 (basic Korean) to Level 5 (advanced Korean society). After finishing Level 5 you must pass the 종합평가 (KINAT) to receive the certificate that qualifies you to apply for naturalization.

Why this app has no practice/exam mode — The official question bank is private. KIIP publishes only 30–40 sample items (견본문항) per test type as PDFs; the actual exam questions are never released. About half of the MCQ items also test Korean vocabulary and grammar, so translating them into another language defeats the question. We've chosen to ship a guide only rather than fabricate content.

Eligibility

Naturalization eligibility is set by Korea's Immigration Control Act and Nationality Act (2026 baseline; subject to change).

The language requirement is satisfied by passing the 종합평가 or the 귀화필기시험. Finishing KIIP through Level 5 plus passing the comprehensive evaluation removes the need for any separate Korean-proficiency exam. TOPIK certificate holders may be exempt from some KIIP levels, but the scope of the exemption can change between cohorts — check the Social Integration Network for the current rules.

Test format

KINAT (the naturalization-track 종합평가) is 60 minutes, scored out of 100:

Pass mark: 60 / 100. A separate 영주용 종합평가 exists for permanent residency applicants and is somewhat easier than the naturalization version.

Topic areas

Fees

Costs below are 2026 baseline figures and may change without notice.

Confirm current amounts on the Social Integration Network and Korea Immigration Service notices.

How to apply

  1. Complete KIIP Level 5 and pass the 종합평가 (KINAT) — or sit the 귀화필기시험 directly
  2. Submit your naturalization packet (application + evaluation certificate + supporting documents) to the local Immigration Office
  3. Pass the 면접 심사 (interview screening) — basic Korean conversation, civic knowledge, the national anthem, etc.
  4. Receive naturalization approval from the Minister of Justice
  5. Take the 국민선서 (oath of citizenship) and be entered into the family register — you are now a Korean national

Retake policy

After passing

  1. Take the comprehensive evaluation pass certificate and include it in your naturalization packet
  2. Submit the packet to the Immigration Office → document review
  3. Interview screening — basic Korean conversation, civic knowledge, pledge to the flag, the national anthem, etc.
  4. The Minister of Justice issues naturalization approval (months to over a year)
  5. Attend the oath ceremony (국민선서식) and be entered into the family register
  6. Surrender your foreign-resident card and apply for the resident registration card
  7. Some countries of origin require a separate renunciation of original citizenship

Official resources

Recommended study materials

FAQ

Can I take the test in a language other than Korean? No. The exam is Korean-only because Korean proficiency itself is part of what's being evaluated.

What if I fail? You can retake it. Sign up for the next sitting — there is no cap on attempts, but each sitting requires a fresh fee.

Can I skip KIIP and go straight to the test? Yes — by sitting the 귀화필기시험 directly. That said, completing KIIP is treated as evidence of integration in the immigration interview stage, so most applicants choose the KIIP route.

Does a TOPIK certificate exempt me from the test? TOPIK can be used to exempt you from some KIIP levels, but it does not replace the comprehensive evaluation (KINAT) or the naturalization written test. Check the per-cohort exemption rules.

Does the pass certificate expire? Generally 2 years. You should file the naturalization application within that window (current rule).