National Pension lump-sum refund for foreigners leaving Korea

Foreign workers in Korea are generally enrolled in the National Pension, and contributions are taken from each salary. When you leave Korea, you may be able to claim a lump-sum refund (반환일시금): the contributions paid for you (your share and your employer’s share), plus interest. This is handled by the National Pension Service (NPS).

Who can claim?

• E-8, E-9 and H-2 visa holders can generally claim regardless of nationality.
• For other visas, it depends on your nationality: whether your country gives Korean citizens the same benefit, or has a social security agreement with Korea that allows it.
• Rules by country can change, so check the current country list on the NPS website or ask NPS before you make plans.
• Under some agreements, instead of a lump-sum, your pension periods in Korea and your home country can be added together. Check what your country’s agreement says.

What should I do?

Documents to prepare

• Passport
• Alien Registration Card (ARC)
• Proof of departure, such as your flight ticket
• Bank account details to receive the money (a Korean or overseas account may be possible)
• The NPS claim form. If someone claims for you, extra papers such as a power of attorney are needed. Check with NPS.

How to claim

1. 1

   Check if you can claim

   Look at the NPS country list or call the NPS customer centre (1355).

2. 2

   Choose when to claim

   Before departure: at an NPS branch or the airport counter (where available). After departure: by mail or through an agent. Methods can change, so check NPS for current options.

3. 3

   Prepare your documents

   Passport, ARC, proof of departure and bank account details.

4. 4

   Submit the claim

   Fill in the claim form and submit it with your documents.

5. 5

   Receive the money

   The payment is generally made after your departure is confirmed. Check NPS for timing and payment methods.