ROK's 1948 and 1998 nationality laws

Last bastion of Korean patriarchy falls

By William Wetherall

First posted 18 June 2007
Last updated 28 August 2014

ROK nationality   nationality | national | Initial determination | Korea | Korean | nationality of Korea
ROK nationality laws   1948 Provisional Nationality Ordinance | 1948 ROK Nationality Law | 1998 ROK Nationality Act | 2011 ROK dual nationality revisions

Related articles

Affiliation and status in Korea: 1909 Population Register Law and enforcement regulations
ROK's Compatriots Abroad Act: "nationals abroad" and "alien nationality compatriots"
Race in ROK's constitutions: Racioethnic solidarity through compatriot love

ROK nationality

The Republic of Korea, founded on 15 August 1948, was the next to last East Asian state to formally adopt a principle of ambilineality in its nationality law. Not until 1998 did ROK revise its 1948 Nationality Act to enable a child to acquire ROK's nationality at time of birth if either of its parents was a national. Until then, the Nationality Act had been, like many of ROK's laws, a bastion of patriarchy. The Republic of China did not adopt ambilineality until 2000.

ROK was not exceptional in its adoption of a patrilineal right-of-blood principle in 1948. The principle had been, and was then still, the most common nationality standard in the world. Only during the second half of the 20th century did most states, having ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), begin to adopt ambiliniality.

No nationality law in pre-Japan Korea

On 17 August 1899, a few months after Japan adopted its first Nationality Law, the Empire of Korea promulgated the "System of Great Korea" (大韓國制 대한국제 Tae Hanguk je). The fourth of the nine articles in this constitution of sorts outlined the duties of "Great Korea subjects" (大韓國臣民 대한국 신민 Tae Hanguk sinmin). But none of the articles defined Korea's subjects or touched upon the topic of nationality.

Nor did Japan, when it annexed Korea on 29 August 1910, formally extend its own nationality law to the peninsula. Since there were no provisions for nationality in Korean law, and no stipulations about nationality in the annexation treaty, Japan assumed that the people who came with the territory of Korea would be subjects of its emperor.

In other words, when Korea was incorporated into Japan as Chosen, Koreans became Chosenese. As Chosen was a part of Japan's sovereign dominion, Chosenese were Japanese subjects, hence Japanese.

Population registers

Korea had its own population registers and standards for keeping track of who was related to whom. However, practices were not uniform. Generally, registers were kept by heads of households and were mostly concerned documenting male lineage. Wives were usually not included, and not everyone had a surname.

In other words, Korea's household registration system was less developed, as a tool for social organization and control, than the parish registration system Japan replaced in 1871 with a comprehensive, nationwide system under local government control. By the time Korea was coming under increasing Japanese control, during and immediately after the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, Japan had mastered the use of population registers as a tool of social control in older territories and nationalization of new territories.

1909 Population Register Law

Japan pushed the Empire of Korea to improve its population registration system as a first step toward improving Korea's ability to govern itself. In March 1909, a year and a half before its annexation to Japan, the Empire of Korea adopted, under Japanese guidance, a "Population Register Law" (民籍法 민적법 Minjŏkpŏp J. Minsekihō).

The law, enforced from 1 April 1909, was administered under enforcement regulations issued Korea's Interior Affairs Department on 22 March 1909. Heads of households were responsible for reporting registration matters to village heads. Local police substations, within provincial police precincts, under provincial police departments, were responsible for enforcement.

Under the new law, between July 1909 and April 1910 , again before annexation, Korean and Japanese police established uniform registers throughout the country. The new registers included wives, and everyone had a surname. Registers, which once had focused on households and male lineage, still centered on households but now reflected the existence and status of all individuals in a household.

See Affiliation and status in Korea for the texts of and commentary on both measures.

Registers as definitions of nationality

From 29 August 1910, when Korea was incorporated into Japan as Chosen, Japan set out, very gradually at first, to make Chosen's household registers more like those in its Interior (prefectural) jurisdiction. Registers played the name role in the nationalization of Chosen as they had in all territories Japan had incorporated into its sovereign dominion since the establishment of the Meiji government in 1868. For about fifteen centuries before this, too, enrollment in local registers was an essential part of inclusion in a ruler's jurisdiction.

Like registers in the prefectures, and in Taiwan and Karafuto, registers in Chosen defined the population that constituted the Chosen subnation within the greater Japanese nation. Anyone in a Chosen register was Japanese by nationality and Chosenese by regionality or subnationality.

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"nationality" as used in ROC, PRC, ROK, and Japan

The Sino-Korean term for "nationality" is (국적 kukchŏk 國籍). It is clear from how this word is used in DPRK's Nationality Law that -- as in the Republic of Korea, as in the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China, and as in Japan -- "nationality" means "national register". Moreover, it designates a civil -- not racioethnic -- status.

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"citizen" as used in PRC and DPRK

DPRK, following the practice of the People's Republic of China, refers to those who possess its nationality as "citizens" (공민 kongmin 公民) -- rather than "nationals" (국민 kungmin 國民), the term used in the Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.

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Initial determination embraces "Korea"

How did the Democratic People's Republic of Korea initially determine its nation -- i.e., the population of people it assumed possessed its nationality? DPRK took as its starting point everyone who had been affiliated with "Korea" up to the day DPRK was founded -- meaning "Korea" before annexation by Japan, "Korea" when part of Japan, and "Korea" after abandoned by Japan to the United States and the Soviet Union following its surrender to the Allies on 15 August 1945.

The DPRK nationality law embraces every person who was a "Korean" (조선사람 chosŏ saram 朝鮮人) by virtue of possessing the "nationality" (국적 kukchŏk 国籍) of "Korea" (조선 chosŏn 朝鮮) -- and their children -- before the founding of the Republic -- who had not "abandoned" their nationality.

From the point of view of international law, all nationals of the Republic of Korea abandoned this nationality when they acknowledged their affiliation with ROK. Also, "Koreans" (朝鮮人 Chōsenjin) who remained in the prefectures of Japan after the war -- meaning people with family registers in "Korea" (朝鮮 Chōsen) -- who opted to register as nationals of ROK -- also abandoned their "Korean" status.

However, for many years ROK and DPRK did not recognized each other as states. In fact, each took the view that it was the true successor of the "Korea" of history -- much like ROC and PRC both claimed to be the only legitimate government of "China". In other words, both ROK and DPRK saw the other's nationals as part of its own nationality. Since their admission to the United Nations on 17 September 1991, the two states have had to formally recognize each other.

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Meaning of "Korea" (조선 Chosŏn)

Though 朝鮮 is part of its name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea formally refers to itself -- at least in this law -- either by its full name or as just "the Republic". The law also uses the softer Korean "other countries" (다른 나라 tarŭn nara) where the Japanese translation has the harder Sino-Japanese term "foreign states" (外国 gaikoku).

Significantly, 朝鮮 is reserved for the name of "Korea" as it existed before DPRK was founded -- the entire Korean peninsula, ignoring the Republic of Korea which, founded a few weeks earlier, also claimed the entire country. In other words, 朝鮮 is reserved for "Korea" both before, and during, the period of Japanese rule.

As a subnation of Japan between 1910 and 1945, Korea was known in Japanese as 朝鮮 (Chōsen). Japanese documents and publications in English referred to the territory as either Chosen or Korea.

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Meaning of "Korean" (조선사람 Chosŏn saram)

While 朝鮮人 is valid as both a Sino-Korean (조선인 Chosŏn'in) and Sino-Japanese (Chōsenjin) term for "Korean", DPRK's Nationality Law refers to someone who possessed the nationality of 朝鮮 as 조선사람 (Chosŏn saram) -- using the softer and more affectionate Korean word for "person". This would be rendered in Japanese as 人 (hito) or 人々 (hitobito).

In any event, the Sino-Japanese rendering is the usual historical reference to a person or persons affiliated with Korea before and under Japanese rule -- and after Japanese rule until at least the foundings of ROK and DPRK in 1948. The empires of Korea and Japan are defunct, but 朝鮮人 -- in legal parlance -- continues to describe the legacy status of former Japanese of Korean subnationality and their descendants in Japan, who have not formally registered as a national of the Republic of Korea, or naturalized in Japan or another state.

DPRK's Nationality Law obviously embraces legacy 朝鮮人 in Japan. However, 朝鮮人 are not, in Japan's eyes, DPRK nationals. Moreover, Japan and DPRK normalize their relationship and exchange diplomatic missions, there will be provisions for 朝鮮人 to decide what, if any, nationality they wish to acquire. And those who opt to be DPRK nationals will have to formalize their status with DPRK.

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Meaning of "nationality of Korea" (조선의 국적 국적 Chosŏn ui kukchŏk)

In writing its law as it has, DPRK has assumed that people with registers in Korea, who had possessed Japanese until 15 August 1945, effectively became nationals of Korea again when Japan surrendered. DPRK, like ROK, dates the historical origin of its legitimacy to 1 March 1919, which marked the start of a failed attempt independence movement. Both Koreas celebrate their independence on 15 August 1945.

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ROK nationality laws

The provisional government of the Republic of Korea issued a nationality ordinance on 11 May 1948, three months before ROK's formal establishment on 15 August.

On 20 December 1948, four months after ROK's founding on 15 August 1948, its Official Gazette (官報 Kwanbo) published the new state's first Nationality Law (pages 1-2). The law, No. 16, promulgated by President Syngman Rhee (李承晩 Yi/Ri Sŭngman 1875-1965), was partly revised under Park Chung Hee (朴正熙 Pak Chŏng Hŭi 1917-1979) in 1962 and 1963.

The current ROK Nationality Act, promulgated in 1997 and enforced in 1998, replaced the 1948 law. The new law has been revised a number of times, especially with regard to naturalization and multiple nationality.

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1948 Provisional Nationality Ordinance

On 11 May 1948, South Korea Transitional Court (南朝鮮過渡法院 J. Minami Chōsen kato hōin) of the South Korea Transitional Government (南朝鮮過渡政府 J. Minami Chōsen seifu), under the United States Army Military Government in Korea (USAMGIK), issued a "Provisional [Temporary] ordinance concerning nationality" (國籍に關する臨時條例 J. Kokuseki ni kan suru rinji jōrei), as South Korea Transitional Government Law No. 11.

The transitional law had only six articles, the last of which provided that the law would be enforced from the day of its promulgation. The substantial articles made the following provisions.

Article 2 stipulated that anyone with a Korean (朝鮮人 K. Chosŏn'in, J. Chōsenjin) father (Item 1), or with a Korean mother if the father was unknown or stateless (Item 2), or born in Korea (朝鮮 K. Chosŏn, J. Chōsen) of unknown or stateless parents (Item 3), would be considered Korean . A foreigner who became the wife of a Korean would also be Korean, except those who, pursuant to the dissolution of the marriage, had recovered their foreign nationality (Item 4). Foreigners who naturalized in Korea would also be Korean, provide that conditions for naturalization, and limitations of the rights of naturalized persons, would be determined by other measures (Item 5).

Article 3 provided that the rights of persons who qualified as Korean under Items 2 and 4 of Article 2 would be limited in the same way as those of naturalized persons.

Article 4 provided that persons who naturalized in another country, or became the wife or adopted child of an alien, would lose the nationality of Korea (Chōsen).

Article 5 in ROK's provisional Nationality Ordinance

Article 5 made the following stipulation (Koshikawa, page 434, my translation).

第五條   外國の國籍又は日本の戸籍をを取得した者であつて、その國籍を抛棄するか又は日本の國籍を離脱する者は檀紀四二七八年八月九日以前に朝鮮の國籍を回復したものと見做す。

Article 5   Persons who have acquired (取得した shutoku shita) the nationality of a foreign country or a family register of Japan (日本の戸籍 Nihon no koseki), who abandon [relinquish] (抛棄する hōki suru) that nationality or who renounce [separate from] (離脱する ridatsu suru) the nationality of Japan (日本の国籍 Nihon no kokuseki), shall be viewed as having recovered (回復した kaifuku shita) the nationality of Korea (朝鮮 Chōsen) from Tangi 4278-8-9 [9 August 1945].

Article 5 thus viewed Chosenese who had migrated to a family register affiliated with Japan's prefectural Interior (Naichi), from a register affiliated with Chōsen (Korea), as aliens who stood to recover the nationality of Korea (朝鮮 Chōsen) -- and again become Koreans (朝鮮人 Chōsenjin) -- only if they renounced the nationality associated with their Japanese register.

The 1947 Constitution gave Japanese nationals the right to change their nationality, and the 1916 revision to the 1899 Nationality Law (in effect until 1950) facilitated renunciation. In practice, however, one could not renounce Japanese nationality unless one had another nationality, and the nationality had to be of a state that Japan recognized. Japan and ROK had not yet begun to negotiate a normalization treaty much less a status agreement.

Even if ROK nationality had already become available to former Chosenese in Japanese family registers, it appears that they would have had to "recover" Korean nationality before they could have renounced their Japanese nationality. Under Japanese law, however, they would have lost their Japanese nationality by volitionally acquiring the nationality of another country. One way or another, they could probably have changed their nationality, but perhaps not as easily as Article 5 would make it seem.

Significance of Article 5

Article 5, however, constitutes early recognition among legalists in the soon-to-be-born Republic of Korea that being Korean was a matter of civil status -- apart from being "Korean" on racioethnic grounds -- and also a matter of territorial registration. In this regard, the line drawn by Article 5 in the provisional law is the same line Japan drew between Naichi and other registers in the 19 April 1952 Attorney General's Office civil affairs notification according to which people in Chōsen and Taiwan registers, but not Naichi registers, would lose their Japanese nationality upon the effectuation of the 1952 San Francisco Peace Treaty.

For a brief overview in English of the general features of South Korea's 1948 provisional ordinance, see Chang 1990, pages 260-261, in Ko 1990, both in Bibliography. For a Japanese version of the ordinance, see Koshikawa 1949, pages 433-434.

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1948 ROK Nationality Law
With commentary on terminology

Korean text

Forthcoming.

Japanese translation

The Japanese translations are two several practically identical versions published in various books and posted on various websites. Practically all Japanese translations of Korean texts are structural in that they reflect the phrasing of the Korean and utilize Sino-Japanese characters to represent Sino-Korean terms in Korean.

The Japanese text has been compared with the 20 December 1948 Kwanbo text. The ratio of Chinese characters to hangul in the Korean text is about the same as the ratio of Chinese characters to kana in the Japanese texts.

The following book is a useful guide to the 1948 and 1998 nationality laws.

奥田安弘、岡克彦
Okuda Yasuhiro and Oka Katsuhito
在日のための韓国国籍法入門
Zainichi no tame no Kankoku Kokusekihō nyūmon
[ROK Nationality Law primer for Zainichi]
東京：明石書店, 1999
Tokyo: Akashi Shoten, 1999
216 pages, hardcover

The last fourth of this book (pages 153-210) is devoted to Japanese translations of laws -- including an article by article comparison of the 1948 and 1998 laws, bills related to the revisions, the old and new enforcement decrees, and extracts from various laws that effect the status of "Zainichi compatriots".

The Okuda and Oka version appears to be the last revision of the 1948. Note that it is stylistically the same as the first featured version, but somewhat differs in its expression of a few phrases. It also differs in its use of a few Sinific (Sino-Korean, Sino-Japanese) characters.

English translations

The structural English translations are mine.

Commentary

Some terms have been highlighted in color to facilitate glosses or commentary.

大韓民国国籍法

Republic of Korea Nationality Act
公布：檀紀4281年12月20日
法律第16号 		Promulgated Tangi 4281-12-20 [20 December 1948]
Law No. 16

第1条

第1条

(目的)

本法は、大韓民国の国民となる条件を規定する。

Article 1

This law stipulates the conditions to become a national of the Republic of Korea.

第2条

第2条

(出生による国籍の取得)

次の各号の1に該当する者は、大韓民国の国民とする。
　1．出生した時、父が大韓民国の国民であつた者
　2．出生前に死亡した父が死亡の時に大韓民国の国民であつた者
　3．父が分明でないとき、または国籍がないときは、母が大韓民国の国民である者
　4．父母が分明でないとき、または国籍がないときは、大韓民国で出生した者

② 大韓民国で発見された棄児は、大韓民国で出生した者と推定する。

(Okuda and Oka 1999, pages 154-155)

１　次の各号の一に該当する者は、大韓民国の国民とする。
　一　出生の時に父が大韓民国の国民である者
　二　出生前に父が死亡したときは、父がその時のときに大韓民国の国民であつた者
　三　父が知られないとき、又は国籍を有しないときは、母が大韓民国の国民である者
　四　父母がともに知られないとき、又は国籍を有しないときは、大韓民国で生まれた者

２　大韓民国で発見された棄児は、大韓民国で生まれたものと推定する。

Article 2

A person who comes under one of the following items shall be regarded a national of the Republic of Korea.

     1. A person whose father, at the time of [the person's] birth, is a national of the Republic of Korea
     2. A person [whose father], when the father died before [the person's] birth, was a national of the Republic of Korea at the time [of his death]
     3. A person whose mother, when the father is unknown, or when [the father] has no nationality, is a national of the Republic of Korea
     4. A person who, when the father and mother are both unknown, or when [they both] do not possess a nationality, has been born in the Republic of Korea

2. An abandoned infant which has been found in the Republic of Korea, shall be presumed to be a person who was born in the Republic of Korea.

第3条

第3条

(外国人の国籍取得)

国籍がなく、または大韓民国の国籍を取得することにより6月内にその国籍を喪失するにいたる外国人であって、次の各号の1に該当する者は、大韓民国の国籍を取得する。
　1．大韓民国の国民の妻となつた者
　2．大韓民国の国民である父または母が認知した者
　3．帰化した者

(1962・11・12法1180号本条改正)

注：1948年法律第16号

第3条

外国人であって、次の各号の1に該当する者は、大韓民国の国籍を取得する。

② 第1項の規定により申告した者は、その申告をしたときに大韓民国の国籍を取得する。
　1．大韓民国の国民の妻となつた者
　2．大韓民国の国民である父または母が認知した者
　3．帰化した者
(Okuda and Oka 1999, page 155)

国籍を有せず、又は大韓民国の国籍を取得によって六月のうちにその国籍を失うべき外国人で、次の各号の一に該当するものは、大韓民国の国籍を取得する。
　一　大韓民国の国民の妻となつた者
　二　大韓民国の国民である父又は母が認知をした者
　三　帰化をした者

Article 3

An alien who does not possess a nationality, or who within six months of gaining the nationality of the Republic of Korea will lose their nationality, and who falls under one of the following items, shall acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea.

     1. A person who has become the wife of a national of the Republic of Korea
     2. A person whose father or mother, who is a national of the Republic of Korea, effects acknowledgement [paternal recognition] [acknowledges the person as their child]
     3. A person who effects naturalization [naturalizes]

第4条

第4条

(外国人の国籍取得)

外国人が認知により大韓民国の国簿を取得するときには、次の条件を備えなければならない。
　1．本国法により未成年であること。
　2．外国人の妻でないこと。
　3．父母のうち、先に認知した者が大韓民国の国民であること。
　4．父母が同時に認知したときは、父が大韓民国の国民であること。

Article 4

第5条

第5条

(帰化)

外国人であって、次の条件を具備する者は、法務部長官の許可を得て帰化することができる。
　1．5 年以上継続して大韓民国に住所を有すること。
　2．20 歳以上であって、その本国法により能力を有すること。
　3．品行が方正であること。
　4．独立の生計を維持することのできる資産または技能があること。
　5．国籍がないことまたは大韓民国の国籍を取得することにより6月内にその国籍を喪失することができること。

(1962･11･21法1180号本条改正)

注：1948年法律第16号

第5条

外国人であって、次の条件を具備する者は、法務部長官の許可を得て帰化する　ことができる。
　1．5年以上継続して大韓民国に住所を有すること。
　2．20歳以上であって、その本国法により能力を有すること。
　3．品行が方正であること。
　4．独立の生計を維持することのできる資産または技能があること。
　5．国籍がないことまたは大韓民国の国籍を取得することによりその国籍を喪失することができること。

Article 5

第6条

第6条

(帰化)

外国人が、次の各号の1に該当し、大韓民国に3年以上継続して住所を有するときは、前条第1号の条件を備えないときでも帰化することができる。
　1．父または母が大韓民国の国民であつた者
　2．妻が大韓民国の国民である者
　3．大韓民国で出生した者であって、父または母が大韓民国で出生した者

Article 6

第7条

第7条

(帰化)

外国人が、次の各号の1に該当し、現在大韓民国に住所を有するときは、本法第5条第1号、第2号および第4号の条件を備えないときでも帰化することができる。
　1．父または母が大韓民国の国民である者
　2．大韓民国に特別な功労のある者
　3．大韓民国の国籍を取得した者の妻であって、大韓民国の国籍を取得していない者

② 前項第2号に該当する者に帰化を許可するときは、法務部長官は、大統領の承認を得なければならない。

Article 7

第8条

第8条

(妻と子の国籍取得)

大韓民国の国籍を取得する者の妻は、その本国法に反対の規定がない限り、夫とともに大韓民国国籍を取得する。ただし、国籍がなく、または大韓民国の国籍を取得することにより6月内にその国籍を喪失するにいたるときに限る。

② 大韓民国の国籍を取得する者の子が、本国法により未成年者であるときも、同様とする。

第8条

大韓民国の国籍を取得する者の妻は、その本国法に反対の規定がない限り、夫とともに大韓民国国籍を取得する。
　大韓民国の国籍を取得する者の子が、本国法により未成年者であるときも、同様とする。

Article 8

第9条

第9条

(妻の帰化の制限)

外国人の妻は、夫とともにでなければ帰化することができない。

Article 9

第10条

第10条

削除

Article 10

第11条

第11条

(帰化の告示)

帰化は、官報に告示しなければならない。

② 帰化は、告示した後でなければ、効力を発生しない。

Article 11

第12条

第12条

(国籍の喪失)

大韓民国の国民であって、次の各号の1に該当する者は、国籍を喪失する。
　1．外国人と婚姻して配偶者の国籍を取得した者
　2．外国人の養子となって養親の国籍を取得した者
　3．婚姻により大韓民国の国籍を取得した者であって、婚姻の取消しまたは離婚により外国の国籍を取得した者
　4．自己の志望によって外国の国籍を取得した者
　5．2重国籍者であって、法務部長官の許可を得て国籍を離脱した者
　6．未成年者である大韓民国の国民であって外国人の認知により外国の国籍を取得した者。ただし、大韓民国の国民の妻または養子となつた者を除く
　7．外国人で大韓民国の国籍を取得した者が6月経過してもその外国の国籍を喪失しないとき

(1963･9･30法1409号第7号追加)

注：1948年法律第16号

第12条

大韓民国の国民であって、次の各号の1に該当する者は、国籍を喪失する。
　1．外国人と婚姻して配偶者の国籍を取得した者
　2．外国人の養子となって養親の国籍を取得した者
　3．婚梱により大韓民国の国籍を取得した者であって、婚姻の取消しまたは離婚により外国の国籍を取得した者
　4．自己の志望によって外国の国籍を取得した者
　5．2重国籍者であって、法務部長官の許可を得て国籍を離脱した者
　6．未成年者である大韓民国の国民であって外国人の認知により外国の国籍を取得した者。ただし、大韓民国の国民の妻または養子となつた者を除く

Article 12

第13条

第13条

(妻と子の国籍喪失)

大韓民国の国籍を喪失した者の妻または未成年の子は、夫または父の国籍を取得したときは、大韓民国の国籍を喪失する。

Article 13

第14条

第14条

(国籍の回復)

前2条の規定により大韓民国の国籍を喪失した者は、法務部長官の許可を得て大韓民国の国籍を回復することができる。
② 第5条第5号および第8条の規定は第1項の規定による国策の回復の場合に、これを準用する。

第14条

前2条の規定により大韓民国の国務を喪失した者が大韓民国に住所を有するときは、法務部長官の許可を得て大韓民国の国籍を回復することができる。
前2条の規定により大韓民国の国籍を喪失した者が大韓民国に住所を有せず大韓民国の国籍を回復しようとするときは、国籍回復審議委員会の建議による法務部長官の許可を受けなければならない。
　国籍回復審議委員会の組織および運営に関し必要な事項は閣令で定める。
　第5条第5号および第8条の規定は第1項および第2項の規定による国籍の回復の場合に、これを準用する。
第14条

前2条の規定により大韓民国の国籍を喪失した者が大韓民国に住所を有するときは、法務部長官の許可を得て大韓民国の国籍を回復することができる。
　第8条の規定は、前項の場合に準用する。

Article 14

第15条

第15条

(帰化等の手続)

帰化ならびに国籍の離脱およぴ回復に関する手続は、大統領令で定める。

Article 15

第16条

第16条

(国籍喪失者の権利譲渡)

国号 [sic] を喪失した者は、大韓民国の国民でなければ享有できないすべての権利を国簿 [sic] 喪失の日から1年以内に大韓民国の国民に譲渡しなければならない。

② 前項の規定に違反したときは、その権利を喪失する。

(Okuda and Oka 1999, page 167)

１　国籍を失った者は、大韓民国の国民でなければ享有できない権利を、国簿を失った日から一年以内に、大韓民国の国民に譲渡しなければならない。

２　前項の規定に違反した者は、その権利を失う。

Article 16

Top  

1998 ROK Nationality Act
With commentary on terminology

Korean text

The Korean text shown here is adapted from the mixed character version posted on the website of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (June 2007). The hangul, and some characters that slightly differ from their Japanese versions, have been converted into Unicode, and the text has been formatted to accommodate this presentation.

Japanese translation

The Japanese translation is one of several practically identical versions published in various books and posted on various websites. Practically are Japanese translations of Korean texts are structural in that they reflect the phrasing of the Korean and utilize Sino-Japanese characters to represent Sino-Korean terms in Korean.

The Japanese text has been compared with the 20 December 1948 Kwanbo text. The ratio of Chinese characters to hangul in the Korean text is about the same as the ratio of Chinese characters to kana in the Japanese text.

The following book is quite useful as a guide to the 1948 and 1998 nationality laws.

Okuda and Oka 1999

奥田安弘、岡克彦
Okuda Yasuhiro and Oka Katsuhito
在日のための韓国国籍法入門
Zainichi no tame no Kankoku Kokusekiho nyumon
[ROK Nationality Act primer for Zainichi]
東京：明石書店, 1999
Tokyo: Akashi Shoten, 1999
216 pages, hardcover

A last fourth of this book (pages 153-210) is devoted to Japanese translations of laws -- including an article by article comparison of the 1948 and 1998 laws, bills related to the revisions, the old and new enforcement decrees, and extracts from various laws that effect the status of "Zainichi compatriots".

English translations

The structural English translations of selected articles are mine. I have

The received translation is from a website that which appears to have scanned a printed copy (June 2007). The scan was full of corruptions, which I have repaired. There was no attribution, but the translations appears to be the semi-official version available for a fee on the website of the Korean Legislation Research Institute.

Commentary

Some terms have been highlighted in color to facilitate glosses or commentary.

大韓民国国籍法

Republic of Korea Nationality Act
成立：1997年11月18日
第186回定期国会

公布：1997年12月13日
法律第5431号

施行：1998年6月14日 		Passed 18 November 1997
186th Regular Session of National Assembly

Promulgated 13 December 1997
Wholly amended by Act No. 5431

Enforced from 14 June 1998

第1條

(目的)

이 法은 大韓民國의 國民이 되는 요건을 정함을 目的으로 한다.

第1条

(目的)

この法律は、大韓民国の国民となる要件を定めることを目的とする。

Received translation
Article 1

(Purpose)

The purpose of this Act is to prescribe the requirements to become a national of the Republic of Korea.

第2條

(出生에 의한 國籍取得)

① 다음 各號의 1에 해당하는 者는 出生과 동시에 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득한다.
　1. 出生한 당시에 父 또는 母가 大韓民國의 國民인 者
　2. 出生하기 전에 父가 死亡한 때에는 그 死亡한 당시에 父가 大韓民國의 國民이었던 者
　3. 父母가 모두 분명하지 아니한 때 또는 國籍이 없는 때에는 大韓民國에서 出生한 者
② 大韓民國에서 발견된 棄兒는 大韓民國에서 出生한 것으로 推定한다.

第2条

(出生による国籍取得)

① 次の各号の1に該当する者は、出生と同時に大韓民国の国籍を取得する。
　1．出生した当時に父又は母が大韓民国の国民である者
　2．出生する前に父が死亡したときは、その死亡した当時に父が大韓民国の国民であった者
　3．父母がすべて明らかでないとき又は国籍がないときは、大韓民国で出生した者
② 大韓民国で発見された棄児は、大韓民国で出生したものと推定する。

Received translation
Article 2

(Acquisition of Nationality by Birth)

(1) A person falling under one of the following subparagraphs shall be a national of the Republic of Korea at the time of his or her birth:

  1. A person whose father or mother is a national of the Republic of Korea at the time of his or her birth;
  2. A person whose father was a national of the Republic of Korea at the time of his death, where father died before his or her birth; and
  3. A person who is born in the Republic of Korea both of whose parents are unknown or have no nationality.

(2) An abandoned child found in the Republic of Korea shall be recognized as born in the Republic of Korea.

第3條

(認知에 의한 國籍取得)

① 大韓民國의 國民이 아닌 者(이하 "外國人"이라 한다)로서 大韓民國의 國民인 父 또는 母에 의하여 認知된 者가 다음 各號의요건을 갖춘 때에는 法務部長官에게 申告함으로써 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득할 수 있다.
　1. 大韓民國의 民法에 의하여 未成年일 것
　2. 出生한 당시에 그 父 또는 母가 大韓民國의 國民이었을 것
② 第1項의 規定에 의하여 申告한 者는 그 申告를 한 때에 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득한다.
③ 第1項의 規定에 의한 申告節次 기타 필요한 사항은 大統領令으로 정한다.

第3条

(認知による国籍取得)

① 大韓民国の国民でない者（以下"外国人"という。）であって大韓民国の国民の父又は母により認知された者が次の各号の要件を備えたときは、法務部長官に申告することにより大韓民国の国籍を取得することができる。
　1．大韓民国の民法により未成年であること
　2．出生した当時その父又は母が大韓民国の国民であったこと
② 第1項の規定により申告した者は、その申告をしたときに大韓民国の国籍を取得する。
③ 第1項の規定による申告手続その他必要な事項は、大統領令で定める。

Received translation
Article 3

(Acquisition of Nationality by Acknowledgement)

(1) Where a person who is not a national of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as a "foreigner") is acknowledged by his father or mother who is a national of the Republic of Korea and falls under the following subparagraphs, the person may acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea after reporting to the Minister of Justice:

  1. The person shall be a minor pursuant to the Civil Act of the Republic of Korea; and
  2. At the time of the person's birth, the father or mother is a national of the Republic of Korea.

(2) A person who makes a report under paragraph (1) shall acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea at the time of reporting.

(3) The reporting procedures under paragraph (I) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Presidential Decree.

第4條

(歸化에 의한 國籍取得)

① 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득한 사실이 없는 外國人은 法務部長官의 歸化許可를 받아 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득할 수 있다.
② 法務部長官은 歸化許可를 申請한 者에 대하여서는 第5條 내지 第7條의 規定에 의한 歸化要件을 갖추었는지의 여부를 審査한 후 그 요건을 갖춘 者에 한하여 歸化를 許可한다.
③ 第1項의 規定에 의하여 歸化許可를 받은 者는 法務部長官이 그 許可를 한 때에 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득한다.
④ 第1項 및 第2項의 規定에 의한 申請節次 및 審査 등에 관하여 필요한 사항은 大統領令으로 정한다.

第4条

(帰化による国籍取得)

① 大韓民国の国籍を取得した事実がない外国人は、法務部長官の帰化許可を受けて大韓民国の国籍を取得することができる。
② 法務部長官は、帰化許可を申請した者に対しては、第5条から第7条までの規定による帰化要件を備えたか否かを審査した後その要件を備えた者に限り帰化を許可する。
③ 第1項の規定により帰化許可を受けた者は、法務部長官がその許可をしたときに大韓民国の国籍を取得する。
④ 第1項及び第2項の規定による申請手続及び審査等に関して必要な事項は、大統領令で定める。

Received translation
Article 4

(Acquisition of Nationality by Naturalization)

(1) A foreigner who has never acquired the nationality of the Republic of Korea may acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea through permission of naturalization by the Minister of Justice.

(2) The Minister of Justice shall, after determining whether persons meet the requirements for naturalization under Articles 5 through 7, issue permission of naturalization to the person who meets the requirements.

(3) A person who is permitted naturalization under paragraph (1) shall acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea at the time when the Minister of Justice issues permission.

(4) Necessary matters for application procedure and determination under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be determined by the Presidential Decree.

第5條

(一般歸化 요건)

外國人이 歸化許可를 받기 위하여서는 第6條 및 第7條에 規定된 경우를 제외하고는 다음 各號의 요건을 갖추어야 한다.
　1. 5年 이상 계속하여 大韓民國에 住所가 있을 것
　2. 大韓民國의 民法에 의하여 成年일 것
　3. 品行이 端正할 것
　4. 자신의 資産이나 技能에 의하거나 生計를 같이 하는 家族에 依存하여 生計를 유지할 能力이 있을 것
　5. 國語能力 및 大韓民國의 風習에 대한 이해 등 大韓民國 國民으로서의 기본 素養을 갖추고 있을 것

第5条

(一般帰化要件)

外国人が帰化許可を受けるためには、第6条及び第7条に規定された場合を除いては、次の各号の要件を備えなければならない。
　1．5年以上継続して大韓民国に住所があること
　2．大韓民国の民法により成年であること
　3．品行が端正であること
　4．自身の資産若しくは技能により、又は生計を共にする家族に依存して生計を維持する能力があること
　5．国語能力及び大韓民国の風習に対する理解等大韓民国国民としての基本素養を備えていること

Received translation
Article 5

(Requirements for General Naturalization)

A foreigner shall meet the following requirements in order to acquire permission of naturalization except where prescribed by Articles 6 and 7:

  1. A person shall have sustained domicile in the Republic of Korea for five or more years consecutively;
  2. A person shall be of majority pursuant to the Civil Act of the Republic of Korea;
  3. A person shall be of good conduct;
  4. A person shall be able to sustain livelihood with his property, ability or family who lives together; and
  5. A person shall have basic knowledge as a national of the Republic of Korea such as Korean language ability and understanding about Korean custom.

第6條

(簡易歸化 요건)

① 다음 各號의 1에 해당하는 外國人으로서 大韓民國에 3年 이상 계속하여 住所가 있는 者는 第5條第1號의 요건을 갖추지 아니하여도 歸化許可를 받을 수 있다.
　1. 父 또는 母가 大韓民國의 國民이었던 者
　2. 大韓民國에서 出生한 者로서 父 또는 母가 大韓民國에서 出生한 者
　3. 大韓民國 國民의 養子로서 入養당시 大韓民國의 民法에 의하여 成年이었던 者
② 配偶者가 大韓民國의 國民인 外國人으로서 다음 各號의 1에 해당하는 者는 第5條第1號의 요건을 갖추지 아니하여도 歸化許可를 받을 수 있다. <개정 2004.1.20>
　1. 그 配偶者와 婚姻한 상태로 大韓民國에 2年 이상 계속하여 住所가 있는 者
　2. 그 配偶者와 婚姻한 후 3年이 경과하고 婚姻한 상태로 大韓民國에 1年 이상 계속하여 住所가 있는 者
　3. 제1호 또는 제2호의 기간을 충족하지 못하였으나, 그 배우자와 혼인한 상태로 대한민국에 주소를 두고 있던 중 그 배우자의 사망이나 실종 그 밖에 자신의 귀책사유 없이 정상적인 혼인생활을 할 수 없었던 자로서 제1호 또는 제2호의 잔여기간을 충족하고 법무부장관이 상당하다고 인정하는 자
　4. 제1호 또는 제2호의 요건을 충족하지 못하였으나, 그 배우자와의 혼인에 의하여 출생한 미성년의 자를 양육하고 있거나 양육하여야 할 자로서 제1호 또는 제2호의 기간을 충족하고 법무부장관이 상당하다고 인정하는 자

第6条

(簡易帰化要件)

① 次の各号の1に該当する外国人であって大韓民国に3年以上継続して住所がある者は、第5条第1号の要件を備えなくても帰化許可を受けることができる。
　1．父又は母が大韓民国の国民であった者
　2．大韓民国で出生した者であって父又は母が大韓民国で出生した者
　3．大韓民国国民の養子であって縁組当時大韓民国の民法により成年であった者
② 配偶者が大韓民国の国民である外国人であって次の各号の1に該当する者は、第5条第1号の要件を備えなくても帰化許可を受けることができる。
　1．その配偶者と婚姻した状態で大韓民国に2年以上継続して住所がある者
　2．その配偶者と婚姻した後3年が経過し、婚姻した状態で大韓民国に1年以上継続して住所がある者

Received translation
Article 6

(Requirements for Simple Naturalization)

(1) A foreigner who falls under one of the following subparagraphs and has sustained domicile in the Republic of Korea for three consecutive years may obtain permission of naturalization though he does not meet the requirements under subparagraph 1 of Article 5:

  1. A person whose father or mother was a national of the Republic of Korea;
  2. A person who was born in the Republic of Korea and whose father or mother was born in the Republic of Korea; and
  3. A person who was adopted by a national of the Republic of Korea and was of majority at the time of adoption pursuant to the Civil Act of the Republic of Korea.

(2) Where a foreigner whose spouse is a national of the Republic of Korea falls under one of the following subparagraphs, he may obtain permission of naturalization even though he does not meet the requirements under subparagraph 1 of Article 5;

  1. A person who has maintained domicile in the Republic of Korea for not less than two years consecutively under the state of marriage with a spouse; and
  2. A person for whom three years have lapsed after marriage with a spouse and who has sustained domicile in the Republic of Korea for not less than one year consecutively under the state of marriage.

第7條

(特別歸化 요건)

① 다음 各號의 1에 해당하는 外國人으로서 大韓民國에 住所가 있는 者는 第5條第1號・第2號 또는 第4號의 요건을 갖추지 아니하여도 歸化許可를 받을 수 있다.
　1. 父 또는 母가 大韓民國의 國民인 者. 다만, 養子로서 大韓民國의 民法上 成年이 된 후에 入養된 者를 제외한다.
　2. 大韓民國에 특별한 功勞가 있는 者
② 法務部長官이 第1項第2號에 해당하는 者에게 歸化를 許可하고자 할 때에는 大統領의 승인을 얻어야 한다.

第7条

(特別帰化要件)

① 次の各号の1に該当する外国人であって大韓民国に住所がある者は、第5条第1号・第2号又は第4号の要件を備えなくても帰化許可を受けることができる。
　1．父又は母が大韓民国の国民である者。ただし、養子であって大韓民国の民法上成年となった後に縁組された者を除く。
　2．大韓民国に特別の功労がある者
② 法務部長官が第1項第2号に該当する者に帰化を許可しようとするときは、大統領の承認を得なければならない。

Received translation
Article 7

(Requirements for Special Naturalization)

(1) A foreigner who falls under one of the following subparagraphs and presently has domicile in the Republic of Korea may be permitted naturalization without meeting the requirements under subparagraph 1, 2 or 4 of Article 5.

  1. A person whose father or mother is a national of the Republic of Korea: Provided, that a person who is adopted after he is of majority pursuant to the Civil Act of the Republic of Korea is excluded; and
  2. A person who has rendered distinguished service to the Republic of Korea.

(2) Where the Minister of Justice permits naturalization for a person who fails under paragraph (1) 2., he shall obtain approval of the President.

第8條

(隨伴取得)

① 外國人의 子로서 大韓民國의 民法에 의하여 未成年인 者는 그 父 또는 母가 歸化許可를 申請할 때 함께 國籍取得을 申請할 수 있다.
② 第1項의 規定에 의하여 國籍取得을 申請한 者는 그 父 또는 母에 대하여 法務部長官이 歸化를 許可한 때에 함께 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득한다.
③ 第1項의 規定에 의한 申請節次 기타 필요한 사항은 大統領令으로 정한다.

第8条

(随伴取得)

① 外国人の子であって大韓民国の民法により未成年である者は、その父又は母が帰化許可を申請するとき共に国籍取得を申請することができる。
② 第1項の規定により国籍取得を申請した者は、その父又は母に対して法務部長官が帰化を許可したときに共に大韓民国の国籍を取得する。
③ 第1項の規定による申請手続その他必要な事項は、大統領令で定める。

Received translation
Article 8

(Concomitant Acquisition)

(1) Where a foreigner applies for permission of naturalization, his child who is a minor pursuant to the Civil Act of the Republic of Korea may concurrently apply for the acquisition of nationality.

(2) A person who applies for the acquisition of nationality under paragraph (1) shall acquire the nationality of the Republic or Korea at the time when the Minister of Justice issues permission of naturalization to his father or mother.

(3) Application procedures under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Presidential Decree.

第9條

(國籍回復에 의한 國籍取得)

① 大韓民國의 國民이었던 外國人은 法務部長官의 國籍回復許可를 받아 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득할 수 있다.
② 法務部長官은 國籍回復許可를 申請한 者에 대하여 審査한 후 다음 各號의 1에 해당하는 者에 대하여서는 國籍回復을 許可하지 아니한다.
　1. 國家 또는 社會에 危害를 끼친 사실이 있는 者
　2. 品行이 端正하지 못한 者
　3. 兵役을 기피할 目的으로 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실하였거나 離脫하였던 者
　4. 國家安全保障・秩序維持 또는 公共福利를 위하여 法務部長官이 國籍回復을 許可함이 부적당하다고 인정하는 者.
③ 第1項의 規定에 의하여 國籍回復許可를 받은 者는 法務部長官이 그 許可를 한 때에 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득한다.
④ 第1項 및 第2項의 規定에 의한 申請節次 및 審査 등에 관하여 필요한 사항은 大統領令으로 정한다.
⑤ 第8條의 規定은 國籍回復許可의 경우에 이를 準用한다.

第9条

(国籍回復による国籍取得)

① 大韓民国の国民であった外国人は、法務部長官の国籍回復許可を受けて大韓民国の国籍を取得することができる。
② 法務部長官は、国籍回復許可を申請した者に対して審査した後次の各号の1に該当する者に対しては、国籍回復を許可しない。
　1．国家又は社会に危害を及ぼした事実がある者
　2．品行が端正でない者
　3．兵役を忌避する目的で大韓民国の国籍を喪失し、又は離脱した者
　4．国家安全保障・秩序維持又は公共福利のために法務部長官が国籍回復を許可することが不適当であると認める者
③ 第1項の規定により国籍回復許可を受けた者は、法務部長官がその許可をしたときに大韓民国の国籍を取得する。
④ 第1項及び第2項の規定による申請手続及び審査等に関して必要な事項は、大統領令で定める。
⑤ 第8条の規定は、国籍回復許可の場合にこれを準用する。

Received translation
Article 9

(Acquisition of Nationality through Reinstatement of Nationality)

(1) A foreigner who was a national of the Republic of Korea may acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea through obtaining permission of reinstatement of nationality by the Minister of Justice.

(2) The Minister of Justice shall not issue permission of reinstatement of nationality to a person who falls under one of the following subparagraphs, after scrutinizing a person who has applied for permission to the reinstatement of nationality

  1. A person who has inflicted any harm to the State and society
  2. A person who is defective in conduct;
  3. A person who has lost or abandoned the nationality of the Republic of Korea for the purpose of evading military service; and
  4. A person for whom the Minister of Justice regards permission for the reinstatement of nationality as inappropriate for the sake of national security maintenance of security, or public welfare.

(3) A person who has obtained permission for the reinstatement of nationality under paragraph (1) shall acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea at the time when the Minister of Justice issues permission.

(4) Necessary matters concerning application procedures and scrutiny under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be determined by the Presidential Decree,

(5) The provisions of Article 5 shall be applied mutatis mutandis to permission for the reinstatement of nationality.

第10條

(國籍取得者의 外國 國籍 抛棄義務)

① 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득한 外國人으로서 外國 國籍을 가지고 있는 者는 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득한 날부터 6月내에 그 外國 國籍을 포기하여야 한다.
② 第1項의 規定을 이행하지 아니한 者는 그 기간이 경과한 때에 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실한다. 다만, 本人의 의사에 불구하고 第1項의 規定을 이행하기 어려운 者로서 大統領令이 정하는 경우에 해당하는 者는 그러하지 아니하다.

第10条

(国籍取得者の外国国籍抛棄義務)

① 大韓民国の国籍を取得した外国人であって外国国籍を有している者は、大韓民国の国籍を取得した日から6月内にその外国国籍を離脱しなければならない。
② 第1項の規定を履行しない者は、その期間が経過したときに大韓民国の国籍を喪失する。ただし、本人の意思にかかわらず第1項の規定を履行することが困難な者であって大統領令が定める場合に該当する者は、この限りでない。

Received translation
Article 10

(Renouncement Obligation of Foreign Nationality)

(1) A foreigner who has acquired the nationality of the Republic of Korea but maintains a nationality of a foreign country shall renounce the nationality of the foreign country within six months after the acquisition of the nationality of the Republic of Korea.

(2) A person who does not abide by paragraph (1) shall lose the nationality of the Republic of Korea upon the completion of the time specified: Provided, that the person who is under difficult conditions to fulfill the provisions of paragraph (1) despite his willingness and falls under the cases as determined by the Presidential Decree shall be excluded.

第11條

(國籍의 再取得)

①第10條第2項의 規定에 의하여 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실한 者가 그 후 1年내에 그 外國 國籍을 포기한 때에는 法務部長官에게 申告함으로써 大韓民國의 國籍을 再取得할 수 있다.
② 第1項의 規定에 의하여 申告한 者는 그 申告를 한 때에 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득한다.
③ 第1項의 規定에 의한 申告節次 기타 필요한 사항은 大統領令으로 정한다.

第11条

(国籍の再取得)

① 第10条第2項の規定により大韓民国の国籍を喪失した者がその後1年内にその外国国籍を離脱したときは、法務部長官に申告することにより大韓民国の国籍を再取得することができる。
② 第1項の規定により申告した者は、その申告をしたときに大韓民国の国籍を取得する。
③第1項の規定による申告手続その他必要な事項は、大統領令で定める。

Received translation
Article 11

(Re-acquisition of Nationality)

(1) when a person who has lost the nationality of the Republic of Korea pursuant to Article 10 (2) renounces the nationality of foreign country within one year after the loss of nationality of the Republic of Korea, he may re-acquire the nationality of the Re public of Korea through reporting to the Minister of Justice.

(2) A person who has reported under paragraph (1) shall acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea at the time of reporting thereof.

(3) The reporting procedures under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Presidential Decree.

第12條

(二重國籍者의 國籍選擇義務)

① 出生 기타 이 法의 規定에 의하여 滿 20歲가 되기 전에 大韓民國의 國籍과 外國 國籍을 함께 가지게 된 者(이하 "二重國籍者"라 한다)는 滿 22歲가 되기 전까지, 滿 20歲가 된 후에 二重國籍者가 된 者는 그 때부터 2年내에 第13條 및 第14條의 規定에 의하여 하나의 國籍을 選擇하여야 한다. 다만, 兵役義務의 이행과 관련하여 大統領令이 정하는 사유에 해당하는 者는 그 사유가 消滅된 때부터 2年내에 하나의 國籍을 選擇하여야 한다.
② 第1項의 規定에 의하여 國籍을 選擇하지 아니한 者는 그 기간이 경과한 때에 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실한다.

第12条

(二重国籍者の国籍選択義務)

① 出生その他この法律の規定により満20歳になる前に大韓民国の国籍及び外国国籍を共に有するに至った者（以下"二重国籍者"という。）は、満22歳になる前までに、満20歳になった後に二重国籍者になった者は、その時から2年内に、第13条及び第14条の規定により一の国籍を選択しなければならない。ただし、兵役義務の履行と関連して大統領令が定める事由に該当する者は、その理由が消滅した時から2年内に一の国籍を選択しなければならない。
② 第1項の規定により国籍を選択しない者は、その期間が経過したときに大韓民国の国籍を喪失する。

Structural translation
Article 12

(Nationality choice duty of dual nationals)

(1) As for those who have come to possess both the nationality of the Republic of Korea and a foreign nationality before the age of 20, on account of birth or other provisions of this law (hereafter called "dual nationals"), those who became dual nationals before the age of 22, and after the age of 20, must choose a single nationality in accordance with the provisions of Article 13 and Article 14. However, those who meet the grounds determined by presidential directive related to the performance of military duty, must choose a single nationality within two years after the time the reason expires.

(2) Those who do not choose [a] nationality in accordance with the provision of Paragraph 1, shall lose the nationality of the Republic of Korea at which time the period passes.
Received translation
Article 12

(Selection Option of Nationality for Dual National)

(1) A person who has had the nationalities of both of the Republic of Korea and a foreign country by birth or by dint of the provisions of this Act (hereinafter referred to as a "dual national") shall select one nationality before he reaches his full twenty-two years of age and a person who becomes a dual national after he reached his full twenty years of age shall select one nationality within two years pursuant to Articles 13 and 14: Provided, that, with regard to the completion of military service a person who falls under the causes determined by the Presidential Decree shall select one nationality within two years after the cause is nullified.

(2) A person who has not selected a nationality under paragraph (1) shall lose the nationality of the Republic of Korea after the lapse of the specified time.

第13條

(大韓民國 國籍의 選擇節次)

① 二重國籍者로서 大韓民國의 國籍을 選擇하고자 하는 者는 第12條第1項에 規定된 기간내에 外國 國籍을 포기한 후 法務部長官에게 大韓民國의 國籍을 選擇한다는 뜻을 申告하여야 한다.
② 第1項의 規定에 의한 申告의 受理要件, 申告節次 기타 필요한 사항은 大統領令으로 정한다.

第13条

(大韓民国国籍の選択手続)

① 二重国籍者であって大韓民国の国籍を選択しようとする者は、第12条第1項に規定された期間内に外国国籍を離脱した後法務部長官に大韓民国の国籍を選択する旨を申告しなければならない。
② 第1項の規定による申告の受理要件、申告手続その他必要な事項は、大統領令で定める。

Structural translation
Article 13

(Procedures for choice of Republic of Korea nationality)

(1) Those who are dual nationals and would choose the nationality of the Republic of Korea, must report to the effect that they choose the nationality of the Republic of Korea to the Justice Ministry director after they have renounced their foreign nationalities within the period provided in Article 12, Paragraph 1.

(2) The conditions for acceptance of the report, the reporting procedures and other necessary matters will be determined by presidential directive.
Received translation
Article 13

(Selection Procedure of Nationality of Republic of Korea)

(1) A dual national who wants to select the nationality the Republic of Korea shall renounce his foreign nationality within the period under Article 12 (1), and shall report to the Minister of Justice.

(2) Requisites for the acceptance of a report and reporting procedures pursuant to paragraph (1) or other necessary matters shall be determined by the Presidential Decree.

第14條

(大韓民國 國籍의 離脫節次)

① 二重國籍者로서 外國 國籍을 選擇하고자 하는 者는 第12條第1項에 規定된 기간내에 法務部長官에게 大韓民國의 國籍을 離脫한다는 뜻을 申告할 수 있다. 다만, 同條同項 但書에 規定된 者는 그 사유가 消滅된 후에 申告할 수 있다.
② 第1項의 規定에 의하여 國籍離脫의 申告를 한 者는 그 申告를 한 때에 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실한다.
③ 第1項의 規定에 의한 申告節次 기타 필요한 사항은 大統領令으로 정한다.

第14条

(大韓民国国籍の離脱手続)

① 二重国籍者であって外国国籍を選択しようとする者は、第12条第1項に規定された期間内に法務部長官に大韓民国の国籍を離脱する旨を申告することができる。ただし、同条同項但書に規定された者は、その理由が消滅した後に申告することができる。
② 第1項の規定により国籍離脱の申告をした者は、その申告をしたときに大韓民国の国籍を喪失する。
③ 第1項の規定による申告手続その他必要な事項は、大統領令で定める。

Structural translation
Article 14

(Procedures for renunciation of Republic of Korea nationality)

(1) Those who are dual nationals and would choose a foreign nationality, can report to the effect that they renounce the nationality of the Republic of Korea to the Justice Ministry director within the period provided in Article 12, Paragraph 1. However, provided for by the "However" clause in the same article and same paragraph, may report after the reason has expired.


(2) Those who make a report of nationality renunciation in accordance with the provision of Paragraph 1, shall lose the nationality of the Republic of Korea at which time they make the report.


(3) The reporting procedures and other necessary matters will be determined by presidential directive.
Received translation
Article 14

(Abandonment Procedure of Nationality of Republic of Korea)

(1) A dual national who wants to select the nationality of a foreign country may report the willingness to abandon the nationality of the Republic of Korea to the Minister of Justice within the period under Article 12 (1):

Provided that, the person referred to in the proviso of the same paragraph of the same Article may report after the> cause is nullified.

(2) A person who has completed the report of abandonment of nationality pursuant to paragraph (1) shall lose the nationality of the Republic of Korea at the time of reporting.

(3) Reporting procedure under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Presidential Decree.

第15條

(外國國籍 취득에 의한 國籍喪失)

① 大韓民國의 國民으로서 自進하여 外國 國籍을 취득한 者는 그 外國 國籍을 취득한 때에 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실한다.
② 大韓民國의 國民으로서 다음 各號의 1에 해당하는 者는 그 外國 國籍을 취득한 때부터 6月내에 法務部長官에게 大韓民國 國籍을 보유할 의사가 있다는 뜻을 申告하지 아니하면 그 外國 國籍을 취득한 때에 遡及하여 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실한다.
　1. 外國人과의 婚姻으로 인하여 그 配偶者의 國籍을 취득하게 된 者
　2. 外國人에게 入養되어 그 養父 또는 養母의 國籍을 취득하게 된 者
　3. 外國人인 父 또는 母에게 認知되어 그 父 또는 母의 國籍을 취득하게 된 者
　4. 外國 國籍을 취득하여 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실하게 된 者의 配偶者 또는 未成年의 子로서 그 外國의 法律에 의하여 함께 그 外國 國籍을 취득하게 된 者
③ 外國 國籍을 취득함으로써 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실하게 된 者에 대하여 그 外國 國籍의 取得日을 알 수 없는 때에는 그가 사용하는 外國 旅券의 최초 發給日에 그 外國 國籍을 취득한 것으로 推定한다.
④ 第2項의 規定에 의한 申告節次 기타 필요한 사항은 大統領令으로 정한다.

第15条

(外国国籍取得による国籍喪失)

① 大韓民国の国民であって自ら外国国籍を取得した者は、その外国国籍を取得したときに大韓民国の国籍を喪失する。
② 大韓民国の国民であって次の各号の1に該当する者は、その外国国籍を取得したときから6月内に法務部長官に大韓民国国籍を保有する意思がある旨を申告しなければその外国国籍を取得したときに遡及して大韓民国の国籍を喪失する。
　1．外国人との婚姻によりその配偶者の国籍を取得するに至った者
　2．外国人に縁組し、その養父又は養母の国籍を取得するに至った者
　3．外国人の父又は母に認知され、その父又は母の国籍を取得するに至った者
　4．外国国籍を取得して大韓民国の国籍を喪失するに至った者の配偶者又は未成年の子であって、その外国の法律により共にその外国国籍を取得するに至った者
③ 外国国籍を取得することにより大韓民国の国籍を喪失するに至った者に対してその外国国籍の取得日を知ることができないときは、その者が使用する外国旅券の最初発給日にその外国国籍を取得したものと推定する。
④ 第2項の規定による申告手続その他必要な事項は、大統領令で定める。

Received translation
Article 15

(Loss of Nationality by Acquisition of Foreign Nationality)

(1) A national of the Republic of Korea who has voluntarily acquired the nationality of a foreign country shall lose the nationality of the Republic of Korea at the time of acquisition of the foreign nationality.

(2) A national of the Republic of Korea who falls under one of the following subparagraphs shall lose the nationality of the Republic of Korea retroactively at the time of acquisition of the foreign nationality if he does not report the willingness to keep the nationality of the Republic of Korea to the Minister of Justice within six months after the acquisition of the foreign nationality:

  1. A person who has acquired the nationality of a spouse through marriage with a foreigner;
  2. A person who has acquired the nationality of an adoptive father or mother through an adoption by a foreigner.
  3. A person who has acquired the nationality of a father or mother through acknowledgement by a foreign father or mother; and
  4. A minor child or spouse of a person who shall lose the nationality of the Republic of Korea through the acquisition of a foreign nationality, who has acquired the foreign nationality under laws of the foreign country.

(3) For a person who has lost the nationality of the Republic of Korea due to the acquisition of that of a foreign country, where its acquisition date is unknown, it shall be presumed to be the date on which the foreign country first issues a passport to him.

第16條

(國籍喪失者의 처리)

① 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실한 者(第14條의 規定에 의한 國籍離脫의 申告를 한 者를 제외한다)는 法務部長官에게 國籍喪失 申告를 하여야 한다.
② 公務員이 그 職務上 大韓民國의 國籍을 喪失한 者를 발견한 때에는 지체없이 法務部長官에게 國籍喪失의 통보를 하여야 한다.
③ 法務部長官은 그 職務上 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실한 者를 발견하거나 第1項 및 第2項의 規定에 의하여 國籍喪失의 申告 또는 통보를 받은 때에는 戶籍官署 및 住民登錄官署에 통보하여야 한다.
④ 第1項 내지 第3項의 規定에 의한 申告 및 通報節次 기타 필요한 사항은 大統領令으로 정한다.

第16条

(国籍喪失者の処理)

① 大韓民国の国籍を喪失した者（第14条の規定による国籍離脱の申告をした者を除く。）は、法務部長官に国籍喪失申告をしなければならない。
② 公務員がその職務上大韓民国の国籍を喪失した者を発見したときは、遅滞なく法務部長官に国籍喪失の通報をしなければならない。
③ 法務部長官は、その職務上大韓民国の国籍を喪失した者を発見し、又は第1項及び第2項の規定により国籍喪失の申告又は通報を受けたときは、戸籍官署及び住民登録官署に通報しなければならない。
④ 第1項から第3項までの規定による申告及び通報手続その他必要な事項は、大統領令で定める。

Received translation
Article 16

(Administration on Person in Loss of Nationality)

(1) A person who has lost the nationality of the Republic of Korea (except persons who have reported the abandonment of nationality under Article 14) shall report the loss of nationality to the Minister of Justice.

(2) where a public official finds a person who has lost the nationality of the Republic of Korea in the pursuit of his duties., he shall notify the Minister of Justice without delay.

(3) Where the Minister of Justice finds a person who has lost the nationality of the Republic of Korea in the pursuit of his duties or has received the report or notification of the loss of nationality under paragraphs (1) and (2) he shall notify the census register office and resident registration office thereof.

(4) Reporting and notification procedures and other necessary matters under paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be determined by the Presidential Decree.

第17條

(官報告示)

① 法務部長官은 大韓民國 國籍의 취득과 상실에 관한 사항이 발생한 때에는 그 뜻을 官報에 告示하여야 한다.
② 第1項의 規定에 의하여 官報에 告示할 사항은 大統領令으로 정한다.

第17条

(官報告示)

① 法務部長官は、大韓民国国籍の取得及び喪失に関する事項が発生したときは、その旨を官報に告示しなければならない。
② 第1項の規定により官報に告示する事項は、大統領令で定める。

Received translation
Article 17

(Notification in Official Gazette)

(1) where the acquisition and loss of the nationality of the Republic of Korea has occurred, the Minister of Justice shall make public notification in an official Gazette.

(2) Matters notified in an official Gazette pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Presidential Decree.

第18條

(國籍喪失者의 權利變動)

① 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실한 者는 國籍을 상실한 때부터 大韓民國의 國民만이 享有할 수 있는 權利는 이를 享有할 수 없다.
② 第1項에 規定된 權利중 大韓民國의 國民이었을 때 취득한 것으로서 讓渡 가능한 것은 그 權利와 관련된 法令이 별도로 정한 바가 없는 한 3年내에 大韓民國의 國民에게 讓渡하여야 한다.

第18条

(国籍喪失者の権利変動)

① 大韓民国の国籍を喪失した者は、国籍を喪失したときから、大韓民国の国民のみが享有することができる権利は、これを享有することができない。
② 第1項に規定された権利のうち大韓民国の国民であったときに取得したものであって譲渡可能なものは、その権利と関連した法令が別に定めたところがない限り3年内に大韓民国の国民に譲渡しなければならない。

Received translation
Article 18

(Change of Right for Person in Loss of Nationality)

(1) A person who has lost the nationality of the Republic of Korea shall not possess the rights afforded only to the nationals of the Republic of Korea from the time of loss of the nationality.

(2) where a person has acquired the transferable rights at the time when he was a national of the Republic of Korea, from among the rights under paragraph (1), he shall transfer them to a national of the Republic of Korea within three years unless otherwise prescribed by Acts and subordinate statutes related to the rights.

第19條

(法定代理人이 하는 申告 등)

이 法에 規定된 申請 또는 申告와 관련하여 그 申請 또는 申告를 하고자 하는 者가 15歲미만인 때에는 法定代理人이 대신하여 이를 행한다.

第19条

(法定代理人がする申告等)

この法律に規定された申請又は申告と関連し、その申請又は申告をしようとする者が15歳未満であるときは、法定代理人が代わってこれを行う。

Received translation
Article 19

(Reporting by Legal Agent)

With regard to application or reporting under this Act, where a person who wants to apply or report is under the age of fifteen, a legal agent shall act for him.

第20條

(國籍判定)

① 法務部長官은 大韓民國 國籍의 취득 또는 보유여부가 분명하지 아니한 者에 대하여 이를 審査한 후 判定할 수 있다.
② 第1項의 規定에 의한 審査 및 判定節次 기타 필요한 사항은 大統領令으로 정한다.

第20条

(国籍判定)

① 法務部長官は、大韓民国国籍の取得又は保有の有無が明らかでない者につき、これを審査した後、判定することができる。
② 第1項の規定による審査及び判定手続その他必要な事項は、大統領令で定める。

Received translation
Article 20

(Adjudication of Nationality)

(1) where it is unclear whether a person acquires or holds the nationality of the Republic of Korea, the Minister of Justice may determine it through the screening.

(2) Screening and determination procedures, and other necessary matters under paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Presidential Decree.
附則 제5431호,1997.12.13 附則
Addendum

第1條

(施行日)

이 法은 公布후 6月이 경과한 날부터 施行한다.

第1条

(施行日)

この法律は、公布後6月が経過した日から施行する。

Received translation
Article 1

(Enforcement Date)

This Act shall enter into force six months after its promulgation.

第2條

(歸化許可申請 등에 관한 經過措置)

이 法 施行전에 종전의 規定에 의하여 歸化許可・國籍回復許可 및 國籍離脫許可를 申請한 者에 대하여서는 종전의 規定을 적용한다.

第2条

(帰化許可申請等に関する経過措置)

この法律施行前に従前の規定により帰化許可・国籍回復許可及び国籍離脱許可を申請した者に対しては、従前の規定を適用する。

Received translation
Article 2

(Transitional Measures on Application for Permission of Naturalization)

With regard to a person who has applied for permission of naturalization reinstatement of nationality, or permission of abandonment of nationality under the previous provisions before this Act enters into force, the previous provisions shall govern.

第3條

(國籍의 回復 및 再取得에 관한 經過措置)

① 第9條의 改正規定은 이 法 施行전에 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실하였거나 離脫하였던 者가 大韓民國의 國籍을 회복하는 節次에 관하여서도 이를 적용한다.
② 第11條의 改正規定은 第1項에 規定된 者중 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득한 후 6月내에 外國 國籍을 포기하지 아니하여 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실하게 된 者에 대하여서도 이를 적용한다.

第3条

(国籍の回復及び再取得に関する経過措置)

① 第9条の改正規定は、この法律施行前に大韓民国の国籍を喪失し、又は離脱した者が大韓民国の国籍を回復する手続に関してもこれを適用する。
② 第11条の改正規定は、第1項に規定された者のうち大韓民国の国籍を取得した後6月内に外国国籍を離脱せず大韓民国の国籍を喪失するに至った者に対してもこれを適用する。

Received translation
Article 3

(Transitional Measures on Reinstatement or Re-Acquisition of Nationality)

(1) The amended provisions of Article 9 shall apply to the procedure through which a person who has lost or abandoned the nationality of the Republic of Korea before this Act enters into force re-acquires the nationality of the Republic of Korea.

(2) The amended provisions of Article 11 shall apply to a person who has lost the nationality of the Republic of Korea, among those under paragraph (1) by reason that he does not renounce a foreign nationality within six months after he acquires the nationality of the Republic or Korea.

第4條

(國籍取得者의 外國 國籍 抛棄義務에 관한 經過措置)

第10條의 改正規定은 이 法 施行전에 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득하고 그 때부터 이 法의 施行日까지 6月이 경과하지 아니한 者에 대하여서도 이를 적용한다.

第4条

(国籍取得者の外国国籍抛棄義務に関する経過措置)

第10条の改正規定は、この法律施行前に大韓民国の国籍を取得し、その時からこの法律の施行日までに6月が経過しない者に対してもこれを適用する。

Received translation
Article 4

(Transitional Measures on Renouncement Obligation of Foreign Nationality for Person Who has Acquired Nationality)

The amended provisions of Article 10 shall apply to a person who has acquired the nationality of the Republic of Korea before this Act enters into force and for whom six months have not passed from the date of acquisition until the enforcement date of this Act.

第5條

(二重國籍者의 國籍選擇義務 및 節次에 관한 經過措置)

第12條 내지 第14條의 改正規定은 이 法 施行전에 大韓民國의 國籍과 外國 國籍을 함께 가지게 된 者(이미 國籍離脫許可를 받은 者를 제외한다)에 대하여서도 이를 적용한다. 다만, 이 法의 施行日 현재 滿 20歲 이상인 者는 이 法의 施行日을 第12條第1項에 規定된 國籍選擇 기간의 起算日로 본다.

第5条

(二重国籍者の国籍選択義務及び手続に関する経過措置)

第12条から第14条までの改正規定は、この法律施行前に大韓民国の国籍及び外国国籍を共に有するに至った者（既に国籍離脱許可を受けた者を除く。）に対してもこれを適用する。ただし、この法律の施行日現在満20歳以上である者は、この法律の施行日を第12条第1項に規定された国籍選択期間の起算日とみなす。
Received translation
Article 5

(Transitional Measures on Selection Option and Procedure of Nationality for Dual National)

The amended provisions of Articles 12 through 14 shall also apply to a person who has had the nationalities of both of the Republic of Korea and a foreign country before this Act enters into force (except those who have obtained permission for the abandonment of nationality): Provided, that, with regard to a person who is over twenty years of age as of the enforcement date of this Act, the enforcement date of this Act shall be the starting date for the selection period of nationality under Article 12 (1).

第6條

(國籍喪失者의 처리 및 權利變動에 관한 經過措置)

第16條 및 第18條의 改正規定은 이 法 施行전에 大韓民國의 國籍을 상실한 者에 대하여서도 이를 적용한다.

第6条

(国籍喪失者の処理及び権利変動に関する経過措置)

第16条及び第18条の改正規定は、この法律施行前に大韓民国の国籍を喪失した者に対してもこれを適用する。

Received translation
Article 6

(Transitional Measures on Administration and Change of Right of Person in Loss of Nationality)

The amended provisions of Articles 16 and 18 shall also apply to a person who has lost the nationality of the Republic of Korea before this Act enters into force.

第7條

(父母兩系血統主義 採擇에 따른 母系出生者에 대한 國籍取得의 特例)

① 1978년 6월 14일부터 1998년 6월 13일까지의 사이에 大韓民國의 國民을 母로 하여 出生한 者로서 다음 各號의 1에 해당하는 者는 2004년 12월 31일까지 大統領令이 정하는 바에 의하여 法務部長官에게 申告함으로써 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득할 수 있다. <개정 2001.12.19>
　1. 母가 現在 大韓民國의 國民인 者
　2. 母가 死亡한 때에는 그 死亡 당시에 母가 大韓民國의 國民이었던 者
② 第1項의 規定에 의한 申告는 국적을 취득하고자 하는 자가 15세 미만인 때에는 법정대리인이 대신하여 이를 행한다. <개정 2001.12.19>
③ 天災地變 기타 不可抗力的 사유로 인하여 第1項에 規定된 기간 내에 申告를 하지 못한 者는 그 사유가 消滅된 때부터 3月내에 法務部長官에게 申告함으로써 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득할 수 있다.
④ 第1項 또는 第3項의 規定에 의하여 申告한 者는 그 申告를 한 때에 大韓民國의 國籍을 취득한다.

第7条

(父母両系血統主義採択に伴う母系出生者に対する国籍取得の特例)

① この法律施行前10年間に大韓民国の国民を母として出生した者であって次の各号の1に該当する者は、この法律の施行日から3年内に大統領令が定めるところにより、法務部長官に申告することにより大韓民国の国籍を取得することができる。
　1．母が現在大韓民国の国民である者
　2．母が死亡したときは、その死亡当時に母が大韓民国の国民であった者
② 第1項の規定による申告は、法定代理人が代わってこれを行う。
③ 天災地変その他不可抗力的事由により第1項に規定された期間内に申告をすることができない者は、その理由が消滅した時から3月内に法務部長官に申告することにより大韓民国の国籍を取得することができる。
④ 第1項又は第3項の規定により申告した者は、その申告をしたときに大韓民国の国籍を取得する。

Received translation
Article 7

(Special Cases of Acquisition of Nationality for Persons of Maternal Line by Adoption of Jus Sanguinis to Both Lines of Parents)

(1) A person who falls under one of the following subparagraphs among the persons who have been borne by a mother of a national of the Republic of Korea within ten years before this Act enters into force may acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea within three years after the effective date of this Act through reporting to the Minister of Justice as determined by the Presidential Decree:

  1. A person whose a mother is currently a national of the Republic of Korea; and
  2. A person whose a mother was a national of the Republic of Korea at the time of her death, where his mother died.

(2) Reporting under paragraph (1) shall be done by a legal agent.

(3) A person who failed to report within the period under paragraph (1) due to natural disaster or other unavoidable causes may acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea through reporting to the Minister of Justice within three months after the removal of such cause.

(4) A person who has reported under paragraph (1) or (3) shall acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea at the time of reporting.

第8條

(다른 法律의 改正)

民法중 다음과 같이 改正한다.
第781條第1項에 但書를 다음과 같이 新設한다. 다만, 父가 外國人인 때에는 母의 姓과 本을 따를 수 있고 母家에 入籍한다.

부칙 <제6523호,2001.12.19>
이 법은 공포한 날부터 시행한다.

第8条

(他の法律の改正)

民法のうち次の通り改正する。

第781条第1項に但書を次の通り新設する。

ただし、父が外国人のときは、母の姓及び本に従うことができ、母家に入籍する。

Structural translation
Article 8

(Revisions of other laws)

The Civil Code shall be revised as follows.

The following "However" [Provided that] statement shall be newly established in Article 781, Paragraph 1.

However [Provided that], [regarding a child who obtains the nationality of the Republic of Korea through the mother] when the father is an alien, conforming with the family name and clan name of the other shall be possible, and [the child] shall be entered in the register of the mother.
Received translation
Article 8

Omitted.

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1998 ROK Nationality Act Enforcement Decree
With commentary on terminology

Forthcoming.

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2011 ROK dual nationality revisions

Revisions enacted on 21 April 2010 by the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, to be enforced from from 1 January 2011, will recognize dual nationality in some cases, such as for internationally married ROK nationals and their spouse and children, and other ROK nationals who may have acquired another nationality at birth. ROK would also offer its nationality to certain foreigners it would like to attract to ROK to invest in its economy or otherwise contribute their talents to ROK society.

It appears some foreigners, such as citizens of the People's Republic of China, will not qualify for dual nationality, for a number of reasons. ROK is reluctant to trespass on PRC's nationality by appearing to invite any PRC citizen to be loyal also to ROK. In 2003, when ROK attempted to extend its nationality to all foreigners regarded as being of Korean descent, PRC accused ROK of meddling in its domestic affairs by tempting PRC nationals of Korean descent to feel that they were affiliated with, if not also feel loyalty toward, a state other than China.

In principle, and in accordance with long-established international rules for determining which state's laws apply to dual nationals, ROK would treat recognized dual nationals as its nationals only while they were residing in ROK, while exempting them from certain duties of ROK nationality, such as military service.

Potential recognized dual nationals will have to meet a number of conditions, depending on their category of qualification, most commonly a loyalty oath.

Japan's lawmakers are also likely, in the near future, to enact revisions that will recognize dual nationality in similar cases, some of which Japan already tacitly accepts -- while, of course, applying international rules concerning determinations of applicable law to dual nationals residing in Japan.

In principle, states recognize only one nationality at a time.

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