Foreign nationals who contributed to Korea’s National Pension under E-9 or H-2 status can receive their contributions plus interest as a lump-sum refund when returning to their home country. Those who have already left Korea can claim through a representative and receive payment into an overseas account.
Eligibility for a lump-sum refund
For foreign nationals, eligibility generally depends on whether their home country provides an equivalent benefit to Korean nationals or whether a social security agreement with Korea provides for lump-sum refunds.
A special rule allows refunds regardless of nationality for people covered under E-9, H-2 or the former trainee-employment E-8 status. The current seasonal-work E-8 status is different from the former trainee-employment category and is not covered by this special rule.
Contributions and the refund amount
The refund includes both the worker’s and the employer’s contributions, plus interest. In 2026, workplace-based contributions total 9.5% of standard monthly income, shared equally between the worker and employer at 4.75% each.
| Worker’s share | KRW 118,750 |
| Employer’s share | KRW 118,750 |
| Total monthly contributions | KRW 237,500 |
The total refund is based on contributions actually paid during each period of coverage. Earlier contributions were calculated at the rates in force at the time, so multiplying today’s monthly contribution by the total number of months worked may give an incorrect figure. The National Pension Service’s records establish the contributions paid and the interest due.
Overseas claims and the limitation period
Before leaving Korea, apply at an NPS office within one month of departure. Prepare the refund application, passport, Alien Registration Card, bank-account evidence and proof of departure. Airport payment also requires an advance claim at an NPS office.
After leaving, you can apply by post or through a representative. Overseas claims require the refund application, passport, bank-account evidence and overseas-remittance application; representative claims also require the representative’s identification and authority to act. Check notarisation, apostille or consular-authentication requirements for overseas documents according to their type and country of issue.
A refund entitlement arising from a return to the home country expires if it is not claimed within five years of the entitlement arising. An overseas claim requires time for authentication and delivery of original documents, which must be allowed for when calculating the time remaining before the deadline.
Changes in immigration status and contribution history
For someone who worked under E-9, changed status and later left Korea, their final status alone may not determine refund eligibility for earlier coverage periods. Comparing their immigration history with National Pension records identifies the periods covered by the special rule; reciprocity or a social security agreement may also apply.
Where a person has changed employers, coverage periods and contributions paid by each workplace also need to be checked. For an overseas claim, these records establish the scope of the application. The representative can then confirm the National Pension Service’s requirements for authorisation and bank-account evidence, including authentication and delivery.
Law Firm Lawyeon Immigration Law Center provides legal services specialized in the integrated handling of Korean immigration and visa matters together with criminal cases and immigration-violation reviews, built on extensive case experience, professional networks, and practical knowledge.
The Center brings together attorneys Junwoo Min, Dohyun Nam, and Seungchul Kim, criminal-law specialists with extensive immigration advisory experience, and Senior Advisor Taemin Ahn. Mr Ahn has served at the Seoul Global Center, headed a Ministry of Justice Global Start-up Immigration Center, and served on the Foreign Workers' Rights Protection Council of the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Administration. Together, they established Law Firm Lawyeon's dedicated immigration practice.
In particular, for departure orders and entry-ban dispositions that follow a final criminal conviction, the Center presents effective solutions through an integrated strategy spanning criminal defense, objections to the disposition, and applications to lift the entry ban, and it supports stable business activity in Korea by managing many clients' immigration risk.
This article is intended as general information about the relevant legal framework and is not legal advice on any individual matter. Determinations concerning immigration status may differ depending on specific facts such as residence history, income and contractual relationships. If your situation requires individual review, you may request a consultation with the Immigration Law Center of Law Firm Lawyeon (lawyeon-immigration.com).