Foreign population – 2024 | 4.2% of the population | Nationalities: |
2.2 million, 44% women | Evolution since 2014: +66% | China (38%), Viet Nam (11%), Uzbekistan (4%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, Korea received 76 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status), ‑13% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 15% labour migrants, 23% family members (including accompanying family) and 0.2% humanitarian migrants. Around 56 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students, 151 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants and 43 500 to trainees.
China, Viet Nam and Thailand were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, China registered the strongest increase (37 000) and Kazakhstan the largest decrease (‑5 500) in flows to Korea compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑2.7%, to reach around 18 000. The majority of applicants came from Russia (4 500), China (1 600) and India (1 400). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Viet Nam (400) and the largest decrease nationals of Russia (‑1 200). Of the 14 000 decisions taken in 2024, 1% were positive.
Emigration of Korean citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑4% in 2023, to 42 000. Approximately 34% of this group migrated to the United States, 12% to Canada and 10% to Germany.
In 2025, Korea set the admission quota for E‑9 foreign workers at 130 000 – a decrease of 35 000 from 2024 – reflecting reduced demand due to economic changes and increased use of alternative visa types such as the E‑7 (special activity) and E‑8 (seasonal work) visas. Over 70 000 slots are allocated to the manufacturing sector. The remaining quotas are distributed as follows: Shipbuilding (2 500), Construction (2 000), Services (3 000), Agriculture (10 000), and Fishery (8 500).
On 26 September 2024, the Ministry of Justice announced upgraded immigration policies, representing a new paradigm in Korea’s immigration policy, in preparation for the foreign resident population approaching 3 million. These include the introduction of a “Top-Tier” visa to attract highly skilled individuals and a “Youth Dream” visa for young people from countries that participated in the Korean War and other countries with close ties to Korea, offering opportunities for cultural experience and career exploration.
On 10 January 2025, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) launched the Mobile Residence Card for registered foreign residents, Mobile Permanent Resident for F‑5 visa holders and Mobile Overseas Residence Cards (F‑4 visa holders). All registered foreign nationals aged 14 and above with a smartphone in their name are eligible. The mobile card holds the same legal validity as the physical card.
From 24 February 2025, the MoJ officially implemented the e‑Arrival Card system, allowing foreign tourists to submit their entry declarations online in advance. The system is expected to help attract more foreign tourists by reducing immigration wait times and alleviating congestion at airports.
The MoJ, in co‑operation with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, has introduced a Special Visa for foreign entrepreneurial talent (D‑8‑4(S)). The visa minimises quantitative requirements such as academic background and is issued by the MoJ after a private evaluation of business feasibility and innovation, followed by a recommendation from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
To support undocumented foreign children residing long-term in Korea and attending school, the MoJ has extended its regularisation initiative until 31 March 2028. Under this initiative, children who meet certain eligibility requirements and submit an application may be granted visa status following a review process.
On 2 April 2025, the MoJ launched the “Local Government Pilot” pilot programme, which allows each metropolitan local governments to design tailored eligibility requirements for study (D‑2) or special activity (E‑7) visas. The 15 metropolitan local governments selected for the pilot programme will implement it in co‑operation with the Ministry of Justice through 2026.
For further information: www.eps.go.kr | www.immigration.go.kr | www.mrtc.re.kr/eng/main/main.php.
