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Foreign Worker Tax Refund Guide in Korea

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🌍 Foreign Residents in Korea Series

Step-by-step guides for foreigners living in Korea — from address registration and visa to banking, taxes, and digital certificates.

My first tax season in Korea was confusing, but the refund process turned out easier than I thought.


In short

Foreign employees in Korea can receive income tax refunds every year through the National Tax Service (NTS). Refunds depend on income tax paid, deductions, and applicable tax treaties. You can apply online via Hometax or through your company’s year-end settlement.

Overview of Tax Refund for Foreign Workers

Every year, the National Tax Service (NTS) reviews employee income tax through a system called “Year-End Tax Settlement” (연말정산). Employers usually handle this for full-time workers, while freelancers and part-timers must file independently.

Foreigners working in Korea are eligible for tax refunds if they overpaid income tax or qualify for deductions, such as insurance, dependents, or educational expenses. Refunds are typically processed between February and March each year.

Eligibility and Required Documents

Foreign employees (E, D, or H visa holders) who have worked and paid income tax in Korea are eligible. The refund applies if:

  • You worked under a Korean employer who withheld taxes monthly.
  • You left Korea mid-year but still had taxable income.
  • You qualify for deductions such as national pension, insurance, or dependents.

Prepare the following documents for refund application:

  • Alien Registration Card (ARC) and passport
  • Certificate of Income and Tax Withheld (근로소득원천징수영수증)
  • Proof of deductions (insurance, dependents, rent, etc.)
  • Bank account information for refund
💡 Tip You can request the “Income and Tax Withheld Certificate” directly from your employer or download it from Hometax after logging in with your certificate.

How to Apply for Tax Refund in Korea

There are two main ways to get your tax refund in Korea — through your employer or by filing directly with the National Tax Service.

1. Through Employer (Year-End Settlement)

  1. Submit income and deduction documents to your HR department before February.
  2. The employer calculates final tax and applies refund or payment adjustment in February salary.
  3. You receive your refund directly through your payroll account.

2. Through Hometax (Direct Filing)

  1. Go to Hometax.go.kr → log in with a digital or mobile certificate.
  2. Click “종합소득세 신고” → “근로소득자 연말정산 간소화.”
  3. Enter personal and income details; upload receipts or select automatic data from the system.
  4. Confirm refund amount → click “제출.” Refunds are deposited within a few weeks after approval.
⚠️ Note If you leave Korea before the refund period, you can still apply from abroad through a proxy or local tax agent.

How to Check Refund Status

After submitting your application, you can track your refund through:

  • Hometax: Log in → My NTS → “Refund Inquiry (환급금 조회)”
  • ARIS App (국세청 홈택스 모바일): Same menu → refund status and estimated date

    • Download ARIS (NTS Mobile)

    Tip: Open on your mobile to install instantly.
  • NTS Call Center (☎ 126 → English → Option 1-4): For English assistance on refund progress

Refunds usually appear in your account within 2–4 weeks after submission, depending on review time.

💡 Tip Check your bank account name matches your registered Hometax name. Mismatched names can delay the refund transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q. Can foreigners claim a tax refund in Korea after leaving?
    A. Yes. You can file through a representative or send the required forms and bank details to the National Tax Service before or after departure.
  2. Q. How can I receive my refund if I closed my Korean bank account?
    A. You may provide a new account (Korean or overseas) through your employer or tax office, or designate a Korean representative to receive it on your behalf.
  3. Q. How long does it take to get a tax refund in Korea?
    A. Normally 2–4 weeks after filing. During peak season (February–March), processing may take up to 6 weeks.

Notes

Note. Keep copies of all submitted forms and receipts for at least five years, as the National Tax Service may request verification later.

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