Can a foreigner receive a National Pension lump-sum refund when leaving Korea?

Yes, in some cases you can. You can receive the lump-sum refund after you leave Korea if your visa status is E-9, E-8 (training employment), or H-2, or if your home country has a social security agreement with Korea or has an equivalent system.

Who can receive it (any one of the three)

• Visa status: If you were enrolled under E-9 (non-professional employment), E-8 (training employment), or H-2 (working visit), you can receive it regardless of nationality.
• Social security agreement countries: Germany, the USA, Canada, Australia, France, India, and others.
• Reciprocity-recognized countries: the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Laos, and others. The minimum enrollment period differs by country.

H-2 was merged into F-4 from 2026.2.12 and is no longer newly issued. Contributions paid during the H-2 period are treated under the criteria above.

How to receive it

1. Claim: You can claim at any National Pension Service (국민연금공단) branch in Korea. In principle, you must go in person.
2. Departure check: The refund is paid only after your departure is confirmed. If you have a flight ticket for a departure within 1 month, the claim form can be accepted before you leave.
3. Claiming from abroad: If you have already left, you can appoint an agent in Korea, or you can claim by mail yourself.
4. Amount: You get the contributions you paid plus interest. The interest rate for 2026 is 2.2%.

⚠️ Points to note

• E-8 (seasonal worker) is not eligible for the lump-sum refund.
• The claim deadline is 5 years. After that, your right to the lump sum expires.
• Airport payment service: If you leave through Incheon Airport within 1 month, you can receive the money in foreign currency on the day you depart. Your company must have reported your resignation by the day before departure. It is not available for departures on weekends, public holidays, or the last business day of December. When you apply, you need your passport, Alien Registration Card, flight ticket, and a copy of your bank account.

For an exact check of eligibility, contact the National Pension Service Call Center (국민연금 고객센터) at 1355.