Korea eases visa rules for foreign-born children seeking recognition of Korean parentage

The Korea Herald · Lee Seung-ku · 2026-11-06 03:15 UTC

Foreign nationals seeking legal recognition of their Korean parentage will be allowed to stay in South Korea for longer periods than before, and potentially obt

Foreign nationals seeking legal recognition of their Korean parentage will be allowed to stay in South Korea for longer periods than before, and potentially obtain work permits while their lawsuits are pending, the Justice Ministry said Friday.

The measure applies to foreign nationals born out of wedlock who have filed lawsuits against their Korean father or mother to establish legal parentage with them. Their caregivers would also be eligible for the new measure.

Previously, those who entered Korea on short-term C-3 visas faced uncertainty over their immigration status as long-term stays were not guaranteed during legal proceedings, the ministry said.

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