National Pension Lump-sum Refund for Foreigners

At a glance

• In principle foreigners cannot receive the lump-sum refund; you must fall under an exception set by law.
• Eligible: nationals of countries whose law pays Koreans an equivalent lump sum (reciprocity), nationals of countries with a social security agreement on the refund, and people insured under E-9, H-2 and similar statuses.
• The amount is the contributions paid (for workplace members, including the employer share) plus interest.
• The claim deadline is 5 years from the date the right arises.

Who needs to do this

• A foreigner who was insured and emigrates (returns home) claims, or the bereaved family claims.
• Nationals of countries whose law pays Koreans a lump sum equivalent to the refund. NPS publishes them as countries recognized for equivalence.
• Nationals of countries whose social security agreement provides for the refund.
• Regardless of nationality, people insured under E-9 (non-professional employment), H-2 (working visit) or the former E-8 (training employment) (NPS guidance). The E-8 (seasonal work) status created after 2019-12-24 is not eligible.

Countries eligible for the refund (published by NPS, as of May 2026)

The list can change, so check the latest list on the NPS benefits for foreigners page before claiming.

Where to apply

• You can claim at any NPS branch nationwide (NPS guidance).
• If you are abroad, a representative in Korea can visit a branch to claim, or you can claim by post from abroad yourself.
• If you leave via Incheon Airport, you can also apply for the airport payment service to receive foreign-currency cash on the day of departure (apply at a branch within 1 month before departure).
• Enquiries: NPS call center 1355 (no area code), or +82-63-713-6900 from abroad.

What to bring

• Claim form for the lump-sum refund and death lump sum
• One copy of the claimant’s ID (showing the ID can replace it). According to NPS, foreigners bring their passport and residence card.
• Proof of departure: NPS pays once departure is confirmed; to claim before leaving, submit a flight ticket or similar proof that you will leave within 1 month.
• Bank account: submit a copy of a Korean or overseas account in addition, in case the airport payment cannot be made (NPS guidance).
• If a representative claims, one copy of the beneficiary’s ID.

Cost

• The refund is taxed as retirement income and NPS withholds retirement income tax on payment (NPS tax guidance). A refund received because of death is not taxed.
• Interest: the 3-year time deposit rate applies from the month after each contribution to the month the payment reason arises. The 2026 rate published by NPS is 2.2%.

Procedure

• Step 1: when you leave your job, the workplace reports your loss of coverage. For airport payment, this must be processed by the day before departure.
• Step 2: within 1 month before departure, submit the claim form and documents at a nearby NPS branch and, if you wish, apply for airport payment too. You receive a receipt.
• Step 3: if you applied for airport payment, on the day of departure collect the payment decision notice and payment order at the NPS counseling center in Incheon Airport, then receive foreign currency at the designated bank exchange counter in the departure terminal.
• Step 4: if you did not apply for airport payment or it could not be made, NPS pays after your departure is confirmed, which is why you also submit an account.

Common sticking points

• If you do not claim within 5 years from the date the right arises, the limitation period expires and you cannot receive it (NPS guidance).
• Airport payment is not possible if the resignation report (loss of workplace coverage) is not processed by the day before departure, or if the departure day is a Saturday, Sunday, public holiday or the last business day of December (month 12).
• Airport payment is made only in 16 currencies such as dollars, euros, yen and yuan, not in Korean won.
• If you become insured again before claiming, the right to the refund expires.
• A person who received the refund and becomes insured again can pay back the amount plus interest and have that period counted as coverage again.

This guide is general information and does not decide individual eligibility. Laws and fees can change, so check the original text through the official links and with the competent authority.