Korea National Pension Refund Calculator

Foreigners leaving Korea can claim back their national pension contributions, plus their employer's share and interest, if their country or visa is on the eligible list. Check yours and estimate the amount.

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The NPS adds interest at the 3-year time deposit rate.

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Who can get the refund

The lump-sum refund (bannhwan-ilsigeum) is paid when a foreign national leaves Korea for good, if one of these applies:

  • You hold an E-8, E-9 or H-2 visa, whatever your nationality.
  • Your country has a social security agreement with Korea that allows the refund: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Luxembourg, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay.
  • Your country gives Koreans a similar refund (reciprocity), for example Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong and Cambodia. Some of these require a minimum of 6 or 12 months of contributions.

Nationals of some countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand, generally cannot claim the refund. Their contributions stay in the Korean system. This list is from the National Pension Service (as of June 2026) and can change, so confirm with NPS before you leave.

How much you get back

The refund is your contributions plus your employer's contributions, with interest at the 3-year time deposit rate. Total contributions were 9% of insured income until 2025 and 9.5% from 2026.

Monthly pay1 year (2026)3 years (2024–2026)
₩2,500,000₩2,850,000₩8,250,000
₩3,000,000₩3,420,000₩9,900,000
₩4,000,000₩4,560,000₩13,200,000

Amounts above are contributions before interest. The pension refund guide explains how to apply at the airport, at an NPS office or from abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim the refund at the airport?
Yes. NPS has counters at Incheon Airport Terminals 1 and 2 that pay in foreign currency on weekday departures, as long as your employer has already reported your resignation. You can also apply at an NPS office before you leave, or by post from abroad within 5 years.
I am from the UK. Is there anything I can do?
UK nationals cannot get the lump-sum refund, but the contribution record stays with NPS. If you return to work in Korea later, the periods add up. Check with NPS whether any benefit applies in your case.
Is the refund taxed?
Sources differ on whether part of the refund is taxed as retirement income. NPS will show any withholding when it pays you.

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