Tax Info
Special "5-Year Rule" for Foreign Residents for Employees of Overseas Companies and Overseas Remote Workers
- admin A long time ago 2025.07.18 02:05 Popular
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1. Am I a 'Resident'?
According to Korean tax law, tax obligations depend on whether you are a 'resident', rather than your nationality.
- Resident: An individual who has a domicile in Korea or has resided (basis of livelihood) for 183 days or more
- Non-resident: An individual who is not a resident
Generally, if you live and engage in economic activities in Korea, you are likely a 'resident'.
Detailed explanation of 'Resident' and 'Non-resident' (Click)
2. Key Concept: What is the '5-year rule'?
The '5-year rule' is a special regulation applied to foreign residents on short-term stays.
- Applicable Subjects: Foreign residents whose total period of residence in Korea within the last 10 years is 5 years or less.
- Scope of Taxation: Taxes are imposed only on income earned overseas that is 'paid into Korea or remitted to Korea'.
(In other words, overseas income not sent to Korea is not subject to taxation)
Caution! If the total period of residence in Korea exceeds 5 years, the '5-year rule' no longer applies.
From then on, you must report all your income worldwide (domestic and foreign income) in Korea.
3. Understanding the '5-year rule' with an Example
[Situation] Remote work for an overseas IT company / Total annual salary 60 million KRW (70% deposited into overseas account, 30% remitted to Korean account = 18 million KRW annually)
CASE 1. 3rd year of residence in Korea (5-year rule applies O)
Only 18 million KRW remitted to Korea is subject to taxation.
- Approximate tax: 1.44 million KRW (18 million KRW x 15% - 1.26 million KRW)
CASE 2. 6th year of residence in Korea (5-year rule applies X)
The entire annual salary of 60 million KRW is subject to taxation.
- Approximate tax: 8.64 million KRW (60 million KRW x 24% - 5.76 million KRW)
*The above calculations are examples, and actual tax amounts may vary depending on various deductions.
Reference: 2025 Taxable Income Tax Rate Table
| 과세표준 (Taxable Income) | 세율 (Tax Rate) | 누진공제액 (Progressive Deduction) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 14 million KRW | 6% | - |
| Over 14 million KRW ~ Up to 50 million KRW | 15% | 1.26 million KRW |
| Over 50 million KRW ~ Up to 88 million KRW | 24% | 5.76 million KRW |
| Over 88 million KRW ~ Up to 150 million KRW | 35% | 15.44 million KRW |
| Over 150 million KRW ~ Up to 300 million KRW | 38% | 19.94 million KRW |
| Over 300 million KRW ~ Up to 500 million KRW | 40% | 25.94 million KRW |
| Over 500 million KRW ~ Up to 1 billion KRW | 42% | 35.94 million KRW |
| Over 1 billion KRW | 45% | 65.94 million KRW |
The '5-year rule' significantly impacts the tax burden of foreigners residing in Korea, making it crucial to accurately assess your period of residence and income.
Do you have any further questions?
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