Leaving South Korea? See How Much You'd Keep
South Korea's combined national and local income tax reaches 55% for top earners. Compare your take-home pay across low-tax destinations and see what you could save each year.
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Open the Calculator →How South Korean Tax Residency Works
South Korea determines tax residency based on domicile or physical presence. You are a tax resident if you have a domicile (juso) in Korea or have resided in Korea for 183 days or more in a tax year. Domicile is assessed based on the totality of your personal and economic ties, including family, property, and employment.
To become a non-resident, you must remove your domicile from Korea and be absent for 183 or more days. You should deregister with the National Tax Service (NTS) and notify your local tax office. Filing a final tax return covering income up to your departure date is required.
No Formal Exit Tax in South Korea
South Korea does not impose a formal departure tax or deemed disposal regime when you cease tax residency. Unlike Australia, there is no automatic CGT event triggered by leaving the country.
However, capital gains tax may still apply on Korean assets when sold, regardless of your residency status. This includes Korean real estate (taxed at rates from 6% to 45% depending on holding period) and shares in certain Korean companies. Double taxation agreements may provide relief depending on your new country of residence.
Why High Earners Are Leaving South Korea
South Korea's progressive national income tax ranges from 6% to 45%, with an additional 10% local income tax surcharge bringing the combined top rate to approximately 55% on income above 1 billion KRW. Even at more moderate income levels, the effective rate is substantial when combined with social security contributions.
Jurisdictions like the UAE, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia offer dramatically lower rates. The growth of Korea's tech sector and the rise of remote work have made international relocation increasingly attractive for high-earning professionals and entrepreneurs.
Compare South Korea vs Low-Tax Destinations
See detailed tax breakdowns at multiple income levels for the most popular destinations for Korean expats:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a non-resident in South Korea?
Remove your domicile from Korea and be absent for 183 or more days in a tax year. Deregister with the NTS and notify your local tax office. File a final tax return covering income up to your departure date.
Is there an exit tax in South Korea?
No formal departure tax exists. However, CGT may apply on Korean assets (real estate, certain shares) when sold, regardless of your residency status at the time of sale.
Do I still pay tax on Korean income?
Yes. Non-residents are taxed on Korean-source income only, including employment income earned in Korea, rental income, and capital gains on Korean real estate and certain shares.
What about Korean social security?
Once no longer employed in Korea, you are exempt from National Pension, Health Insurance, and Employment Insurance contributions. Partial pension refunds may be available depending on your nationality.