Seoul opens honourary citizenship nominations for foreign residents

Foreign residents who have lived in Seoul for at least three consecutive years, or for a combined total of five years, may be nominated if they have helped raise Seoul’s profile or contributed to the city’s development.

Choi Min-jung

Choi Min-jung

The Korea Herald

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Seoul Honorary Citizen and AI engineer Luis Filipe Ferreira Fraga from Brazil poses at 2025 Seoul Honorary Citizenship Ceremony. PHOTO: SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT/THE KOREA HERALD

June 1, 2026

SEOUL – Seoul is accepting nominations for its 2026 honorary citizenship program, which recognizes foreign residents who have contributed to the city in fields such as culture, the economy, welfare, science and AI.

Foreign residents who have lived in Seoul for at least three consecutive years, or for a combined total of five years, may be nominated if they have helped raise Seoul’s profile or contributed to the city’s development.

Nominations require a recommendation from the chair of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, the head of a public or civic organization, or a petition signed by at least 30 Seoul citizens. The recommendation form is available on the Seoul Metropolitan Government website under public notices.

Nominees will go through a review process before final approval by the Seoul Metropolitan Council. Selected honorary citizens are expected to receive their certificates at a ceremony in November and may be invited to the city events or serve as global ambassadors for Seoul.

  • Eligibility: Foreign residents who have lived in Seoul for at least three consecutive years or a combined total of five years
  • Application: May 29 – July 10
  • Required documents: Recommendation form, applicant photo, certificate of alien registration, honorary citizen pledge, consent form for personal information use and proof of achievements
  • How to apply: Submit documents in person, by mail or by email to Seoul City’s Urban Diplomacy Division ([email protected])
  • Inquiries: 02-2133-5287

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