Many people ask the same question repeatedly during consultations:
“How long does it actually take to apply for dual citizenship or nationality restoration in 2026?”

If you have only heard vague answers such as “it takes about a year” or “it takes a long time,” this guide should help you set realistic expectations.

To give you the conclusion first:

• As of 2026, it takes about one month to enter Korea and complete the nationality restoration application.
  
  
• From application to final approval, the process usually takes around one year.
  
  

That said, not everyone follows the same timeline.
Some cases move faster, while others take longer depending on individual circumstances.

In this guide, I focus on:

• The average processing time
  
• The time required at each stage‍
• The most common reasons delays occur

Overall Process for Nationality Restoration Leading to Dual Citizenship

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The nationality restoration process for maintaining dual citizenship generally consists of four main stages:

1️⃣ Filing a Loss of Nationality Report and applying for an F-4 visa (Residence Card)
2️⃣ Submitting the Nationality Restoration Application at the Immigration Office
3️⃣ Nationality Restoration Review and Examination
4️⃣ Attending the Nationality Certificate Conferral Ceremony

Only after completing all four stages is the nationality restoration process allowing dual citizenship fully completed.

Processing Time by Stage

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Here is a breakdown of the average time required for each step:

• Loss of nationality report & F-4 visa application: approximately 1 month
  
  
• Nationality restoration application submission: usually within 1 day
  
  
• Nationality restoration review: approximately 7 months on average
  
  
• Nationality certificate conferral ceremony: an additional 1–2 months
  
  

One important change since 2026 is that review periods have become longer, and cases are increasingly placed on hold when applicants stay overseas for extended periods during the review.

In practice, if an applicant does not remain in Korea for a sufficient amount of time during the examination period, the review may be suspended, which has become more common.

Summary of the Full Timeline and Practical Planning Tips

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Based on the current standards in 2026:

• About 1 month to complete the nationality restoration application
  
  
• Around 7 months for the review process
  
  
• 1–2 months to attend the nationality certificate conferral ceremony
  
  

Overall, it is advisable to plan for approximately one year in total.

This timeline assumes that the applicant is staying in Korea long-term.
For those who reside overseas for extended periods, it may be more realistic to approach the process with flexibility and sufficient time, rather than trying to obtain approval as quickly as possible.

Careful planning and realistic expectations are key to navigating the nationality restoration process smoothly.