The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) announced the release of translations for 235 administrative forms most frequently used by foreign nationals residing in South Korea. These forms are now available in 10 languages*, making civil services more accessible and efficient for foreign residents.

*Chinese, English, Japanese, Khmer (Cambodia), Mongolian, Russian, Tagalog (Philippines), Thai, Uzbek, Vietnamese

Until now, administrative forms were primarily available in Korean, causing significant challenges for foreign residents and overseas Koreans unfamiliar with administrative terminology. While some agencies provided translated forms, their availability was limited. Foreign residents often had to rely on paid translation services or struggled through the application process. Civil servants also faced difficulties explaining complex administrative forms to non-Korean speakers due to language barriers, further complicating the process.

MOIS launched a multilingual administrative form translation project last year to reduce social costs of inaccessible services and eliminate language barriers. Surveys conducted with central agencies, local governments, and multicultural centers helped identify the most frequently used forms by foreign residents and the required languages for translation. A total of 235 forms were selected, focusing on family relations registration, resident registration, immigration, and employment. The forms were translated into 10 languages, considering the number of foreign residents in Korea and the needs of various institutions, with a thorough review process ensuring accuracy.

*Top nationalities of foreign residents in Korea (as of June 2024): China, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines

The translated forms will be distributed to local governments, central administrative agencies, public institutions, and multicultural centers that frequently handle foreign resident applications. Anyone can easily download them from Naver Band(Easy Civil Forms for Foreigners) or Innovaton24(www.innovation.go.kr). Note that the translated forms are for reference only, and applicants must complete and submit the applications using the official Korean forms.

MOIS expects that these translated forms will enhance information accuracy, simplify civil service processes, and significantly improve foreign residents’ access to administrative services.

Hwang Myeong-seok, Director of the Administrative and Civil Service Improvement Planning Group, stated, "Providing translations of administrative forms removes language barriers in civil services, ensuring fair and equal access for all residents." He added, "We will continue to enhance communication in our multicultural society and improve services to make life more convenient for everyone."