Who can get the refund?
- Employment Permit System workers (E-9, H-2) employed under the Foreign Workers Employment Act: yes, whatever your nationality.
- Industrial trainees (E-10) meeting the training conditions: yes.
- Other visas (E-7, D-10, F-visas and so on): only if your home country gives Koreans the same kind of refund, or a social security agreement with Korea allows it. Check your country on the NPS website or call the NPS foreigner line (1355).
How much?
You get back both your share and your employer's share of contributions, plus interest. The contribution rate was 9% of pay until 2025 and is 9.5% from 2026 (half each for you and your employer). Interest is added at about the 3-year time deposit rate for each year since you paid. This calculator assumes 3% a year, so treat the result as an estimate.
Example: 3,000,000 won a month for 24 months before 2026 and 9 months in 2026 → contributions 6,480,000 + 2,565,000 = 9,045,000 won, plus interest, about 9.4 million won.
How to claim
Apply at an NPS branch or at the airport NPS desk (Incheon has one) before leaving, or from abroad after leaving. Bring your passport, residence card, flight ticket and bank account details. The money is usually paid to a Korean or overseas account after you have left.
FAQ
Are monthly salaries above a limit counted?
No. Contributions are capped: in 2026 pay above 6,370,000 won (January to June) or 6,590,000 won (from July) is not counted. The calculator applies the 6,590,000 won limit.
Is the refund taxed?
Part of it can be subject to tax depending on when contributions were made. The NPS calculates this when paying.