(1) An alien who has never acquired the nationality of the Republic of Korea may acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea by obtaining permission for naturalization from the Minister of Justice.
(2) In receipt of an application for naturalization, the Minister of Justice shall determine whether an alien meets the requirements for naturalization under Articles 5 through 7 and then allow naturalization only to a person who meets such requirements. <Amended on Dec. 19, 2017>
(3) An alien who obtains permission for naturalization under paragraph (1) shall acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea at the time he or she takes an oath of citizenship before the Minister of Justice and is granted a certificate of nationality: Provided, That if it is deemed that the alien cannot understand the meaning of an oath of citizenship or has difficulty in expressing the matters he or she has understood due to age, a physical or mental disability, or other reasons, the Minister of Justice may exempt him or her from taking an oath of citizenship. <Amended on Dec. 19, 2017>
(4) The Minister of Justice may require the head of a regional immigration office to act on his or her behalf in receiving an oath of citizenship and granting a certificate of nationality under the main clause of paragraph (3) and in exempting an alien from taking an oath of citizenship under the proviso of the same paragraph, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 19, 2017>
(5) Matters necessary for the procedures for filing an application, the examination thereof, taking an oath of citizenship, granting a certificate of nationality, performing such duty as an agent, etc. under paragraphs (1) through (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 19, 2017>[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 14, 2008]