Overseas Voter Registration/Application

Voters who are not registered residents and are not on the overseas voter list and wish to vote from overseas must apply for ‘overseas voter registration.’

The overseas voter registration application process is as follows:

- Submit an overseas voter registration application form to the embassy (overseas voting management officer) within the overseas voter registration application deadline (up to 60 days before the election day)

- Apply to the embassy staff visiting or making rounds (Korean citizens can submit overseas voter registration applications on behalf of their family members; family members are limited to spouses and direct descendants of the applicant and spouse.)

- Apply by mail or e-mail

- Apply online (ova.nec.go.kr)

(Voters who are on the overseas voter list confirmed in the previous presidential election or proportional representation election due to expiration of term can vote without a separate application) 

※ However, if there is a change in the information on the overseas voter list, apply for overseas voter change registration according to the registration application method above, and check the registration status on the Internet report/application homepage (ova.nec.go.kr)

The National Election Commission prepares the overseas voter list for 10 days starting from 49 days before the election day. ※ Withdrawal request is possible until the expiration date of the overseas voter list preparation period

※ Registration status can also be confirmed at overseas diplomatic missions ※ If a legitimate voter who has applied for overseas voter registration is not included in the overseas voter list, a written registration request is possible until the day before the list confirmation date.

The overseas voter list is confirmed 30 days before the election day.

When voting, overseas voters must present the original document announced by the overseas voting management officer of the diplomatic mission in charge of the country of their residence. If the document does not have a photo attached, another form of identification with a photo attached must be presented as well.

※ The Overseas Election Commission announces the types of documents required to verify the nationality of overseas voters, such as visas, permanent resident certificates, long-term residence certificates, or alien registration cards of the country of residence, by January 31 each year. These can be checked on the websites of each overseas mission and the National Election Commission website (ok.nec.go.kr).