Adopting a child from the Republic of Korea
About adoption from the Republic of Korea
The Republic of Korea (ROK) follows the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Opens in a new tab/window). Australia has partnered with the ROK to make sure intercountry adoption only happens when it is best for the child.
The Central Authority in the ROK responsible for intercountry adoption is the Ministry of Health and Welfare(Opens in a new tab/window). Applications to adopt from the ROK are submitted to the National Center for the Rights of the Child(Opens in a new tab/window). This is a public institution responsible for overseeing and helping intercountry adoption.
Before a child can be adopted by someone overseas, the ROK must first try to find a home for the child within the ROK. If this is not possible, the child may be considered for adoption by a family in another country.
Eligibility to adopt
Australian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to adopt from the ROK.
You must meet the requirements of your state or territory central authority. They are listed in the intercountry adoption contacts.
You must also meet the ROK’s requirements.
Marriage
You must have been married for 3 years.
The ROK does not accept applications from de facto couples, same sex couples or single applicants.
Age
- Both you and your partner need to be 25 years of age or older, and not older than 45 years of age
- The Minister of Health and Welfare may grant an exception if they find the parents’ circumstances are adequate to rear an adoptive child in a sound manner. For example, when the parents are both Korean nationals and/or willing to adopt a disabled child with special measures to protect them
- You may be granted special permission if you’re aged between 45 and 50 at the time your home study is completed and are:
- of Korean descent (either you or your partner)
- an adoptee (either you or your partner)
- an adoptive parent of a Korean child
Finance
You and your partner must have sufficient wealth.
Safety
You and your partner must not have a record of any crime, such as child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault. You must not have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or substance dependence.
Health
The ROK has strict health requirements for intercountry adoption.
Religion
You can’t apply if you practice a religion that doesn’t allow blood transfusions, unless you’re prepared to sign a statement consenting to blood transfusions.
Number of children in your family
You can’t have more than 5 dependent children (including your adopted child).
Criminal record
You need to supply your criminal record check.
Character references
You need to provide 3 written references from neighbours, co-workers or friends, which need to include:
- name, date and signature of the referee
- stamp and signature from your state and territory central authority.
Children in need of intercountry adoption
There are currently no children available for adoption from the ROK.
Most children in need of intercountry adoption from the ROK have additional needs. This can range from minor to complex and, in some cases, multiple needs.
Prospective adoptive parents wishing to adopt from the ROK should be open, able and willing to adopt a child with additional needs.
Waiting times
The ROK recently underwent an adoption reform. Given there are currently no children available for adoption from the ROK, current waiting times are unknown.
Cost of adopting
Australian state and territory adoption application and processing fees vary.
The estimated fee for ROK is US$19,500.
Other costs
You may also need to pay for translation services, travel, visas and accommodation, and daily living expenses.
Travel
You will need to travel twice to complete the adoption:
- First trip to the ROK:
- prospective adoptive parents/family have 2 meetings with the matched child
- initial court hearing
- Second trip to the ROK:
- final court hearing
- completion of citizenship or visa process and family travel back to Australia with the adopted child
The time between the hearings can be between 4 and 7 weeks. If you have children, they are encouraged to travel with you. Some families choose to only travel once and remain in the ROK between the 2 court dates.
Following the final court hearing, the adopted child can travel with their adoptive family to Australia.
Immigration and citizenship
Before bringing your child to Australia, you must ensure they have the right Australian immigration status. There are 2 possible options:
- Australian citizen before travel
- Adoption visa (subclass 102).
Australian citizenship before travel
After you get the adoption certificate your child is eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. You can then apply for an Australian passport so the child can travel to Australia with you.
Adoption visa
Your child could also travel to Australia on adoption visa subclass 102(Opens in a new tab/window).
Reporting obligations
You will need to complete reports for your state or territory central authority regularly in the first 2 years.
You should also complete follow-up reports for the ROK about progress of the child.
More information
- If you are interested in applying to adopt a child from the ROK, contact your Australian state or territory central authority. They are listed in the intercountry adoption contacts
- Learn more about adopting from Australia's Partner countries
- Visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs webpage to read about adoption of children from outside Australia(Opens in a new tab/window)
- Visit the Australian Government ‘smartraveller’ website to learn about safe and lawful travel to the ROK(Opens in a new tab/window)
- Visit the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade webpage for travel and consular support for the ROK(Opens in a new tab/window)
- Learn more about adoption support services and community groups in Australia on intercountry adoption support