South Korea
Crypto capital gains tax delayed AGAIN to 2027. Currently 0% as the 20% tax keeps getting postponed. When implemented: 20% on gains >2.5M won (~$1,900). Massive crypto adoption (millions of traders).
FATCA Partner
Yes
FATF Status
Clear
EU Blacklist
No
Dual Nationality
Not allowed
CARF Status
Committed
Bitizenship
Not yet
CARF Reporting
Committed
South Korea has committed to implementing CARF but has not yet specified an exact timeline. When active, crypto service providers will be required to report user transactions to tax authorities.
Tax Rates
Activity Taxes
Staking
Currently untaxed; will be covered under planned regime
Mining
Currently untaxed; will be covered under planned regime
DeFi
Currently untaxed
NFTs
NFT-specific tax laws planned by 2026
Taxable Events
Crypto → Fiat
Not taxable
Crypto → Crypto
Not taxable
Holding Period
No holding period benefit
No holding period benefit planned
Regulation & Residency
Regulatory Body
FSC (Financial Services Commission); National Tax Service
Residency Requirement
D-8 corporate investment visa; F-2 residency; E-7 skilled worker
Reporting Requirements
Exchange-level reporting exists; individual reporting will increase with tax implementation
Citizenship & Residency Path
F-2 visa via investment ($500K+); citizenship after 5 years residency
Resilience & Plan B
Jurisdictional Resilience
How well-equipped this jurisdiction is for a crypto holder who wants stability, access, and protection.
JRS
Institutions (25%), banking (20%), tax clarity (20%), business (15%), privacy (10%), geopolitical (10%). Full methodology →
Plan B Readiness
How fast you can go from “I want to move” to “I’m a tax resident with banking and optionality.”
PBR
Business ease (25%), citizenship path (20%), dual nationality, quality of life & safety (15% each), Bitizenship (10%). Full methodology →
Notable Conditions
- →20% crypto tax originally planned for 2021, repeatedly delayed
- →Latest postponement to 2027 (agreed Dec 2024)
- →Exemption threshold: ~2.5 million won annual gains
- →Extremely high crypto adoption rate
- →Strong regulatory framework despite tax delays
- →Currently a de facto 0% crypto tax country
Living & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Moderate-High
Banking Access
Excellent
Quality of Life
Very High
Lifestyle Scores