Part-time Job

🧾International student's part-time job tax? 5 steps for May comprehensive income tax filing

2026-04-21

'Comprehensive Income Tax Return Notice' from the National Tax Service in May

Have you ever been surprised after receiving a text message?

The Korean tax terms are unfamiliar, and it’s hard to know whether you need to pay or can get a refund.

Don’t worry, this guide will clearly solve your tax concerns as an international student! ✨

Are you confused whether you need to file Korean taxes as a foreign national? In Korea, your length of stay is more important than your nationality!

Those who have received a Foreigner Registration Card are classified as 'residents' under tax law.
If you have stayed in Korea for 183 days or more, you are required to declare all domestic income.
As an exception, diplomats and US military personnel in Korea are non-residents regardless of their length of stay.

👉 If you know this, no problem adapting to Korean life!

Were you disappointed about 3.3% being deducted from your monthly wage? If you file in May, you might get it back!

If you worked part-time or as a freelancer, it is classified as business income and 3.3% is withheld from your pay.
If you paid more than your actual tax due, you can get a refund through Comprehensive Income Tax Return.
Refunds are usually deposited into your account within 30 days of filing, between late June and early July.

👉 Don’t forget to file and secure your precious allowance!

Are you worried if it’s okay not to file your taxes? Remember, missing the deadline may result in a penalty!

You must file for 2025 income from May 1, 2026 (Fri) ~ May 31, 2026 (Sun).
Since May 31 is Sunday, filing is also possible until June 1, 2026 (Mon).
If not filed within the period, a 20% penalty will be imposed on the tax. (If you file voluntarily within 1 month after the deadline, the penalty is reduced by 50%)

👉 Mark your calendar and finish in advance!

Were you worried about whether you can work with your visa before starting a part-time job? Here’s how to work safely as a student!

For D-2 and D-4 visas, you must get part-time work permission from the local immigration office.
During semesters, up to 20 hours per week is allowed, and during holidays/breaks there is no limit.
Jobs in manufacturing, construction, and delivery are prohibited for international students, so please be careful!

👉 Work safely and legally with an official work permit!

Are you overwhelmed by complicated tax websites? Just follow the steps, and you can file online yourself!

Sign up as an individual on Hometax (hometax.go.kr) or the Sontax app on mobile.
You’ll need your foreigner registration number and your English name (in uppercase) to sign up.
After you complete your Comprehensive Income Tax filing, you also need to file the local income tax, which is 10% of comprehensive tax, on Wetax (wetax.go.kr).

👉 If you take it step by step, the Korean tax system is never too difficult!

✔️ If you are an international student who stayed in Korea more than 183 days, make sure you are required to file comprehensive income tax in May.

✔️ If you file via Hometax within the deadline from May 1, you can get a refund for the 3.3% tax deducted in late June to early July.

✔️ For D-2 visa holders, you must obtain part-time work permission in advance to file properly.

You’ve done great juggling studies and part-time work in unfamiliar Korea,

Hope you finish your tax filing smartly this May and get a nice refund! ✨

VIVISA organizes information like the following for easy understanding.

For studying and part-time work in Korea, start comfortably with VIVISA without worries! ✨