For foreign & multicultural families · Nationwide
Having a baby in Korea as a foreign parent
The big national cash benefits depend on your child's nationality, not yours. The pregnancy voucher depends on health insurance. Local grants depend on the local government (often on your visa).
Official information checked · October 31, 2026
01
Who qualifies: quick table
| Program | Amount | Foreign families |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy & Childbirth Medical Voucher임신·출산 진료비 | ₩1,000,000 per pregnancy (₩1,400,000 for multiples) | Any nationality, if you're enrolled in National Health Insurance as a member or dependent |
| First Meeting Voucher첫만남이용권 | ₩2,000,000 (1st child) · ₩3,000,000 (2nd+) | Child has Korean nationality + resident registration number |
| Parent Benefit부모급여 | ₩1,000,000/month (age 0) · ₩500,000/month (age 1) | Child has Korean nationality + resident registration number |
| Child Allowance아동수당 | ₩100,000–₩130,000/month, under age 9 (2026) | Child has Korean nationality + resident registration number; paused if abroad 90+ days |
| Mother & Newborn Health Care (in-home caregiver)산모·신생아 건강관리 | Voucher, depends on income | If both parents are foreign: F-2, F-5 or F-6 visa only, plus income criteria |
| Local birth grants & postpartum support지자체 출산지원금 | Varies by city/district | Set by each local government. Many include F-5 (permanent resident) and F-6 (marriage migrant). Check with your local office |
"Korean nationality" includes dual citizens, recognized refugees and special contributors. Children whose refugee application is still under review are not included. It's fine if both parents are foreign nationals, as long as the child is Korean.
02
Does my child have Korean nationality?
- Under the Nationality Act (Article 2), a child whose father or mother is a Korean national at the time of birth is Korean from birth. Most children of multicultural families (one Korean parent) qualify for all the national programs above.
- If both parents are foreign nationals, the child usually isn't Korean. The First Meeting Voucher, Parent Benefit and Child Allowance then don't apply, but the pregnancy voucher (with National Health Insurance) and some local programs may.
- Born abroad? The child can apply after entering Korea, once their stay is confirmed and a resident registration number is issued.
03
How to apply
- During pregnancy: ask your OB-GYN to confirm the pregnancy, then apply for the ₩1M voucher (National Happiness Card) at an NHIS branch, a partner card company, or online. Apply early: bills from before the voucher is issued aren't covered.
- After birth (Korean-national child): register the birth, then apply for the First Meeting Voucher, Parent Benefit and Child Allowance at the community service center (주민센터) for the child's address, or online through the Government24 Happy Birth One-Stop Service.
- Apply for the Parent Benefit within 60 days of birth (birth date included) to be paid from the month of birth.
- Online applications are only available when the guardian is a parent. If online ID verification doesn't work for you, apply in person and bring your ID.
- Questions: Ministry of Health and Welfare call center ☎ 129.
This site is not a government agency. Rules can change, so confirm your own eligibility with the official source or your local community service center before applying.
Find benefits & track your baby
Find benefits in your city (English) Nationwide benefits Free baby log in English: feeds, sleep, diapers, family sharing Government24 Happy Birth One-Stop Service Danuri: multilingual portal for multicultural familiesOfficial sources
Childbirth support for foreign nationals — Easy to Find, Practical Law (Ministry of Government Legislation)Child Allowance — Government24Child Allowance (2026 amounts, under age 9) — Ministry of Health and WelfarePregnancy & childbirth medical expense support — Government24Pregnancy & childbirth medical expense support — Ministry of Health and WelfareFirst Meeting Voucher Q&A (foreign & multicultural families) — Korea.kr policy briefingParent Benefit — BokjiroNationality Act, Article 2 (nationality by birth) — National Law Information CenterPolicies, budgets and residence requirements may change. Before applying, confirm the terms that apply to your household in the official source or with your local community service center.