Foreign Investor Registration (FIR) in Korea: Full Guide (2026)
What is Foreign Investor Registration? Foreign Investor Registration (외국인투자자 등록) is a registration process required for foreign individuals and entities who want to directly invest in Korean securities. As of recent regulatory changes, the requirements have been significantly simplified. However, understanding the current rules is still important. Do You Need to Register? It depends on how you invest: Investment Method Registration Required? Through Interactive Brokers No Through a Korean domestic broker Yes (broker handles it) Direct purchase on KRX Yes Korean ETFs listed abroad (EWY) No Most foreign investors using international brokers do NOT need to personally register — the broker handles compliance. ...