As of December 2025, Korea has signed tax treaties with about 98 countries, 96 of which are in force — covering most major trading partners including the US, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore. Residents of treaty countries can access reduced ("limited") rates on interest, dividend, royalty, and personal service income, lower than the domestic statutory rate (mostly 20%).
The exact limited rate for a given country can be looked up by income type on the National Tax Law Information System (taxlaw.nts.go.kr) under the "Tax Treaties" menu. For countries without a treaty, the domestic statutory rate applies as-is.
How to look up the limited rate
Dividend rates can depend on ownership stake
Many treaties apply a lower limited rate (e.g., 5–10%) to "direct investment dividends" received by a parent company holding a certain stake (e.g., 25%+), while ordinary portfolio dividends get a higher rate (e.g., 15%). A controlling shareholder and an ordinary shareholder can face different rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Applying and Calculating the Tax-Treaty Limited Rate
Why the treaty rate wins when lower than the domestic rate, and how to apply for it before income is paid.
Withholding Tax Rates on Korean-Source Income
A quick-reference table of statutory withholding rates for a non-resident's interest, dividend, royalty, and personal-service income.