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Why Limited Approval is Better Than Renunciation in Korea



The concept of "limited approval" versus "renunciation" in Korea seems to pertain to different contexts, including nationality and inheritance. In the context of inheritance, limited approval allows heirs to accept an inheritance up to the limit of the estate's assets, without being personally liable for any excess debts. This can be a more favorable option compared to outright renunciation for several reasons:

  1. Protection from Debt: Limited approval provides protection to heirs from inheriting the deceased's debts beyond the value of the estate. This is particularly important in cases where the estate's liabilities exceed its assets.

  2. Benefit from the Estate's Assets: By opting for limited approval, heirs can still benefit from the estate's assets, unlike renunciation, where they would forfeit their rights to the entire inheritance.

  3. Control Over Inheritance: Limited approval gives heirs more control over what they inherit. They can accept parts of the estate that are beneficial while protecting themselves from unwanted liabilities.

  4. Flexibility: This approach offers flexibility, allowing heirs to make more informed decisions based on the estate's actual value and liabilities.

In the context of nationality, especially regarding the special renunciation of Korean nationality, limited approval is not directly applicable. Special renunciation refers to a process where individuals, under certain conditions, can renounce their Korean nationality without fulfilling specific obligations like military service. In this case, limited approval doesn’t apply as nationality laws operate under different legal frameworks and principles compared to inheritance law.


For more details, please send an e-mail to jz@taxjz.com or If you would like a free consultation with an English-speaking Accountant in Korea, please schedule a call at: Schedule a Call with Jz

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