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What is the dividend withholding rate between United Kingdom and South Korea?

Under the United Kingdom-South Korea tax treaty, the withholding rate on dividends is 15% for portfolio investors (general rate). A reduced rate of 5% applies when the beneficial owner is a company holding a qualifying ownership stake (typically 10% or more of voting stock). Note that the reduced rate requires the recipient to file the appropriate treaty benefit claim form before payment. This 15% rate compares to a median of 15% across United Kingdom's 54 active treaty partners, and 15% across South Korea's 48 active partners.

Network Comparison

United Kingdom

Rank 34 of 54 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)

Lower rates with: Israel (15%), India (15%), Italy (15%)

Higher rates with: Lithuania (15%), Luxembourg (15%), Latvia (15%)

South Korea

Rank 27 of 48 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)

Lower rates with: Spain (15%), Finland (15%), France (15%)

Higher rates with: Hong Kong (15%), Indonesia (15%), Ireland (15%)

Sources

Data last reviewed: 2026-04-07

Important: Treaty rates require proper claim forms (e.g., IRS Form W-8BEN for U.S. treaties, HMRC DT-Individual for U.K. treaties, CRA Form NR301 for Canadian treaties) filed before payment. Limitation on Benefits (LOB) provisions may restrict eligibility. A 0% withholding rate does not mean no tax — the residence country may still tax the income. This is not tax advice.

Related Questions: United Kingdom - South Korea