The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official guidelines from Gov.kr, the Korea Immigration Service, and the National Law Information Center. Updated August 8, 2026.
If you are a registered foreign resident in South Korea, you must notify the government whenever you move. Learning how to report change of residence for foreigners in Korea is essential because the law requires this notification to be completed within 15 days of your move. Failure to meet this deadline can lead to penalties. You can complete this process either online through official portals or in person at a local community center or immigration office.
When is the deadline for reporting a new address?
The reporting window is strictly enforced. You must report your change of residence within 15 days from the date you move into your new home. This 15-day rule applies to all registered foreign residents and is a separate legal requirement from the standard residential reporting processes used by Korean citizens.
For example, if you sign a lease and move into a new apartment on August 1st, you must ensure your report is submitted to the authorities by August 16th to avoid being out of compliance with the Immigration Act.
Where can you report your change of residence?
Depending on your preference and visa status, you have three primary options for submitting your notification.
Local Community Service Centers
The most convenient option for many is visiting the community service center (Eup, Myeon, or Dong office) or the local district office (Gu, Si, or Gun) that has jurisdiction over your new address. These centers are generally more accessible than immigration offices and can process the change immediately.
Immigration Offices
You may also visit the local immigration office responsible for your new residential area. While these offices handle all aspects of your visa and residency, they may have longer wait times and require appointments compared to local community centers.
Online Reporting Portals
Digital reporting is available via the Government24 (Gov.kr) or the HiKorea website. However, online reporting is subject to specific restrictions:
- Identity Verification: You must have a valid method of digital identity verification to log in.
- Applicant Status: Online reporting is typically restricted to the primary applicant; proxies (representatives) generally cannot file online reports.
- Eligibility: Some visa types may be ineligible for online reporting, and the system may not accept applications if the 15-day deadline has already passed.
What documents are required to prove your new residence?
To prevent fraudulent reporting, you must provide documentary evidence that you are actually living at the new address. The required paperwork depends on your housing situation.
Essential Identification
Regardless of your housing type, you must present one of the following:
- Passport
- Foreign Residence Card (ARC)
- Domestic Residence Report Card (for overseas Koreans)
Proof of Residence Documents
You must submit one of the following documents to verify your new home:
| Housing Type | Accepted Document |
|---|---|
| Rented Apartment/House | Lease or rental agreement (showing the applicant’s name) |
| Purchased Property | Property sales contract or registration document |
| Company/School Housing | Dormitory entry confirmation or accommodation certificate |
| Staying with Others | Confirmation of accommodation provided by the owner/resident |
| Gosiwon or Temporary Stay | Payment receipts for the stay showing the address |
| Refugees/Humanitarian Stay | Housing confirmation from a church, NGO, or UNHCR |
Additionally, you will need to complete the Integrated Application Form (Form 34), which is available at the reporting office or downloadable from official government websites.
Step-by-step process for reporting your move
Following these steps will ensure your residence change is recorded correctly in the government database.
- Gather your documents: Collect your residence card and the specific proof of residence mentioned above (e.g., your lease agreement).
- Choose your method: Decide whether to visit a community center, an immigration office, or use the Government24 portal.
- Submit the application: Fill out Form 34. If visiting in person, the officer will verify your ID and the proof of residence.
- Receive confirmation: For in-person visits, the officer will typically update your Foreign Residence Card by writing the change and applying a reporting stamp.
- Verify the update: If reporting online, check your application status on the portal to ensure the change was approved and processed.
Common questions about reporting residence changes
What happens if I miss the 15-day deadline?
The 15-day window is strictly enforced under the Immigration Act. Missing this deadline can result in fines. If you realize you are late, it is recommended to report the change immediately rather than waiting, as the penalty may depend on the length of the delay.
Can someone else report my move for me?
Yes, you can appoint a proxy to report your change of residence in person at a community center or immigration office. The proxy will need a power of attorney (letter of authorization) and the required identification and residence documents. Note that proxies cannot use the online reporting system.
Do I need to report my move if I am only staying somewhere temporarily?
Legal residency requirements apply to your registered address. If you have permanently moved your primary residence, you must report it. If you are simply traveling or staying in a hotel for a few days, this is not considered a change of residence.
Next steps for foreign residents
If you have recently moved, your immediate priority is to secure your proof of residence (such as a signed lease). Once you have this document, visit your nearest community service center or log into Government24 to complete your report before the 15-day window expires.
Specifics of Residence Verification
While a lease agreement is the most common proof of residence, other situations require specific documentation to satisfy immigration requirements. If you are residing in a home owned by someone else—such as a friend, relative, or employer—and your name is not on the lease, you must submit a Confirmation of Accommodation (숙소제공확인서). This document serves as a formal statement from the homeowner or primary leaseholder confirming your residence at that address.
Other valid documents for specific circumstances include:
- Resident Registration Certificate: A copy of the Jumin-deungrok-deungbon if you are officially registered at the address.
- Housing Confirmation: For refugees or those under humanitarian stay, a confirmation letter from an authorized NGO, church, or the UNHCR is required.
- Payment Records: For those in Gosiwons or temporary lodging, official payment receipts that clearly state the address and payment history are acceptable.
The Administrative Notification Flow
Understanding the administrative process helps ensure your records are synchronized correctly. According to the Immigration Act Enforcement Decree, the reporting process involves a coordinated update between different government jurisdictions:
- Initial Recording: The community center or immigration office records the change and applies a residence change reporting stamp to your Foreign Residence Card (ARC).
- Inter-Office Notification: The office at your new residence sends a formal change notification to the office that managed your previous residence.
- Record Synchronization: The previous office then forwards your registered foreign resident record to the new office to ensure all immigration data is centralized and current.
Processing Times and Proxy Filings
For those visiting a local community center (Eup, Myeon, or Dong), the processing time is typically immediate. This makes local centers a significantly faster alternative to immigration offices, which often require prior appointments and have longer wait times. If you cannot visit in person, remember that proxies are permitted for in-person filings at these offices, provided the representative brings a power of attorney and the necessary identification for both the applicant and the proxy.
Official sources
- Government24 – Foreigner Residence Change Report
- National Law Information Center – Immigration Act Enforcement Decree
- Cheongju City Hall – Foreigner Residence Change Guide