The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official sources from the Korea Immigration Service and Gov.kr. Updated August 14, 2026.
If you move to a new home while living in South Korea, you are legally required to notify the government of your new location. To learn how to report change of address for foreigners in Korea, the most important rule to remember is the timeline: you must report the change within 15 days of moving into your new residence. Failure to meet this deadline may result in administrative penalties.
Why the 15-Day Reporting Deadline Matters
The South Korean government maintains strict residency management to ensure that foreign nationals are reachable and that their registration data is current. This system is linked to your Alien Registration Card (ARC) or Domestic Residence Card.
The law requires that any change in your place of residence be reported within 15 days. This is a mandatory requirement regardless of whether you are moving within the same neighborhood or to a different city. If you miss this window, you may face fines or complications with future visa extensions and residency renewals.
For example, if a foreign employee moves from an apartment in Seoul to a new home in Incheon on August 1st, they must complete the reporting process by August 16th to remain in compliance with immigration laws.
How to Report Change of Address for Foreigners in Korea
There are three primary ways to update your residency information. You can choose the method that best fits your schedule and technical comfort level.
Option 1: Online via the Hi Korea Portal
The most convenient method for most residents is using the official immigration e-service portal. Online applications are generally available for the individual concerned and eliminate the need to visit a government office in person.
- Visit the Hi Korea website.
- Log in using your certified digital credentials.
- Navigate to the residency management or change of address section to submit your update.
Option 2: At a Local Community Center (Dong Resident Center)
You do not necessarily have to go to a large immigration office. You can visit the community center (Dong, Eup, or Myeon office) that has jurisdiction over your new address.
Reporting at the community center is often faster than visiting a regional immigration office, as these centers are distributed throughout every neighborhood. You will need to bring your physical identification and proof of your new address.
Option 3: At a Regional Immigration Office
You may also visit the local immigration office that governs your new place of residence. This option is often preferred if you are already visiting the office for other tasks, such as a visa extension or a change in residency status.
Required Documents for Residency Updates
Regardless of the method you choose, you must provide specific evidence to prove who you are and where you are now living. If you are applying in person, ensure you have the following documents ready.
| Document | Details and Requirements |
|---|---|
| Passport | Your current, valid national passport. |
| Registration Card | Your original Alien Registration Card (ARC) or Domestic Residence Card. |
| Proof of Residence | A formal document verifying the new address (see below). |
Accepted Proof of Residence
The government requires a document that clearly links your name to the specific new address. Accepted documents typically include:
- Lease Agreement: A rental contract written in the name of the foreign national.
- Confirmation of Residence Provision: If you are living in a place where you are not the primary leaseholder (e.g., staying with a friend or in company-provided housing), you will need a formal confirmation letter from the person providing the accommodation.
Getting Guidance and Support
If you are unsure about which documents are needed for your specific visa type or where your nearest jurisdiction office is located, there are official channels available for support.
The Immigration Contact Center (1345)
The 1345 center is the primary resource for foreign nationals regarding immigration policies and procedures. They provide multilingual support to help you navigate the residency management system.
While the 1345 center can provide detailed guidance and answer questions, please note that they cannot process the actual change of address over the phone. You must still use Hi Korea, visit a community center, or go to an immigration office to finalize the report.
Using Government Portals
For a broader overview of civil services available to foreigners, you can visit Gov.kr. This portal provides a centralized entry point for various administrative tasks beyond just immigration, including residency management and other civic registrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I report the change after 15 days?
Reporting after the 15-day deadline is considered a violation of the Immigration Act and may result in a monetary fine. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the length of the delay.
Can I report my address change if I lost my ARC?
You should first report the loss of your card and apply for a reissue. Since the ARC is a required document for the change of address process, you will need your identification sorted before the residency update can be finalized.
Does my employer have to report my move?
While some companies provide administrative assistance, the legal responsibility to ensure the address is reported rests with the registered foreign national. It is recommended that you verify the update has been processed regardless of who submitted the paperwork.
Next Steps for Moving Residents
- Gather Documents: Secure your passport, ARC, and a signed lease agreement or residence confirmation letter.
- Choose Your Channel: Decide whether to use the Hi Korea website for speed or a local community center for in-person assistance.
- Submit Within 15 Days: Complete the filing immediately after moving to avoid penalties.
- Verify Completion: Check your status via Hi Korea or keep the receipt provided by the community center as proof of reporting.
Initial Foreigner Registration Requirements
While updating an existing address is crucial, new arrivals must first complete the initial registration process. Foreign nationals who intend to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days are legally required to register their residency within 90 days of their date of entry.
To complete this initial registration, you must submit an application to the immigration office governing your place of residence along with the following documents:
- Passport and one passport-sized photograph (3.5cm × 4.5cm).
- Proof of residence (such as a lease agreement).
- Visa-specific documents:
- E-9 (Non-professional Employment): Business registration certificate of the employer and a drug test confirmation from a Ministry of Justice-designated hospital.
- H-2 (Visiting Employment): A health checkup certificate from a designated hospital and a completion certificate from the Early Adaptation Program.
Modernizing Your Residency Management
The Korea Immigration Service has introduced digital updates to make residency management more convenient for foreign nationals. Residents should be aware of these available tools:
Mobile Residence Card
To reduce the need to carry a physical Alien Registration Card (ARC), a Mobile Residence Card is now available. This digital version serves as a valid form of identification for various administrative and financial services.
Personal Signature Verification System
Foreign nationals can now utilize the Personal Signature Verification System. This system allows registered residents to use a verified signature for official tasks, eliminating the traditional requirement for a personal seal (stamp) when handling legal or administrative documents.
Clarification on Residence Proof
For those who cannot provide a lease agreement in their own name, the government accepts a Confirmation of Residence Provision (숙소제공확인서). This is particularly useful for individuals staying in company-provided housing, dormitories, or residing with a friend or relative. This document must be signed by the person providing the accommodation to verify the resident’s actual place of stay.