The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official sources from the Korea Immigration Service and the Ministry of Justice's EasyLaw portal. Updated July 30, 2026.
If you intend to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days, you must complete foreign resident registration in Korea within 90 days of your entry date. This process is handled by the head of the local immigration office that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. Failure to register within this window can result in administrative penalties, while completing the process provides you with a Residence Card (formerly known as the Alien Registration Card or ARC), which is essential for daily life activities such as opening a bank account, signing a lease, or purchasing a mobile phone.
What is the Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans?
For ethnic Koreans who hold foreign citizenship, the Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans provides the legal framework for their entry, departure, and residency rights. This specific act ensures that overseas Koreans have a clear legal basis for staying in the Republic of Korea, though the specific rights and obligations may vary based on the visa category they hold.
While this Act specifically addresses the status of overseas Koreans, all foreign nationals—regardless of ethnicity—must adhere to the broader registration requirements set by the Korea Immigration Service to maintain legal status.
Who is required to register as a foreign resident?
Registration is mandatory for any foreign national who enters Korea and intends to stay for longer than 90 days. This includes students, employees, and those on Working Holiday visas. The registration must be completed at the immigration office covering your current residential area.
The importance of the Residence Card
The Residence Card serves as your primary identification within the country. Without this card, you will face significant hurdles in the following areas:
- Financial Services: Most banks require a Residence Card to open a personal account.
- Telecommunications: Signing up for a post-paid mobile phone plan generally requires registration.
- Housing: Many landlords require the card to finalize official lease agreements.
- Employment: It is a requirement for working legally in Korea.
How to apply for your Residence Card
Applying for registration involves a sequence of administrative steps. It is highly recommended to make an online reservation via the official HiKorea portal before visiting an office.
- Reservation: Book an appointment at your jurisdictional immigration office.
- Submission: Visit the office with your passport, application form, and required supporting documents.
- Biometrics: Provide biometric data, which includes fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, and palm vein patterns. Note that refusing to provide this data may lead to the denial of future stay extensions.
- Payment: Pay the required processing fee (for example, Working Holiday makers typically pay 35,000 KRW in cash).
- Collection: Return to the office to pick up your card after the processing period, which typically takes around three weeks.
Required documents by visa type
While all applicants need a valid passport, a standard application form, and one passport-sized photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm) with a white background, additional documents are required based on your status:
| Visa Category | Additional Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Students (D-2, D-4) | Certificate of enrollment, health certificate, and proof of residence. |
| Working Holiday | Travel plans, housing contract, and a job certificate (if applicable). |
| General Residents | Proof of residence and documents specific to their visa eligibility. |
What information is recorded during registration?
When you complete your foreign resident registration in Korea, the government records specific details to track your legal status and location. The registration includes:
- Personal identity: Name, gender, date of birth, and nationality.
- Passport details: Number, date of issue, and expiration date.
- Employment info: Workplace, position, or specific duties.
- Addresses: Your permanent address in your home country and your current residence in Korea.
- Stay details: Your visa category (status of stay), period of stay, entry date, and port of entry.
- Family/Companions: Details of family members living with you.
- Education: Enrollment status in primary or secondary schools.
- Business: Business registration number, if applicable.
When must you report changes to your registration?
Maintaining an accurate registration is a legal obligation. If your personal or residential details change, you must report these updates to the immigration office within a strict timeframe—typically 14 to 15 days from the date of the change.
Common changes that require reporting
You must file a report if any of the following occur:
- Change of Address: Moving to a new home or apartment.
- Passport Updates: Receiving a new passport or a change in passport validity/number.
- Personal Details: Legal name changes or changes in nationality.
- Employment: Changes in your workplace or job position.
- Status: Receiving permission to change your status of stay.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
The Korean government strictly enforces registration and reporting deadlines. Failing to register within the first 90 days or failing to report changes within the 14-15 day window can lead to serious consequences:
- Financial Penalties: Administrative fines are commonly issued for late reporting.
- Administrative Sanctions: Repeated or severe negligence may result in sanctions regarding your visa status.
- Forced Departure: In extreme cases of non-compliance, you may be subject to forced departure from the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am under 17 years old?
Foreigners under the age of 17 may not be issued a physical Residence Card immediately. In such cases, you must apply for the card within 90 days of turning 17 at your local immigration office.
What should I do if I lose my Residence Card?
If your card is lost, you must report the loss to the immigration office immediately to apply for a replacement.
How do I know which immigration office has jurisdiction over my home?
You can determine your jurisdictional office by calling the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 (within Korea) or +82-2-6908-1345 (internationally).
Next Steps for Foreign Residents
To ensure your stay remains legal and convenient, take these immediate actions:
- Verify your entry date: Calculate your 90-day deadline immediately.
- Book an appointment: Visit Korea Immigration Service or HiKorea to secure a visit date.
- Gather documents: Collect your passport, photos, and residence proof (such as a housing contract) before your appointment.
- Confirm your office: Call 1345 to ensure you are visiting the office that manages your specific neighborhood.