The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official Korea Immigration Service and Ministry of Justice guidelines to verify these procedures. Updated August 14, 2026.
To learn how to update foreign resident registration information in Korea, you must report any changes to your personal details or place of residence to the Korea Immigration Service within 15 days of the change. While initial registration must be completed within 90 days of arrival, subsequent updates to your address, name, or nationality have much stricter deadlines. Failure to comply with these timelines can result in significant financial penalties under the Immigration Act.
When are you required to update your registration?
Maintaining an accurate residency record is a legal obligation for all foreign nationals staying in the Republic of Korea for more than 90 days. The reporting requirements differ based on whether you are registering for the first time or updating existing information.
Initial Foreign Resident Registration
Any foreign national intending to stay in Korea for more than 90 days must complete their foreign resident registration within 90 days of their entry date. This process must be handled at the local immigration office that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. Please note that exceptions apply to holders of diplomatic, official, or agreement stay statuses (A-1, A-2, and A-3).
Updates to Personal Details
If there is a change to the information recorded during your initial registration, you must report it within 15 days. This includes changes to your:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Passport number, issuance date, or expiration date
- Workplace, position, or assigned duties
Change of Residence (Address)
One of the most common updates is the change of address. You are legally required to report a new residence within 15 days of moving. This is a critical deadline, as failure to report a change of residence can result in a fine of up to 1 million KRW.
How to report a change of address in Korea
Reporting a change of address is a straightforward process, but it must be done promptly to avoid penalties. You can generally complete this through the following channels:
- Local Immigration Office: You can visit the office managing your new district. In some cases, certain local community centers (Dong residents’ centers) may also process these reports.
- Online Portals: Certain residency updates and certificates can be managed via the e-Government website or the HiKorea portal.
Example: If an expat moves from an apartment in Mapo-gu to a new home in Gangnam-gu, they must notify the immigration authorities of the new address within 15 days of the move to ensure their registration remains valid.
Updating residency status and personal information
Beyond address changes, updating your official residency status (visa category) or passport details requires specific documentation and, in most cases, a formal application.
Changing Stay Status
If you receive permission to change your status of stay (for example, moving from a student visa to a job-seeker visa), you must apply for the change immediately upon receiving permission. Required documents typically include an application form, your passport, and a recent photograph (taken within 6 months).
Updating Passport Information
When you renew your passport, the new passport number and expiration date must be updated in the immigration system within 15 days. This ensures that your Foreign Residence Card remains linked to a valid travel document.
Navigating the Korea Immigration Service
Depending on the type of update you need, the method of accessing immigration services varies. Using the correct channel can save you hours of waiting time.
Using HiKorea for Reservations
For most official visits to an immigration office, you are required to make an online reservation via the HiKorea portal. This system manages the flow of visitors and prevents overcrowding at regional offices.
However, not all updates require a reservation. Reporting a change of address or updating passport information can often be done without a prior appointment. You should confirm the specific requirements for your request on the HiKorea portal before visiting.
The Immigration Contact Center (1345)
If you are unsure about which documents to bring or whether you need a reservation, the Immigration Contact Center is the primary resource for foreigners. You can reach them by dialing 1345 from any phone within Korea. For those calling from abroad, use +82-2-1345. They provide multilingual support for inquiries regarding residency and visa status.
Online Certificates
Once your information is updated, you may need proof of your current registration. The certificate of foreign resident registration can be applied for and received online through the Korean e-Government website, removing the need for a physical visit to a government office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss the 15-day reporting deadline?
Missing the deadline for reporting a change of address or personal details can result in a fine. Specifically, failure to report a change of residence may lead to a penalty of up to 1 million KRW under the Immigration Act.
Are there any exceptions to the 90-day initial registration rule?
Yes. Foreign nationals with diplomatic (A-1), official (A-2), or agreement (A-3) stay statuses are exempt from the standard 90-day registration requirement.
Can I update my address at any local office?
Generally, you must report changes to the immigration office that has jurisdiction over your current place of residence. You can verify your specific jurisdictional office through the 1345 center or HiKorea.
Next steps for foreign residents
To ensure your legal status remains secure, follow these practical steps:
- Audit your details: Check if your current registered address matches your actual residence and that your passport is up to date in the system.
- Call 1345: If you have moved or changed jobs, call the contact center to confirm the exact list of documents required for your specific visa type.
- Book via HiKorea: If your update requires a status change or a new residence card, schedule your appointment online to avoid being turned away at the office.
Detailed Requirements for Foreign Resident Registration
While reporting deadlines are strict, providing the correct documentation is essential for a successful application. For standard foreign resident registration, applicants must submit a completed application form, a valid passport, and one passport-sized photograph (3.5cm x 4.5cm) taken within the last six months. Additionally, you must provide a document that proves your current place of residence.
Visa-Specific Documentation
Depending on your specific residency status, the Korea Immigration Service requires additional evidentiary documents:
- Non-professional Employment (E-9): Applicants must provide a business registration certificate (or a full certificate of registered matters for corporations) and a drug test confirmation issued by a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice.
- Working Visit (H-2): Applicants must submit a certificate of completion for the Early Adaptation Program and a health examination certificate from a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice.
Scope of Registered Information
To avoid penalties, it is important to understand exactly which details are held in your official record. Any change to the following registration items must be reported within 15 days:
- Personal Identity: Full name, gender, date of birth, and nationality.
- Travel Documents: Passport number, issuance date, and expiration date.
- Employment and Business: Workplace, job title, assigned duties, and business registration number (if applicable).
- Residency: Address in your home country and your current residence within Korea.
- Stay Details: Status of stay, period of stay, entry date, and the port of entry.
- Additional Factors: Visa-specific details, information regarding companions (family members living together), and enrollment status in elementary, middle, or high school.
Maintaining the accuracy of these ten categories ensures that your legal status remains valid and prevents potential fines during residency audits.