The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official sources from the Ministry of Justice and Gov.kr. Updated August 12, 2026.
If you move to a new home while residing in South Korea, you are legally required to notify the authorities of your new location. To understand how to report change of address in Korea for foreigners, the most important rule is the timeline: you must report your change of residence within 15 days of moving into your new home. Failure to do so within this window may result in administrative penalties and may disable your ability to use online reporting services.
What is the deadline for reporting your new address?
Foreign residents registered in Korea must complete their address change report within 15 days of their move. This deadline is strict. While the government provides multiple ways to submit this notification, the method you can use depends on whether you are still within this 15-day window.
If you report the move within the first 15 days, you can typically use the online portal for convenience. However, if the 15-day deadline has already passed, online reporting is typically disabled. In such cases, you must visit an immigration office in person to resolve the matter and finalize the report.
Where can you report your change of address?
Depending on your preference and whether you have met the deadline, you have three primary options for reporting your new residence.
Online via the Gov.kr portal
For the fastest experience, individuals can report their change of address through the official government civil service portal, Gov.kr. This is the most efficient method for the registrant to update their records without visiting a government office. Please remember that this option is generally only available if the move happened within the last 15 days.
In-person at a local Community Center
You may visit the community center (known as the Dong, Eup, or Myeon office) that has jurisdiction over your new address. This is often the most convenient physical location as these offices are distributed throughout every neighborhood. You will need to present your identification and proof of residence to the staff.
In-person at an Immigration Office
You can report your change of address at the local immigration office that oversees your new area of residence. This is the required method if you have missed the 15-day online reporting window. You will be required to submit a formal report and provide supporting documentation.
What documents are required for an address change report?
To ensure your report is accepted, you must provide specific documents that prove your identity and your new place of residence. The required paperwork can vary slightly depending on your visa status, but the standard requirements include:
1. Valid Identification
You must bring one of the following original documents:
- Passport
- Alien Registration Card (ARC)
- Domestic Residence Report Card (for those with foreign nationality but Korean heritage)
2. Proof of Residence
You must provide a document that proves you actually live at the new address. Accepted documents typically include one of the following:
- Lease Agreement: A signed rental contract for the new property.
- Confirmation of Accommodation: A document confirming your stay, which is common for those in company housing or shared living.
- Dormitory Entry Confirmation: For students or employees living in official dormitories.
- Payment Receipts: For those living in goshiwons or similar lodging, a receipt for the accommodation fee may be accepted.
- Residence Registration Extract: A Jumin-deungbon if applicable.
- Support Letters: For refugee applicants or recognized refugees, a confirmation letter from a church, human rights organization, UNHCR, or refugee support facility.
3. The Application Form
You will need to fill out the Integrated Application/Report Form. This is a legal form used for various immigration services, including address changes. You can obtain this form in several ways:
- Download it from the Hi Korea website (under the “Civil Forms” menu).
- Pick up a physical copy at any immigration office or community center.
How to get administrative support for other immigration issues?
Reporting an address change is just one part of maintaining legal status in Korea. If you have questions about your visa, need help filling out forms, or are unsure which immigration office has jurisdiction over your new home, the government provides a dedicated support system.
The Immigration Contact Center (1345) is a multilingual information platform designed to help foreigners adjust to life in Korea. You can call 1345 (without an area code) to receive counseling on various administrative affairs.
Service Details:
- Operating Hours: Weekdays from 09:00 to 22:00.
- Available Services: Multilingual interpretation and counseling on immigration laws, visa application results, and general living information.
- Guidance: By pressing 1, you can find the location and jurisdiction of specific immigration offices and their service hours.
For more detailed information on the contact center, you can visit the Korea Immigration Service website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else report my address change for me?
Yes, the report can be submitted by the individual or an authorized representative. If a representative is handling the report, they will typically need a power of attorney (letter of authorization) and the necessary identification for both the registrant and the representative.
What happens if I forget to report my move within 15 days?
If you miss the 15-day deadline, you will lose the ability to report the change online via Gov.kr. You must visit an immigration office in person to update your records. Be aware that failing to report your change of address within the legal timeframe may lead to fines under the Immigration Act.
Do I need a certified translation of my lease agreement?
Generally, lease agreements in Korea are written in Korean and are accepted as they are. If you have a contract in another language, it is advisable to contact the 1345 center to confirm if a certified translation is required for your specific case.
Next steps for reporting your move
To ensure you remain in compliance with Korean law, follow these practical steps immediately after moving:
- Gather your documents: Collect your ARC/Passport and your signed lease agreement or dormitory confirmation.
- Check the calendar: Verify that you are still within 15 days of your move-in date.
- Choose your method: If within 15 days, log into Gov.kr to report online. If after 15 days, locate your nearest immigration office.
- Verify the update: If reporting in person, ensure you receive confirmation that the change has been processed.
- Call 1345: If you encounter any issues with your documents or the online portal, call the Immigration Contact Center for immediate guidance.
Official sources
- Gov.kr – Foreigner Residence Change Report
- Korea Immigration Service – Immigration Contact Center (1345)