The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed the official guidelines from the Korea Immigration Service, Government 24, and the National Law Information Center. Updated August 8, 2026.
Residence for Foreigners in Korea 2026. If you have recently moved to a new home, you must notify the government to maintain your legal status. To learn how to report a change of residence for foreigners in Korea, the most important rule to remember is the deadline: you must report your new address within 15 days of moving into your new residence. This is a strict legal requirement under the Immigration Control Act, and failure to comply can lead to administrative penalties.
What is the deadline for reporting a change of address?
According to the Immigration Control Act, any registered foreign resident who changes their place of residence must file a report within 15 days from the date of moving in. This window is non-negotiable; the countdown begins the moment you establish your new residence.
For example, if a resident signs a lease and moves their belongings into a new apartment on August 1st, they must complete the reporting process by August 16th. This ensures that the government’s records for visa management, tax notifications, and emergency services remain accurate.
Where can you report your change of residence?
The Korean government provides several options for filing your change of address, allowing you to choose the most convenient location based on your current situation.
Local Government Offices
You do not necessarily need to visit a distant immigration center. You can report your move at the following local offices in your new neighborhood:
- Si/Gun/Gu offices: The city, county, or district offices.
- Eup/Myeon/Dong community centers: These are the local resident centers (주민센터) most commonly found in residential neighborhoods.
Korea Immigration Service Offices
You may also visit the local immigration office that has jurisdiction over your new place of residence. Filing here ensures that your residency records are updated directly within the immigration system.
Online Portals
For those who prefer digital services, online reporting is available through official government channels. The primary portal for these services is Government 24 (Gov24). While online reporting is available for the principal resident, it is recommended to check the specific conditions of your visa status to ensure you are eligible for electronic filing.
Which documents are required for the address change report?
To complete the process, you must provide evidence of your identity and your new living arrangement. The required documents typically include the following:
| Required Document | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Identity Verification | Must be valid. |
| Foreign Resident Registration Card (ARC) | Residency Verification | The official in charge will update the address on the card. |
| Proof of Residence | Address Verification | Lease agreement or a confirmation of accommodation. |
Depending on your specific visa status or living situation, the office may request additional documentation. For instance, if you are living in company-provided housing or a dormitory, a confirmation letter from the provider is usually sufficient as proof of residence.
How to report your change of residence online?
Online reporting simplifies the process by removing the need to visit a physical office. If you are using the Korea Immigration Service e-services or Government 24, you will generally need a digital certificate for authentication.
Using the Mobile Residence Card
Recent updates to the Immigration Control Act have introduced the Mobile Foreign Resident Registration Card. If you have been issued a mobile card, you may be able to utilize electronic civil service windows to update your address. In such cases, the change of residence information is recorded directly into the mobile card, serving as a legal substitute for the physical handwriting of the new address on the back of a plastic ARC.
The Step-by-Step Online Process
- Log in to the official government portal (e.g., Gov24) using your verified digital identity.
- Navigate to the “Foreign Resident Change of Residence Report” section.
- Enter your new address and the date you moved in.
- Upload digital copies of your proof of residence (such as a scanned lease agreement).
- Submit the application and monitor the status for approval.
What happens if you miss the reporting deadline?
Reporting your address is not a suggestion; it is a legal obligation. Under the Immigration Control Act, failing to report a change of residence within the 15-day window is a violation of residency management rules.
Non-compliance can result in the following:
- Administrative Fines: You may be required to pay a penalty fee, the amount of which can vary based on how long the report was delayed.
- Visa Complications: Accurate address records are often required for visa extensions or changes of status. Discrepancies in your registered address may lead to delays or complications during these applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am staying at a place without a formal lease?
If you do not have a formal lease agreement (for example, if you are staying with a friend or relative), you will need a “Confirmation of Accommodation” signed by the homeowner, along with a copy of the homeowner’s identification or a copy of their property ownership document.
Do I need to visit the office where I was previously registered?
No. You report the change at the office (Immigration, Si/Gun/Gu, or Dong center) associated with your new address. The offices will handle the internal transfer of your foreign registration records between the old and new jurisdictions.
Can someone else report the change for me?
According to Government 24, reports can be filed by the individual or an authorized representative. However, if using a representative, additional power-of-attorney documents and identification for both parties will be required.
Next steps for foreign residents
If you have moved within the last 15 days, your immediate priority is to gather your passport, ARC, and lease agreement. Visit your local Dong community center or log in to Government 24 to file your report today. If you have already passed the 15-day mark, it is still critical to report the change as soon as possible to minimize potential penalties.
Physical ARC Update Process
When filing a report in person at a community center or immigration office, you must submit your physical Foreign Resident Registration Card (ARC). The official in charge will manually record the change of address on the card and return it to you immediately. This updated card serves as your legal proof of residence. For those using the mobile residence card, this manual update is replaced by a digital record within the electronic system.
How the Government Syncs Your Records
Foreign residents do not need to notify their previous place of residence when moving; the government handles the synchronization of records internally. According to the Immigration Control Act, the process follows a specific administrative workflow:
- Initial Notification: Once you report your move to the new local office (Si/Gun/Gu or Eup/Myeon/Dong center) or the immigration office, that authority immediately notifies the previous jurisdiction.
- Registration Table Transfer: The office at your former residence is legally required to transfer your foreign registration table (외국인등록표) to the new office within three working days of receiving the request.
- Final Management: The new office then organizes the transferred registration table to ensure your residency status is managed correctly in the updated jurisdiction.
Detailed Requirements for Proof of Residence
To avoid delays, ensure your proof of residence is comprehensive. Depending on your housing arrangement, the following documents are typically accepted:
- Standard Lease Agreements: A formal rental contract signed by both the landlord and the tenant.
- Confirmation of Accommodation: For those staying with friends, relatives, or in informal housing, a signed confirmation letter from the homeowner is required. This should be accompanied by the homeowner’s identification or property ownership documents.
- Institutional Verification: A residence confirmation letter issued by an employer (for company housing) or a university administration office (for dormitories).
Providing these documents ensures that the Korea Immigration Service can verify the physical location of the resident for legal and administrative purposes.
Official sources
- Immigration Control Act, Article 36 (National Law Information Center)
- Change of Residence Report for Foreigners (Government 24)
- Korea Immigration Service Official Website