Arriving & offices
Foreigner registration in Korea: how to get your Residence Card
As of: October 2026 · Leben in Korea
Staying in Korea for more than three months? Then there's no way around foreigner registration. You'll need the Residence Card for lots of things in daily life. Here's how registration works.
Who has to register?
If you stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you have to register within 90 days of arrival. You then get the Residence Card (외국인등록증, formerly called ARC).
How registration works
Registration isn't possible online. First you book an appointment on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr), then you go to the immigration office in person. Appointments have been mandatory since April 2021.
The immigration office for your home address is the one responsible.
Documents you need
Typically you bring:
- application form
- passport
- one colour photo, 3.5 × 4.5 cm
- proof of address, e.g. your lease
- the fee
Depending on your visa, you need more
Depending on your visa you need further documents, for example a tuberculosis test certificate. Best check the current list and the fee on HiKorea before your appointment.
After registration
If you don't register in time, you risk a fine. So plan your appointment early.
After registration you also have to report changes, for example a move, within about two weeks. You'll find the exact deadline on HiKorea.
Questions? Call 1345
The immigration hotline 1345 answers your questions, in English too.
Checklist
- Book an appointment on hikorea.go.kr
- Look up the immigration office for your home address
- Bring the form, passport, photo, proof of address and the fee
- After a move, report the change soon
Sources
- City of Incheon – Foreigner registration
- Sogang University – What is Foreigner Registration?
- Yonsei University – Foreigners registration
- Seoul National University – Residence Card
- City of Hanam – Registering foreign residents
As of: October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice. No guarantee; the official authorities have the final word.