If you plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you must register as a foreign national and obtain an Alien Registration Card (ARC). This is one of the first things you need to do after arriving.
👤 Who Must Register?
- Any foreign national staying in Korea for more than 90 days
- Persons who gave up Korean nationality and acquired another country's nationality
- Foreign nationals born in Korea staying more than 90 days from the date status of sojourn is given
🚫 Exemptions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports and their families (A-1, A-2, A-3)
- Persons in important diplomatic, industrial, or defense business (as recognized by the Justice Minister)
- Canadian nationals staying less than 6 months for: Artist (D-1), Religion (D-6), Family Visit (F-1), Accompanying Spouse (F-3), Miscellaneous (G-1)
- Registered foreign nationals under 17 years old (must register within 90 days of turning 17)
⏰ Registration Deadlines
| Situation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Staying more than 90 days | Within 90 days of entry |
| Granted status to stay or change status | Immediately after receiving permission |
📋 Required Documents
- Application Form
- Passport
- Color Photograph (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
- Documents per status of sojourn (varies by visa type)
- Fee: 30,000 KRW
- Power of attorney + entrustor's ID + entrustee's employment certificate (if applicable)
📝 Reporting Changes
A registered foreign national must report changes to the Immigration Control Office within 14 days for any of the following:
- Name, gender, date of birth, or nationality
- Passport number, issuance date, or validity
- Change of institution/organization for visa types: D-1, D-2, D-4, D-5, D-6, D-7, D-8, D-9 (including name changes of the institution)
📍 Immigration Control Office
Tel: +82-2-2650-6212~5 / Fax: +82-2-2650-6293
Location: Omokgyo Station (Line 5, Exit 7)
Bus: 5012, 6619, 6624, 6640, 6620, 517