Register as a foreigner and get your Residence Card 외국인등록
If you plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you must register as a foreigner (외국인등록) within 90 days of entry. You book a visit on HiKorea, then apply at the immigration office that covers your address. You then get a Residence Card, which can also be issued as a mobile ID.
Do I need to register?
Answer 2 quick questions.
Will you stay in Korea for more than 90 days from your entry date?
You do not need to register. Stays of 90 days or less do not need registration.
Are you a regular visa holder (not a diplomat, foreign mission or international organization staff, or their family)?
You are exempt from registration, but you may still register if you want to.
You must register at the immigration office for your address within 90 days of entry. Follow the steps below.
Your timeline
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Step by step
Tick each item as you finish it. Your progress is saved on this device.
- 1
Prepare your documents
You do thisSoon after you arriveGet the common documents ready, plus the extra papers for your visa type. Extra documents are valid for 3 months from their issue date.
!Visa-specific papers differ. For example, D-2 students need a certificate of enrollment. Check HiKorea for your visa type. - 2
Book a visit on HiKorea
You do thisAny time, up to your 89th dayMake a visit reservation (방문예약) for foreigner registration at the immigration office that covers your address. You can verify yourself with your passport number.
!You cannot book after your 89th day, so book early. Popular offices fill up weeks ahead. - 3
Apply at the immigration office
You do thisReservation day, within 90 days of entryBring all your documents and hand them in. If you are 17 or older, you give fingerprints and a face scan. Pay the card fee in cash.
!Some HiKorea pages still say 30,000 won, but the current law sets the fee at 35,000 won. Bring enough cash. - 4
Get your Residence Card
The agency does thisAbout 2-3 weeks after you applyThe immigration office issues your card. You can check your application status on HiKorea under Application Status (민원신청현황).
- 5
Keep your registration up to date
You do thisWhenever something changesReport a new address within 15 days after you move. Report a new passport, name, school or company within 15 days. When you leave Korea for good, give your card back at departure.
!Missing the address report can mean a fine of up to 1,000,000 won.
Documents checklist
Tick each document as you get it. Your list is saved on this device.
0 of 6 documents ready
- Integrated application form (통합신청서, Form No. 34, Korean and English)Immigration office, or download from law.go.kr
- Passport, plus copies of the photo page and visa pageYou
- 1 color photo, 3.5 x 4.5 cm, plain background, taken within 6 monthsPhoto studio
- Proof of residence (lease, dormitory confirmation, utility bill)Landlord, dormitory or host
- Card fee: 35,000 won in cashPay at the immigration office
- Visa-specific documents (e.g. certificate of enrollment for D-2, employer's business registration copy for many work visas)Your school or company
How to fill in the form
Tap a numbered area on the form, or use Next, to see what to write there.
EXAMPLE11. What you are applying for
Tick the first box: Foreign Resident Registration. Leave the others empty.
22. Photo
Attach 1 color photo, 3.5 x 4.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months.
33. Your details
Surname and given names as in your passport, date of birth, sex, nationality, passport number and dates, your address in Korea and phone numbers. Leave the registration number empty: you do not have one yet.
44. Workplace
If you work, write your workplace name, business registration number and phone. Students fill in the school section instead.
55. Refund account, date and signature
Write a bank account for refunds if you have one, then the date and your signature.
66. Consent to share information
Sign as the applicant so the officer can check some documents online. Otherwise you must bring them yourself.
Blank official form shown as an example. You can write in Korean or English. Immigration offices also have paper copies. Download the official form (PDF) ↗
Mobile Residence Card
- A mobile card has the same legal effect as the plastic card.
- If your card has an IC chip, tap it in the Mobile ID app to get the mobile card.
- Otherwise, visit your immigration office and scan a QR code to get it.
- It works on one phone only and is valid until your permitted stay ends.
If you do not register
- Not registering can mean up to 1 year in prison or a fine of up to 10,000,000 won.
- You may also be ordered to leave Korea.
- Late registration is usually settled with a fine, so register as soon as you can.
Who to call
Tap to call.