Extend your period of stay 체류기간 연장허가
Your Residence Card (외국인등록증) shows how long you may stay. If you want to stay longer, you must get permission before that date ends. You can apply from 4 months before the end date up to the end date itself. You apply at your immigration office or online on HiKorea, and the fee is 60,000 won (50,000 won online).
Do I need to extend?
Answer 2 quick questions.
Do you want to stay in Korea after the end date of your current permitted stay?
You do not need to extend. Plan to leave before the end date.
Are you in Korea on the day you apply?
You cannot apply from abroad, and nobody can apply for you from abroad. Apply when you are back in Korea, before your stay ends.
Apply for an extension (체류기간 연장허가) between 4 months before and the last day of your current stay. Follow the steps below.
Your timeline
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Step by step
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- 1
Check your end date and prepare documents
You do thisFrom 4 months before your stay endsLook at the permitted stay end date on your Residence Card. Then collect the papers for your visa type. Required papers can differ depending on your situation.
!Do not wait for the last day. The application window is from 4 months before the end date until the end date itself. - 2
Book a visit or apply online
You do thisBefore your stay endsYou can apply in person at the immigration office that covers your address, or online with HiKorea e-Application (전자민원). Some visa types can only apply in person. Reserve a visit on HiKorea; booking is open 24 hours.
!Online e-Application is not open to every visa type. If you cannot use it, apply in person. - 3
Apply and pay the fee
You do thisReservation day, on or before your end dateHand in your form and documents. You or an agent can apply. Some visa types, such as F-6 (spouse of a Korean), cannot use an agent. The person must be in Korea on the day. If the applicant is under 17, a parent or guardian applies.
!If you apply after your stay has ended, a fine (범칙금) applies under Immigration Act Art. 25. Ask 1345 how it works for you. - 4
Wait for the decision
The agency does thisUsually about 10 daysThe immigration office checks your case. Normal cases take about 10 days. Cases that need extra checks can take up to 2 months.
!Apply early. The decision can take longer than 10 days, and your current stay end date does not move until you are approved. - 5
Check your new period of stay
You do thisAfter approvalOnce approved, your new end date is recorded. Note it and set a reminder for 4 months before the next end date.
!If you also move house, report your new address within 15 days.
Documents checklist
Tick each document as you get it. Your list is saved on this device.
0 of 6 documents ready
- Application form (신청서, Form No. 34)Immigration office or HiKorea
- PassportYou
- Residence Card (외국인등록증)You
- Proof of where you live (lease, dormitory confirmation, or similar)Landlord, dormitory or host
- Extra documents for your visa type (for example proof of enrollment for students)Your school, employer or HiKorea guide for your visa
- Fee: 60,000 won (50,000 won online)Pay at the immigration office or online
Students and language trainees
- Students and language trainees can often apply through their university's international student system.
- The fee for this route is 50,000 won.
- If your school has already entered your records, you may not need to bring proof of enrollment. Ask your school office.
Staying a little longer just to leave Korea
- If you have finished your activity and want to stay up to 30 more days to travel, you can apply for a short extension.
- You need your passport and a flight ticket with your departure date.
- There is no fee.
Who to call
Tap to call.