What is the first thing to plan before moving to Korea?

Start with the visa or stay status because it controls how long you can stay, whether you can work, when you need a Residence Card, and which documents you must prepare.

Can I set up everything before arriving?

You can prepare documents, temporary housing, eSIM data, insurance, and budget planning before arrival. A full bank account, postpaid phone plan, and many identity checks usually require a Residence Card.

What should I do in the first week?

Confirm your address, set up mobile data, book or attend your immigration appointment if required, inspect long-term housing, and keep copies of every document you submit.

/Move to Korea: complete settlement roadmap

Last verified 2026-07-01

Move to Korea: complete settlement roadmap

Use this roadmap to sequence the decisions that most foreigners need before and after arriving in Korea.

Start with your visa and city choice, then prepare a Residence Card appointment, temporary housing, phone access, banking, insurance, and a first-month checklist.

TL;DR Answer

Moving to Korea works best as a sequence: visa, city, arrival phone access, Residence Card, bank account, housing, insurance, and local services.
Long-term residents generally need foreign resident registration within 90 days of entry.

Move to Korea: complete settlement roadmap

TL;DR Answer

Who This Is For

Requirements Table

Step-by-Step Process

Confirm the right visa or stay status

Pick a realistic city and budget

Prepare arrival connectivity

Register for a Residence Card when required

Open the services that depend on identity verification

Common Mistakes

FAQ

Official Sources

Change Log

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