🪪Residence Card (ARC) — Complete Guide
Register as a foreign resident and get the ID card that unlocks everything else in Korea.
Написано и проверено по официальным государственным источникам, регулярно обновляется.
Кратко
- •If you stay in Korea longer than 90 days, you must register with immigration and get a Residence Card (formerly the Alien Registration Card / ARC).
- •You must apply within 90 days of arrival — book a visit at your local immigration office through HiKorea before going.
- •Core documents: passport, application form, a passport photo, proof of address, the fee, and visa-specific papers.
- •The card is your everyday ID in Korea: banks, phone plans, health insurance, contracts and most online sign-ups depend on it.
- •Exact requirements vary by visa type and office — always confirm on HiKorea or the 1345 Immigration Contact Center before your visit.
Быстрые факты
- Who needs it
- Anyone staying in Korea over 90 days on a long-term visa
- Deadline
- Within 90 days of entry
- Where
- Local immigration office (by reservation via HiKorea)
- Typical fee
- Around ₩30,000 (varies; confirm on HiKorea)
- Processing
- Card usually mailed within 2–4 weeks
- What you get
- A photo ID card with your registration number
Пошагово
- 1
Confirm whether you need to register
Long-term visa holders (D, E, F series and more) staying over 90 days must register. Short-term (C) visitors normally do not.
- ▸Check the conditions printed on your visa
- ▸If unsure, call the 1345 Immigration Contact Center
- 2
Settle your address first
You must give a real Korean address on the application. Many people register only after moving into housing, since some offices ask for a lease or proof of residence.
- ▸A dormitory or company address can work if documented
- ▸Keep a copy of your lease or a residence confirmation
- 3
Book a HiKorea reservation
Most immigration offices require an online reservation through the HiKorea portal. Slots fill up fast in busy months, so book as early as you can.
- ▸Reserve 2–4 weeks ahead near semester start
- ▸Note the exact office your address is assigned to
- 4
Prepare your documents
Bring your passport, the completed application form, one passport photo, the fee, proof of address, and any visa-specific documents (acceptance letter, employment contract, etc.).
- ▸Bring originals and photocopies
- ▸Photo must meet the official spec — take it in Korea to be safe
- 5
Attend your appointment
Submit everything in person at your booked slot. Staff review your file, take your biometrics, and accept the fee. Keep the receipt.
- ▸Arrive early
- ▸Ask for an application confirmation you can show banks before the card arrives
- 6
Receive and use your card
The card is usually mailed to your registered address within a few weeks. Once you have it, you can open a full bank account, sign a postpaid phone plan, and complete identity verification online.
- ▸Report a change of address within 14 days
- ▸Never let the card expire before renewing your stay
Частые вопросы
- Is the ARC the same as the Residence Card?
- Yes. The Alien Registration Card was renamed the Residence Card. Many people, banks and websites still say "ARC", but it is the same document.
- What happens if I miss the 90-day deadline?
- Late registration can result in a fine and complicates renewals. If you are close to the deadline, book the earliest possible slot and contact 1345 for guidance.
- Can I open a bank account before my card arrives?
- Some banks offer a limited account with just a passport, but most full services require the Residence Card. Ask for an application confirmation receipt in the meantime.
- Do I need a Korean address before registering?
- Generally yes. You typically give a real address on the form, and some offices ask for a lease or residence confirmation, so arrange housing first.
- How much does it cost?
- The reissue/registration fee is commonly around ₩30,000, but amounts change and vary by case. Confirm the current fee on HiKorea before your visit.
- What if I move to a new address?
- Report the change to immigration or your district office, generally within 14 days, so your registration and card stay valid.
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