How to register as a foreigner and get your ARC

Staying in Korea for more than 90 days? You must register within 90 days of entry. Here is what to bring, how the visit works, and what to report later.

Updated Oct 21, 2026As of Oct 20266 min read

If you stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you must do alien registration (외국인등록). After registration, you get an alien registration card (ARC, also called a residence card) and a foreign registration number. You need them for almost everything in daily life.

Who: foreigners staying more than 90 days, for example students (D-2, D-4) and workers.
Deadline: within 90 days from the date you entered Korea.
Where: the immigration office in charge of the area where you live.
How: book a visit on HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) before you go.
Some schools arrange a group application for new students. Ask your school’s international office first.

Checklist: what to bring

Application form (get it at the office or download it from HiKorea)
Passport
One color photo, 3.5 × 4.5 cm
Fee: ₩30,000 (check the current fee before you go)
Proof of your status: for example, a certificate of enrollment (students) or employment documents (workers)
Proof of residence: a lease contract, a dorm confirmation, or an accommodation confirmation from the person who provides your housing

Step by step

1
Book a visit
Log in to HiKorea, choose visit reservation, and select the office for your address and the task “alien registration”. Slots fill up, so book early.
2
Prepare your documents
Use the checklist above. Requirements can differ by status, so also check the document list on HiKorea.
3
Go to the office
Arrive a little early and bring your reservation confirmation. Submit your documents and pay the fee.
4
Fingerprints and photo
The office takes your fingerprints and a photo on the spot.
5
Receive your card
The card is issued after some weeks. The office will tell you how and when you can receive it. Keep any papers they give you until then.

What you use the ARC for

Opening a bank account
Getting a mobile phone plan in your name
National Health Insurance
Hometax (tax filing and year-end tax settlement) and other government services
Showing your ID at hospitals, offices and schools

Carry your ARC with you at all times. Officials can ask to see it. You can also register a mobile ARC (모바일 외국인등록증) on your phone. Check your eligibility on HiKorea.

Report changes after registration

What changed	What to do
Your address	Report within 15 days of moving in (HiKorea, community service center, or immigration office)
Your passport (new passport)	Report the change. Check the deadline on HiKorea.
Your school or workplace	Report it or get permission, depending on your status. If possible, check HiKorea before the change.

Do not miss the 90-day deadline. Late registration or late reports can lead to a fine, and they can cause problems when you apply for an extension later. If you cannot find a reservation slot, contact the office or call 1345 (Immigration Contact Center) early.

Official sources

We link to the original source so you can check it yourself.

General information only. Rules change and depend on your situation — talk to an expert before you act.

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