If you’re coming to Korea for a longer stay, getting an Alien Registration Card (ARC) is one of your first tasks. This card serves as your Korean ID, and you’ll need it for essentials like setting up a bank account, getting a phone plan, and accessing healthcare. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your ARC without any hassle.

1. Who Needs an Alien Registration Card?

• Anyone staying over 90 days (students, employees, residents, etc.)
• Short-term visitors (under 90 days) don’t need an ARC. Typically, only people with long-term visas, like D-2 student visas or E-2 teaching visas, are eligible.
• Exemptions include:
  • Foreigners under 17 (it’s optional for them).
  • Diplomats, consulate staff, and their families.
  • Those granted special privileges through agreements with the Korean government.

Anyone not covered under these exemptions is required to register. Even those under 17 must be registered in the system, though they’re not given a physical card.

2. When to Apply

You’ll need to apply within 90 days of arrival. If you miss this deadline, fines can apply, with serious consequences like deportation for major delays. Foreigners who reach the age of 17 while living in Korea need to apply for their ARC within 90 days of their birthday or face a fine of up to 500,000 KRW.

3. How to Apply for Your ARC

3.1 Make an Appointment

Use Korea’s immigration website, HiKorea, to book an appointment at a local immigration office. Some regions may allow walk-ins, but most require a reservation.

3.2 Documents You’ll Need

• Passport (original and a photocopy)
• Visa Issuance Confirmation or Residence Permit (proves your stay eligibility)
• Photo: Recent passport-sized photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm), taken within the last six months
• Proof of Residence (lease agreement, etc.)
• Application Form: Available at immigration offices or can be downloaded from the HiKorea site
• Fee: Typically 30,000 KRW
• Additional Documents may be needed depending on your visa type. For example, students will need enrollment confirmation, and employees need a work contract.

3.3 Visit Your Local Immigration Office

Submit your application at the nearest immigration office. Major cities have multiple offices, like the Seoul Southern and Seoul Northern Immigration Offices. Be sure to double-check the location and bring all necessary documents to avoid any delays.

3.4 Processing Time

Expect to wait about two weeks for your ARC to be processed. Times may vary, so it’s best to confirm the processing duration when you apply.

3.5 Pick Up Your Card

Once it’s ready, you can pick up your ARC at the immigration office or opt for delivery by mail (additional fees may apply).

4. Important Reminders

4.1 Lost ARC

If you lose your ARC, head to the nearest immigration office to request a replacement. This involves a reapplication fee.

4.2 Change of Address

Moving? You’ll need to update your address with the immigration office within 14 days of the move.

4.3 Extending Your Stay

If you want to stay longer than your visa allows, make sure to apply for an extension before your visa expires.

5. Returning Your ARC

When it’s time to leave Korea for good, remember to return your ARC. Foreigners exiting Korea permanently should return the card at immigration before departure. This applies unless you’re planning to re-enter within an authorized period or if you hold a multiple-entry visa that allows for return within the valid stay period. Though some people may want to keep it as a memento, Korean law mandates returning the ARC, as it has no expiration date and could be misused.

For additional information and to book appointments, visit the HiKorea website, a government portal for all your visa and immigration needs

HiKorea

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