Visa Process
Definition
The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is the official ID card issued to foreigners staying in South Korea for 91 days or longer. It is required to open a bank account, sign a phone contract, and access most public services.
Any foreign national who enters South Korea and plans to stay for more than 90 days must register at the local immigration office within 90 days of arrival (or within 90 days of visa issuance for status-change applicants). The ARC is issued after registration and serves as the primary form of identification for foreigners in Korea. It displays your name, photo, nationality, date of birth, address, and Alien Registration Number (ARN). The ARN is a 13-digit number that functions like a Resident Registration Number (주민등록번호) for Korean citizens — it is used on nearly every official form, including tax filings, health insurance enrollment, and financial applications. Losing your ARC requires an immediate report to the immigration office and reissuance.
Without an ARC, daily life in Korea becomes extremely difficult. Most banks will not open accounts for foreigners without an ARC, mobile phone carriers require it, and landlords typically need it to register lease agreements. Students, workers, and long-term residents all need it. Even if your visa allows a 91-day-or-longer stay, failing to register within 90 days is a violation that can result in fines.