If you hold a long-term visa in Korea and plan to travel abroad, you need to know about re-entry permits. Without a valid re-entry permit (재입국허가), your Korean visa status may be cancelled the moment you leave the country — forcing you to reapply from scratch at a Korean consulate. This guide explains who needs one, the costs, the auto-exemption rule, and how to apply.
A re-entry permit is an official authorization that allows a long-term foreign resident to exit Korea temporarily and return without losing their visa status. Without one, exiting Korea is treated as a voluntary departure from your visa status — your ARC becomes invalid and you cannot re-enter on your existing status.
Note: This is different from your visa stamp in your passport. The visa stamp may still appear valid, but the underlying status (체류자격) in the immigration system can be cancelled upon departure if no re-entry permit is on record.
Under current rules, most long-term visa holders are automatically exempt from needing a re-entry permit if their planned absence from Korea is less than 1 year. This automatic exemption applies to most D, E, and F-series visa holders.
However, if you plan to be outside Korea for more than 1 year, you MUST obtain a re-entry permit before leaving — regardless of how long your visa has remaining validity. Returning after 1+ year without a permit means your status is considered abandoned.
Important exceptions — the automatic exemption does NOT apply to:
• G-1 (Humanitarian) visa holders — must always obtain a re-entry permit before travel
• Persons under certain immigration restrictions or pending cases
• Nationals of certain restricted countries (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Libya may face additional requirements — verify with your local immigration office)
Single re-entry permit (단수 재입국허가)
• Cost: ₩30,000
• Valid for: one exit and one return to Korea within the permit validity period
• Best for: one-off trips abroad
Multiple re-entry permit (복수 재입국허가)
• Cost: ₩50,000 (valid up to 1 year) / ₩80,000 (valid 1–2 years)
• Valid for: unlimited exits and entries within the permit period
• Best for: frequent travelers, those with family abroad, business trips
Both permits are only valid within your underlying visa's remaining stay period — if your visa expires during the permit period, you cannot re-enter without renewing your visa first.
You must apply BEFORE leaving Korea. Applications cannot be made from abroad.
Alternatively, at Incheon International Airport and some other ports of departure, you can apply at the immigration office counter on the day of your departure — but this is risky if queues are long. Apply in advance.
If you leave Korea without a re-entry permit (and your absence exceeds the 1-year auto-exemption threshold), your long-term visa status is cancelled upon departure. You will:
For E-9 and E-10 workers: even short absences can affect your employer binding — consult your employer before traveling.
For F-5 permanent residents: F-5 holders can be abroad for up to 2 consecutive years without losing status, but must notify immigration if staying abroad longer than 1 year.
Apply for a multiple re-entry permit at each visa extension if you travel frequently — it is much cheaper than applying per trip.
Incheon Airport immigration has a re-entry permit counter, but never rely on it — apply at your local office in advance.
G-1 holders must ALWAYS get a re-entry permit before leaving, even for short trips — the 1-year auto-exemption does not apply.
If you are between jobs (on D-10) and plan to travel home, make sure your D-10 is still valid and get a re-entry permit before leaving.
F-5 (permanent resident) holders technically do not need a re-entry permit for trips under 2 years, but must notify immigration of long absences.
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Find a SpecialistI have a valid Korean visa but I forgot to get a re-entry permit. Can I still leave?
If your planned absence is less than 1 year, you are likely covered by the automatic exemption — no permit required. If you plan to be outside Korea for more than 1 year, you need a permit and should apply before leaving. If you are already at the airport, there is an immigration counter at Incheon where you can apply on the day — but arrive early.
My ARC expires while I'm abroad — what happens?
Your ARC expiry (체류기간) is the date by which you must either renew your visa or depart. If your ARC expires while you are abroad, your status may be considered expired and you will need to re-apply for a visa at a Korean consulate. A re-entry permit alone does not extend your stay period.
Can I get a re-entry permit at a Korean embassy abroad?
No. Re-entry permits must be obtained from within Korea before your departure. They cannot be issued from overseas. If you left Korea without one and your status was cancelled, you need to apply for a new visa at a Korean consulate.
How much does a multiple re-entry permit cost?
A multiple re-entry permit valid for up to 1 year costs ₩50,000. One valid for 1–2 years costs ₩80,000. A single-use re-entry permit costs ₩30,000.
Does a re-entry permit extend my visa?
No. A re-entry permit does not extend your visa's stay period. It only allows you to return to Korea on your existing status after a temporary absence. Your ARC expiry date remains unchanged.