Korea Re-entry Permit Guide — Single vs Multiple, Auto-Exemption & What Happens Without One

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.

1. Visit your local immigration office (출입국·외국인청) or use the self-service kiosk at major immigration offices and Incheon Airport.
2. Bring: valid passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC), and the applicable fee (₩30,000 / ₩50,000 / ₩80,000).
3. Complete the re-entry permit application form (재입국허가 신청서).
4. The permit is stamped into your passport or added to your ARC record immediately — no waiting period.

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:

1. Not be able to re-enter Korea on your old visa status
2. Need to apply for a new visa from a Korean consulate in your home country
3. Start the entire process again — new application, new documents, new fees, employer re-sponsorship (for work visas)

For and workers: even short absences can affect your employer binding — consult your employer before traveling.

For 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.