Immigration Specialists
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Immigration fees in Korea are set by the Ministry of Justice and updated periodically. This guide provides the complete current fee schedule for the most common immigration services — from visa extensions to ARC issuance, status changes, workplace changes, and re-entry permits. All fees are paid at the immigration office (현금 또는 카드 결제).
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
April 22, 2026
Source references
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
These are the fees paid at the immigration office for in-country residence management:
| Service | Fee (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Status change (체류자격 변경) | 130,000 |
| Status extension / renewal (체류기간 연장) | 60,000 |
| Re-entry permit — single (단수 재입국허가) | 30,000 |
| Re-entry permit — multiple (복수 재입국허가) | 50,000 |
| Permission to engage in employment (취업활동허가) | 120,000 |
| Workplace change / addition (근무처 변경·추가) | 120,000 |
| Activities outside status (체류자격 외 활동) | 120,000 |
| Alien Registration Card (ARC) issuance — new (외국인등록) | 35,000 |
| ARC reissuance — loss, damage (외국인등록증 재발급) | 35,000 |
| ARC reissuance — address change, info update | 10,000 |
| 거소신고 (residence registration for overseas Koreans) | 20,000 |
| 거소신고증 재발급 | 20,000 |
*Note: Fees are updated by MOJ — confirm the current schedule at hikorea.go.kr before visiting the immigration office.*
| Service | Fee (KRW) |
|---|---|
| F-5 permanent residency application (영주자격 신청) | 200,000 |
| F-6 marriage visa — initial application | 40,000 |
| F-6 extension | 30,000 |
| F-2 long-term residency application | 130,000 (status change fee) |
| E-7 initial application / status change | 130,000 |
| D-10 job seeker | 130,000 |
| H-2 working visit | 130,000 |
For visa applications submitted at a Korean embassy or consulate overseas, the fee is charged in local currency at the diplomatic mission (the KRW equivalent varies by country). Overseas visa fees are set by the embassy and may differ from in-country immigration office fees.
Payment methods:
• At immigration offices: cash (현금) or credit/debit card (카드)
• Via HiKorea online (hikorea.go.kr): online payment by card for certain services
• Do NOT bring cash only — immigration offices typically accept cards, but having cash as backup is advisable for smaller fees
Exemptions and discounts:
Certain categories are fully or partially exempt from immigration fees:
• A-1, A-2, A-3 (diplomatic/official): Exempt from most fees
• Refugees recognized under the Refugee Act: Reduced or waived fees for ARC and status-related services
• Children under specific age thresholds: May be exempt from ARC fees in certain family-accompanying situations
• SOFA status holders (US military / government): Fees handled under the SOFA framework
No-refund policy: Immigration fees are non-refundable once an application is submitted, regardless of the outcome. Ensure all documents are correct before paying.
Many immigration services can now be initiated and paid for online through the HiKorea portal (hikorea.go.kr) or the HiKorea app:
Online available:
• ARC reissuance applications (some types)
• Status extension applications (some visa types)
• Employment change notifications
Still requires in-person visit:
• Initial ARC registration (must appear in person for biometrics)
• Status change applications (biometric verification required)
• permanent residency application (interview may be required)
Receipt: Always save the payment receipt (납부확인서). You may need it as proof of fee payment if there are delays or questions about your application.
The immigration fee schedule is updated periodically — always verify the current fee at hikorea.go.kr before your visit. Bringing slightly more than the listed fee is advisable.
Fees at Korean embassies overseas are set in local currency and may be higher or lower than the KRW equivalent due to exchange rates. Check the specific embassy website for the current local currency fee.
If you are exempt from fees (diplomatic status, refugee), bring documentation proving your exemption to the immigration office — exemptions are not automatic.
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Visa Process
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
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.
Visa Process
HiKorea
How to use HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) — Korea's official immigration portal for visa extensions, status changes, and ARC renewal. Processing time: 3-10 business days.
Visa Process
Visa Extension (Stay Period Extension)
A visa extension — officially called a 'stay period extension' (체류기간 연장) in Korean immigration law — allows a foreigner to legally remain in Korea beyond the expiry date on their current visa or ARC without leaving the country.
Visa Process
Status of Sojourn Change (체류자격 변경)
A status of sojourn change allows a foreigner already in South Korea to switch from one visa category to another without leaving the country — for example, from a D-2 student visa to an E-7 skilled worker visa upon graduation and employment.
Can I pay immigration fees online without visiting the office?
Some services (like ARC reissuance requests for information updates) can be handled partially online via HiKorea. However, most substantive immigration services (status change, initial ARC registration, permanent residency application) require an in-person visit to the immigration office. The HiKorea system allows you to book appointments and prepare documentation online, but the final processing and payment typically happen at the office.
Do I get a refund if my visa application is rejected?
No. Immigration fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. This applies to status change fees, F-5 application fees, and all other immigration service fees. Ensure all eligibility requirements and documents are met before submitting.
I need to report a workplace change. Is the 120,000 KRW fee per change or a one-time annual fee?
The 120,000 KRW workplace change/addition fee is per application. Each time you report a change or addition of a workplace, the fee applies. If you change jobs twice in one year, you pay 120,000 KRW each time.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed April 2026
