How to Get an Alien Registration Card (ARC) in Korea
If you are staying in South Korea for more than 90 days on a long-term visa, you are legally required to register as a foreign resident and obtain an Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증, ARC). The ARC is your primary ID document in Korea — you need it to open a bank account, sign a lease, get a mobile phone plan, register for national health insurance, and much more. This guide walks you through every step of getting your ARC after arrival.
Who needs an ARC?
Any foreigner who will stay in Korea for more than 90 days on a long-term visa (D, E, F, H series, etc.) must register and obtain an ARC within 90 days of arrival. Short-term visitors (C-3, B-1, B-2) are exempt — their stay is under 90 days and they do not register. Certain diplomatic personnel are also exempt. If you entered on a short-term visa and later changed to a long-term status, the 90-day window starts from the date your status change was approved.
The 90-day deadline
You must visit an immigration office and apply for your ARC within 90 days of your entry date (the date stamped in your passport). Missing this deadline results in a fine. In practice, most people apply much sooner — often within the first week — because the ARC is needed for so many daily tasks in Korea.
What the ARC looks like and what it contains
The ARC is a credit-card-sized plastic card. It shows your name, nationality, date of birth, the card number (외국인등록번호 — 13 digits), your visa status and stay period, and a photo. The 13-digit registration number functions like a resident registration number for administrative purposes — banks, hospitals, and government portals use it to identify you.
Renewing and updating your ARC
Your ARC must be renewed every time your stay period is extended. When you extend your visa, you will be issued an updated ARC with the new expiry date. If your address, employer, or marital status changes, you must report the change within 15 days at the immigration office or via HiKorea. If you lose your ARC, report it immediately and apply for a replacement (분실신고 및 재발급).
단계별 과정
Enter Korea on your long-term visa
After arriving in Korea on a D, E, F, or H-series visa, note your entry date in your passport. Your 90-day ARC registration window starts from this date.
Prepare your documents
Standard documents for ARC registration: passport (original), completed application form (별지 제34호 서식 — available at the immigration office or downloadable from HiKorea), passport-sized photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months), and the registration fee (₩30,000). Some visa types require additional documents — for example, E-2 applicants need a health certificate (건강진단서) from a designated hospital; D-2 students need an enrollment certificate.
Visit the nearest immigration office
Go to the immigration office (출입국·외국인청 or 사무소) that covers your area of residence. Bring all documents. You can book an appointment in advance via HiKorea (strongly recommended — walk-in queues can be 2–4 hours). At the counter, submit your application and pay the ₩30,000 fee.
Receive your ARC
For most visa types, the ARC is not issued on the spot — it is mailed to your registered Korean address within 2–3 weeks, or you can elect to pick it up at the immigration office. You will receive a receipt (접수증) immediately, which serves as temporary proof of your registered status while you wait for the card.
Register your address (전입신고)
Separate from ARC registration, you should also register your actual address at the local district office (동 주민센터) or online via the Government24 portal. While the immigration office records your address, the district office registration (전입신고) ties you into local administrative systems (health insurance enrollment, tax residency, etc.).
이민 전문가의 팁
- The ARC registration number (외국인등록번호) is essential — memorise it or keep a copy. You will need it constantly in Korea.
- For E-2 English teachers: your school must submit a health examination result from a designated Korean hospital before your ARC can be issued. Schedule this exam in your first week.
- Keep a photo of your ARC on your phone as backup — many services accept the digital copy for quick verification.
- If your passport expires while you are in Korea, get a new passport from your embassy and update your ARC at the immigration office within 14 days.
- HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) allows you to check your ARC status, renew online, and update your address without an in-person visit for many tasks.
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Can I use my ARC as a form of ID in Korea?
Yes. The ARC is the primary identification document for registered foreign residents in Korea. It is accepted at banks, hospitals, government offices, and most private institutions. You will almost never need to carry your passport in daily life once you have your ARC.
I lost my ARC — what do I do?
Report the loss to the immigration office immediately and apply for a replacement (재발급 신청). Bring your passport and a new passport photo. The replacement fee is ₩30,000. You should also report the loss to the police and keep the report as evidence that you are not using the lost card.
I changed apartments — do I need to update my ARC?
Yes. You must report an address change within 15 days of moving. You can do this at the immigration office, the local district office (주민센터), or online via HiKorea or Government24. Failure to update your address can cause issues with mail delivery and administrative matters.
Do children born in Korea need an ARC?
Yes. Children born to foreign parents in Korea must be registered as foreign residents within 90 days of birth. A birth certificate issued by the hospital is required. The parents should handle this as soon as the birth is registered.