How to Get Your ARC Card in Korea: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

Every foreigner staying in South Korea longer than 90 days must apply for a Residence Card (formerly called Alien Registration Card / ARC). The name changed in January 2021, but most people still call it “ARC.” You must apply within 90 days of arrival or face fines. The card costs 30,000 KRW (~$22 USD) for office pickup or 33,000-34,000 KRW ($25 USD) with home delivery. Processing takes 3-6 weeks (longer during peak seasons). As of January 2025, a Mobile Residence Card with the same legal validity is also available through the Mobile IDentification app.

The short version:

1. Arrive in Korea
2. Book an appointment on HiKorea immediately
3. Gather your documents (passport, photo, housing contract, visa-specific docs)
4. Visit immigration office on your appointment date
5. Receive your card in 3-6 weeks

Who Needs an ARC?

You MUST apply if:

• You hold any long-term visa (D, E, F, H series) and plan to stay more than 90 days
• Common visa types that require ARC: D-2 (Student), D-4 (Language Trainee), D-10 (Job Seeker), E-2 (English Teacher), E-7 (Skilled Worker), F-1 (Family Visit), F-2 (Resident), F-4 (Overseas Korean), F-6 (Marriage), H-1 (Working Holiday)

You do NOT need one if:

• You hold a B-1 or B-2 (Tourist) visa staying under 90 days
• You hold A-1 (Diplomatic), A-2 (Official), or A-3 (Convention) visas
• You are on a visa-free short stay

Deadline

• Within 90 days of arriving in Korea (not 90 days from visa issuance)
• The application must be submitted within 90 days. Having a booked appointment counts as timely submission.

Penalties for late registration

• 100,000 - 1,000,000 KRW fine depending on how late you are
• Potential issues with visa extension or renewal

Required Documents

Documents needed for ALL visa types

Additional documents by visa type

E-2 (English Teaching)

• Employment certificate from your school/hagwon
• Copy of employer’s business registration
• Signed employment contract
• Medical examination results (mandatory): TB test, HIV test, drug screening
  • Get the exam at a designated E-2 hospital
  • Medical exam cost: 60,000-150,000 KRW (~$45-110 USD)
  • Bring 2-3 passport photos to the hospital

E-7 (Skilled Worker / Specially Designated Activities)

• Employment certificate
• Copy of employer’s business registration
• Employment contract
• Medical exam may be required (verify with immigration)

D-2 (Student)

• Enrollment certificate from your university
• Proof of tuition payment
• Proof of financial support (bank statement or scholarship letter)
• Housing document (dorm certificate or lease)

D-4 (Language Trainee)

• Enrollment certificate from language institute
• Proof of tuition payment
• Housing document

D-10 (Job Seeker)

• Resume/CV
• Employment or education history
• Lease or housing contract

F-1 (Family Visit), F-1-D (Dependent)

• Relationship proof (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
• Sponsor’s ARC copy
• Sponsor’s employment or financial documentation
• Housing contract under sponsor’s name

F-6 (Marriage to Korean National)

• Marriage certificate
• Korean spouse’s family relations certificate
• Proof of cohabitation

H-1 (Working Holiday)

• Return flight ticket or sufficient funds proof
• Housing contract or accommodation confirmation

Medical exam requirement by nationality

Nationals of the following 19 countries must submit a medical check-up report (including TB screening) from a public health center:

China, Sri Lanka, Russia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Nepal, East Timor, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Laos

How to Book an Appointment

Online via HiKorea (recommended)

Website: hikorea.go.kr

Step-by-step:

1. Create an account on hikorea.go.kr

   • Click “Login” at the top of the page
   • Register with your passport information
   • Note: You cannot register until you have actually entered Korea and passed airport immigration

2. Click “Reserve Visit” from the main menu

3. Select your immigration office

   • Under “Competent Authority,” choose the office with jurisdiction over your residential address
   • You must go to the office that covers your registered address

4. Choose booth category

   • Select “Foreigner Residence Control” (외국인체류관리)
   • If unavailable, try: “Foreign Resident Support,” “Residence Control,” or “Others”

5. Select task type

   • Choose “Foreign Resident Registration” (외국인등록)

6. Pick a date and time

   • White/available slots are open; greyed-out slots are full
   • Set a password for modifying or canceling later

7. Confirm your reservation

   • Save or screenshot your confirmation number

Important booking rules:

• Book at least 2 weeks before your preferred date
• You can modify or cancel up to 24 hours before the appointment
• Same-day cancellations are not permitted

By phone

• Immigration Contact Center: 1345 (within Korea, free, multilingual)
• From abroad: +82-2-6908-1345 or +82-2-6908-1346
• Available in Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other languages

Tips for getting an appointment during peak season

• Book the day you arrive in Korea (literally, from the airport if possible)
• If your local office is full, check nearby district offices for availability
• Try selecting different booth numbers at the same office for more slots
• Check the website in the early morning (new slots may open)
• Weekday mornings fill up fastest; try mid-week afternoon slots

Which Immigration Office to Visit

You must visit the office that has jurisdiction over your residential address. Below are the major offices with contact numbers.

Seoul

Incheon

Gyeonggi Province

Busan

Other Major Cities

Korean Immigration Service (KIS) headquarters: 02-2110-4134

All offices operate: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed weekends and Korean public holidays)

Official immigration website: Korea Immigration Service

At the Immigration Office

What to expect on your appointment day

1. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. If you are late, your slot may be canceled.

2. Pay the fee at the ATM located near the reception area

   • The ATMs have an English-language interface
   • Pay 30,000 KRW (government revenue stamp fee)
   • If you want home delivery, pay an additional ~3,000-4,000 KRW
   • Keep the receipt — you must submit it with your documents

3. Go to the waiting area and wait for your number to appear on the monitors

4. When your number is called, approach the assigned desk and submit:

   • Completed application form
   • Passport + photocopy
   • Passport photo
   • ATM payment receipt
   • All visa-specific supporting documents
   • Housing contract / proof of residence

5. Choose your delivery method:

   • Office pickup: Come back in person when notified (free)
   • Home delivery: Card mailed to your registered address (requires in-person signature upon delivery)

6. Receive a Certificate of Application (신청서 접수 확인서)

   • This document proves you have applied and are legally staying in Korea while the card is being processed
   • Keep this document safe

What they check

• Document completeness and accuracy
• Name matches exactly across all documents
• Photo meets requirements (white background, ears visible, recent)
• Your visa status is valid
• Address matches your housing documents

After Your Appointment

Processing time

How you receive the card

• Office pickup: You will be notified when the card is ready. Bring your passport and Certificate of Application.
• Home delivery: The card arrives by registered mail. Someone must be home to sign for it. Delivery adds ~3,000 KRW.

While waiting for your card

You can:

• Stay in Korea legally (your Certificate of Application is proof)
• Enroll in health insurance
• Open a bank account at some banks (Woori, Hana, KEB Hana have been reported as foreigner-friendly)
• Apply for phone plans at some carriers
• Work or study per your visa terms

You cannot:

• Access most online Korean services requiring ARC number verification
• Travel internationally without risk (leaving Korea during processing may cancel your application unless you contact immigration at least 5 business days beforehand)
• Use all government e-services

Important: Do not leave Korea during processing

Departing Korea while your ARC is being processed can cancel the application. If you absolutely must travel, contact your immigration office at least 5 business days before departure to discuss options. If you have a single-entry visa, you will need a re-entry permit.

What ARC Unlocks

Your Residence Card is essentially your life-in-Korea key. Here is what becomes possible (and what is difficult without it):

WITH ARC

WITHOUT ARC

Common Problems & Solutions

1. No appointment slots available

Problem: HiKorea shows no availability for weeks, especially Feb-Mar and Aug-Sep. Solution:

• Check every morning around 9 AM for cancellations
• Try different booth numbers at the same office
• Check neighboring district offices (e.g., Suwon instead of Seoul)
• Call 1345 to ask about walk-in availability or alternative offices
• Book the appointment the day you arrive in Korea

2. Photo rejected

Problem: Immigration rejects your passport photo. Solution:

• Ears must be fully visible (no hair covering)
• White background only
• Size: exactly 3.5cm x 4.5cm
• Taken recently (within 6 months)
• No glasses, no hats
• There are photo booths at most immigration offices as a backup (usually 6,000-8,000 KRW)

3. Housing documents insufficient

Problem: Your proof of residence is not accepted. Solution:

• Private rental: Bring the full signed lease (임대차계약서) with your name on it
• University dorm: Get an official dormitory residence certificate from your school’s international office
• Guesthouse/Airbnb: Request a “Residence Confirmation Form” (거주사실증명서) signed by the host or manager
• Staying with a friend/family: The host must provide a written confirmation with their ARC/ID copy

4. Name mismatch across documents

Problem: Your name is spelled differently on your passport vs. other documents. Solution:

• All documents must use your name exactly as it appears on your passport
• Double-check every document before your appointment
• If your employer or school misspelled your name, get corrected documents before going

5. Medical exam not ready in time

Problem: You need medical results but the exam takes days. Solution:

• Schedule your medical exam immediately upon arrival (before booking immigration)
• E-2 visa medical exams: book at a designated E-2 hospital (your employer should provide a list)
• Results typically take 3-7 business days
• Cost: 60,000-150,000 KRW depending on the hospital

6. Missed or late appointment

Problem: You arrive late or miss your appointment entirely. Solution:

• Slots may be canceled if you arrive late
• Same-day cancellations are not permitted
• If you miss it, rebook immediately on HiKorea
• Call 1345 to explain your situation; they may help reschedule

7. Language barrier at the office

Problem: Staff speak limited English; forms are in Korean. Solution:

• Bring a Korean-speaking friend if possible
• Download Papago (Naver’s translation app) before your visit
• Call 1345 for multilingual support (available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and more)
• Application forms are available in English and Chinese at most offices

8. Card lost or stolen

Problem: You lose your ARC after receiving it. Solution:

• Report loss within 14 days to avoid fines
• Visit your immigration office with: application form, passport, new photo, proof of residence
• Replacement fee: 30,000 KRW
• Replacement processing: 3-4 days (faster than initial issuance)

9. Address change after receiving ARC

Problem: You move to a new address. Solution:

• Update within 14 days of moving
• Visit your local community center (주민센터), not immigration
• Bring: passport, ARC, new housing contract
• This is free
• Failure to update: fines possible

Tips

Before you go

• Book your immigration appointment on hikorea.go.kr as soon as you land in Korea
• Get your medical exam done first if required (E-2, or if you’re from one of the 19 designated countries)
• Prepare all documents in advance and double-check name spelling across every document
• Take your passport photo at a Korean photo studio for guaranteed compliance (ears visible, white background, correct size)
• Make photocopies of everything (passport ID page, visa page, housing contract)

Peak season strategy (February-March, August-September)

These months coincide with the start of Korean school semesters and English teaching contracts, causing massive demand at immigration offices.

• Book 2-4 weeks ahead if possible
• Check alternative offices outside major cities
• Arrive early on your appointment day (10-15 minutes minimum)
• Expect longer processing times (6-10 weeks vs. the usual 3-4 weeks)
• Keep your Certificate of Application handy as proof of legal status during the wait

At the office

• The fee ATMs accept cash and Korean debit cards (not foreign credit cards in most cases). Bring cash.
• Dress code: none required, but be polite and patient
• The wait can be 30 minutes to 2+ hours even with an appointment
• Bring something to do while waiting
• Staff are generally helpful but busy; have your documents organized and ready

After receiving your card

• Open a Korean bank account (KEB Hana, Woori, and Shinhan are foreigner-friendly)
• Switch from tourist SIM to a proper phone plan
• Register for National Health Insurance through your employer or local NHI office
• Upgrade KakaoTalk with your Korean number for KakaoPay and full features
• Register on Korean apps: Naver, Coupang, Baemin, etc.
• Keep your ARC on you at all times (it is your legal ID in Korea)

Mobile Residence Card (as of January 2025)

• Foreign residents aged 14+ who own a smartphone registered under their name can apply for a digital ARC through the Mobile IDentification App
• The digital card has the same legal validity as the physical card
• Accepted at public institutions, hospitals, and convenience stores for identity verification
• Apply after receiving your physical card

Common Questions

Q: Can I work while waiting for my ARC? A: Yes, if your visa type permits employment. Your Certificate of Application and passport serve as proof of legal status.

Q: What if I need to leave Korea before my card arrives? A: Contact your immigration office at least 5 business days before departure. Leaving without notice may cancel your application. If you have a single-entry visa, you will need a re-entry permit.

Q: Can I use a friend’s address on my application? A: You can, but you need a written confirmation from the friend/host and a copy of their ID or ARC. Your address must match across all documents.

Q: How do I know when my card is ready? A: If you chose office pickup, you will receive a notification (usually by text). If you chose delivery, it will be mailed to your registered address with signature required.

Q: My employer said they would handle everything. Should I still prepare? A: Many employers (especially schools for E-2 visa holders) assist with the process. However, you should still understand what documents are needed and verify everything is submitted correctly. Ultimately, it is your responsibility.

Q: Is the ARC number the same as a Korean ID number? A: Your ARC number (13 digits) functions similarly to a Korean resident registration number for foreigners. It starts with your birth date and includes a gender/nationality indicator. You will use this number for banking, insurance, taxes, and most services.

Q: Can I apply for ARC at the airport? A: No. ARC applications are processed at immigration offices, not at the airport. However, some visa types may have a preliminary registration available through airport immigration.

Q: What happens if my visa expires while I have an ARC? A: Your ARC becomes invalid when your visa expires. You must extend your visa before expiration to maintain your ARC status. Apply for visa extension at least 30 days before your visa expires.

Costs Summary

Note: Some sources report the fee increased to 35,000 KRW as of January 2025. Verify the current fee on hikorea.go.kr or by calling 1345 before your appointment.

Key Contact Information

Sources

• 10mag.com - Complete Alien Registration Card Guide
• Trazy Blog - How to Get a Residence Card in Seoul 2026
• Korvia - How to Apply for Your Residence Card
• Enkostay - Simple Guide to ARC, Bank Account, and Insurance
• Enkostay - Top 5 RC Card Issues Foreigners Face
• Digital Nomad Korea - First Steps After Receiving ARC
• Pvtistes.net - Korea Residence Card Application Guide
• Visas Korea - Immigration Office Numbers
• Citygramseoul - ARC Guide 2026
• OK Recruiting - Korean Residence Card 2026
• Korvia - Immigration Office Reservations
• Korea Immigration Service (Official)
• HiKorea (Official)