If you're staying in Korea for more than 90 days, you're legally required to register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC). This little green card is your official ID during your stay in Korea — you'll need it for everything from opening a bank account to signing a phone contract.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ARC registration process step by step, so you can handle it smoothly, even if you don’t speak Korean.
What Is an ARC?
ARC stands for Alien Registration Card, and it is:
- Your official ID as a foreign resident in Korea
- Required if you’re staying 90 days or longer
- Needed for: phone plans, housing contracts, internet, hospitals, immigration, banking, etc.
- A credit card-sized plastic card with your name, photo, visa type, and address
Who Needs to Apply?
You must register for an ARC if you are:
- A student with a D-2 (University) or D-4 (Language school) visa
- A worker with an E-2 (English teacher), E-7 (specialist) or other work visa
- A family member on F-series visas (F-2, F-6, etc.)
- Any visa holder staying over 90 days
When Should You Apply?
You must apply for your ARC:
- Within 90 days of arriving in Korea
- Or within 30 days of receiving a new visa
- As soon as possible if you’re applying for services (like bank accounts or phone plans)
Late registration can result in fines (KRW 100,000~1,000,000).
Documents You Need
Bring the following to your appointment:
| ✅ Passport | With valid visa |
| ✅ Application form | Download from HiKorea or get at the office |
| ✅ 1 passport-sized photo | White background, recent |
| ✅ Proof of residence | Rental contract or school dorm letter |
| ✅ Fee (KRW 30,000) | Cash or card accepted |
| ✅ School certificate or job contract | Depending on visa type |
🧾 Tip: Make copies of all documents. Sometimes immigration asks for extras!
How to Book an Appointment (must!)
You must make a reservation in advance on the HiKorea website:
- Go to hikorea.go.kr
- Click “Visit Reservation (출입국 방문예약)”
- Sign up for an account
- Choose your local immigration office
- Pick a date and time
- Receive confirmation by email or text
🚨 Without a reservation, most immigration offices will NOT let you in.
Where to Go
Go to the immigration office for the city where you live.
Examples:
- Seoul (Omokgyo Immigration Office)
- Suwon (for Gyeonggi-do residents)
- Busan, Incheon, Daejeon – each has its own center
📦 Some areas (like Itaewon) fall under Mokdong office jurisdiction, so double-check your assigned office!
What Happens at the Appointment?
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- Bring a printed confirmation of your reservation
- Submit documents at the desk
- Fill out any additional forms they give you
- Pay the fee (₩30,000)
- Provide fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
- Receive a receipt with pick-up date (usually 2–4 weeks later)
⏳ Processing time varies by location and season. You can track your status on HiKorea.
How to Pick Up Your ARC
Option 1: Pick up in person
- Bring your receipt
- Wait in the pickup line
- Show ID and sign for the card
Option 2: Delivery (optional)
- You can request mail delivery when applying
- Pay an additional ₩4,000–₩5,000
- Your ARC will arrive at your registered address by courier
ARC Renewal or Changes
Need to update your ARC later? Here's what you can do:
- Change of address: Report within 14 days
- Change of school/employer: Report within 15 days
- Extension of visa: Apply before your visa expires
- Lost ARC: Report and apply for reissue immediately
Use HiKorea or visit immigration to handle these updates.
Tips for First-Timers
- Bring a Korean-speaking friend if possible
- Arrive early, even with a reservation
- Immigration officers may speak limited English
- Don’t forget your passport-sized photo
- Be patient – some offices can be very busy
- Save your appointment confirmation and receipt!
FAQs
Q: Can I apply for ARC without a Korean address?
A: No. You need a residential address (e.g., dorm, Airbnb, goshiwon, rental) to apply.
Q: Can I use my ARC as an ID in Korea?
A: Yes! It’s your legal ID in Korea and can be used for most official processes.
Q: What if I lose my ARC?
A: Report it to immigration within 14 days and apply for a replacement. A fine may apply.
Final Thoughts
Registering for your ARC is one of the most important steps for living in Korea. Once you have it, you unlock access to everything from phone plans and online banking to public health insurance.
Start early, bring the right documents, and make that HiKorea appointment. Once you hold your ARC in your hands, you’ll feel like an official resident of Korea — ready to explore, connect, and thrive.
