The Alien Registration Card (ARC), which is 외국인등록증, is a vital document utilized by foreigners intending to reside in South Korea for over 90 days. It serves as their official identification and is legally mandated to be carried out at all times. Upon receiving the ARC, individuals benefit from it serving as their primary form of identification in Korea, eliminating the need to constantly use their passports for domestic travel or age verification.
Possession of an ARC significantly facilitates the process of establishing local amenities such as obtaining a local phone number or opening a bank account. This opens up various options such as enrolling in a post-paid mobile phone plan or applying for a credit card. Furthermore, possessing an ARC allows for an indefinite stay in Korea, contingent upon the card's validity.
The applicant qualifies for an ARC if their current circumstances meet one of the following criteria:
• Intending to remain in Korea for over 90 days upon entry into the country.
• Not possessing Diplomatic (A-1), Official Business (A-2), or Conventions/Agreements (A-3) visas, nor having family members holding these visas. Most ARC applicants typically consist of foreign workers and students.
Step 1: Registration on hikorea.com
To begin, navigate to hikorea.com and click on the "login" icon located at the top of the webpage. Here, applicants can create an account on the platform and schedule their visit. Language settings can be adjusted by selecting the "language" button in the top right corner of the website. It is important to make an appointment within 90 days prior to the intended arrival date.
Step 2: Online Reservation
Choose the immigration office situated in the vicinity and utilize the "Detailed Search" option to locate the appropriate branch. Under the "Booth" category, select between Chinese and foreign visitors. Clicking on the "Date of visit" link will prompt a pop-up window where the desired time and day of the visit to the immigration office can be selected. Following this, the applicant must download and print the application.
Step 3: Completion of the Application Form
Both English and Chinese versions of the application form are available for accessibility. After selecting one, proceed to fill out the form. Opt for the "Alien Registration" option from the menu at the top of the form. Ensure all necessary documents are prepared beforehand. Alternatively, contact the Contact Center at (800) 1345 to ascertain the required documents before visiting the immigration office.
Step 4: Visit to the Immigration Office
The applicant should proceed to the designated immigration office. An officer will review the application and direct the individual to one of the building's ATMs to pay the processing fee of KRW 30,000. An additional KRW 3,000 is required if the applicant wishes to have the ARC shipped to their address.
• Passport
• Application form
• 2 passport photos
• Residency document
Kindly be aware that additional documents may be requested by the officers to further verify nationality and visa status. For further details, please reach out to the Korea Immigration Service.
• Arrive promptly for your scheduled appointment
• Pay the application fee at the ATM within the immigration office
• English language options are available at the ATM
• Retain the receipt for your records • Expect to receive your ARC approximately one month after application
• Request mailing of the ARC to your specified address for an extra ₩3,000 fee
• Ensure you have cash on hand as foreign cards are not accepted at the ATM or immigration office.
If there are any changes to the applicant's name, gender, date of birth, nationality, address, passport details, or, for certain visa holders, organizational information, they are required to inform the immigration office within 14 days. To facilitate this process, the applicant should visit the appropriate immigration office with their ARC, passport, updated application form, and any relevant documentation detailing the required modifications.
If the ARC is lost or damaged, the applicant must inform the immigration office within 14 days. Additionally, if the current ARC photo is over six months old, two recent color passport-style photos with a white background, along with an application form, a processing fee of 30,000, a statement outlining the reason for reissuance, and the old ARC (if still available), are required to obtain a replacement card.
Seoul Immigration Office:
Servicing Gwanak-gu, Gwangjin-gu, Gangdong-gu, Dongjak-gu, Songpa-gu, Seongdong-gu, Seocho-gu, Yongsan-gu, Seognam-si, Hanm-si, Gwacheon-si
Location: 151, Mokdongdong-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, Korea
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (weekdays only)
Phone Number: +82-2-2650-6214
Seoul Immigration Office Sejongno Branch Office:
Covering Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, Eunpyeong-gu, Dongdaemun-gu, Jungnang-gu, Dobong-gu, Seongbuk-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Nowon-gu
Location: SK Hub Bldg. 2F, 89-4, Gyeongundong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (weekdays only)
Phone Number: +82-2-731-1799
Seoul Southern Immigration Office:
Handling Seodaemun-gu, Mapo-gu, Gangseo-gu, Yangcheon-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Goro-gu, Geumcheon-gu, Gwangmyeong-si
Location: 48 Magokseo-1ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (weekdays only)
Phone Number: +82-2-6280-4813
The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is crucial for long-term stays in South Korea, simplifying essential processes and ensuring legal compliance. For personalized assistance or further inquiries, please reach out to us. Your smooth transition to life in South Korea begins with the right support. Contact us today for expert guidance!