Last updated: July 2026
Moving to Korea? The Residence Card — still widely called the ARC (Alien Registration Card) — is the single most important piece of plastic you’ll own here. Without it, you can’t open a proper bank account, sign a phone contract, or prove you live here legally. Here’s exactly how to get it, step by step.
TL;DR
- Who: Anyone staying in Korea longer than 90 days
- Deadline: Apply within 90 days of arrival (fines apply if you miss it)
- Cost: 30,000 KRW (as of 2026)
- Time: Reservation + one office visit + about 2–4 weeks for the card
- Where to start: Book a visit reservation at hikorea.go.kr
Who Needs a Residence Card?
If you entered Korea on a long-term visa (D-2 student, E-2 teacher, E-7 professional, F-6 marriage, and so on) and plan to stay more than 90 days, foreigner registration is mandatory under Korea’s Immigration Act. You must complete it within 90 days of your entry date — missing the deadline means fines, and it can complicate future visa extensions.
One naming note so you don’t get confused: the card itself now says “Residence Card”, but everyone — landlords, banks, HR managers, Reddit — still calls it the ARC. Same card, two names.
What the Card Unlocks
Your Residence Card comes with a registration number that works like a Korean ID number. With it you can open a full-service bank account, get a phone plan under your own name, enroll in national health insurance, verify your identity in Korean apps, and sign contracts. In practice, your life in Korea starts the day this card arrives.
Step 1 — Book a Visit Reservation on HiKorea (Mandatory)
Immigration offices in Korea work on a reservation-first system. If you show up without one, most offices will simply turn you away.
- Go to hikorea.go.kr (use Chrome or Edge).
- Select Visit Reservation. You can book as a non-member using your passport number — no ARC needed yet.
- Choose the immigration office that covers your address (jurisdiction matters; the wrong office can refuse your application). Call 1345 if unsure.
- Select “Foreigner Registration” as your task, pick a date and time, and submit.
- Save your reservation number. You’ll show it (or a QR code) at the office.
Timing tips: In peak seasons — March and September, when students and teachers arrive — slots can be booked out two to three weeks ahead. Book as early as you can. You can usually change or cancel a reservation up to one or two days before the visit through the reservation menu.
Step 2 — Prepare Your Documents
The common set for almost everyone:
- Passport (plus a copy of the photo page and visa page)
- Integrated Application Form — downloadable from HiKorea’s forms section; fill it out at home to save time
- One color photo, 3.5cm × 4.5cm (passport style, white background, taken within 6 months)
- Proof of residence — lease contract, dormitory confirmation, or a utility bill with your address
- Fee: 30,000 KRW (as of 2026 — bring cash in case card payment is unavailable at your office)
On top of that, each visa type has its own extras — for example, students typically need an enrollment certificate, and workers need employment documents such as a contract or the employer’s business registration. Check your exact list on HiKorea or call 1345 (the immigration contact center, English available) before your visit.
Step 3 — Visit the Immigration Office
Arrive 15–20 minutes early — offices are busy and finding the right counter takes time. At your appointment you’ll submit documents, register your fingerprints, and pay the fee. Before you leave, make sure you receive a receipt/confirmation slip and keep it safe: it’s your proof of application and you may need it to collect your card, extend your stay, or show your school or employer.
Step 4 — Receive Your Card
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, longer in peak season. You choose one of two options when applying:
- Pick-up at the same immigration office, or
- Registered mail delivery to your Korean address (a small delivery fee applies)
You can track the status of your application on HiKorea under your case number.
Common Problems (and Fixes)
“Every reservation slot is full.” Check the site at midnight when new dates open, look at nearby offices within your jurisdiction, and if your legal stay is about to expire, call 1345 immediately instead of waiting.
“My address isn’t settled yet.” You need some proof of where you’re staying — a dorm confirmation or a short-term housing contract can work. Ask your school or employer for a housing confirmation letter if needed.
“My name doesn’t fit the form.” Write it exactly as printed in your passport, in the same order. Mismatched names are a classic cause of delays.
Moving after you apply? Report your new address within 14 days of moving — this is a separate legal obligation for registered foreigners.
FAQ
Do tourists need an ARC?
No. It’s only for stays longer than 90 days.
Can someone apply for me?
As a rule, you apply in person because fingerprints are taken at the counter. Some schools run group registration programs for students — ask your international office first.
How much does it cost?
30,000 KRW as of 2026, plus a small fee if you choose mail delivery.
What if I miss the 90-day deadline?
Fines apply and it may affect your record. Book the earliest slot you can and call 1345 to explain your situation.
Is the ARC the same as the Residence Card?
Yes — “Residence Card” is the current official name printed on the card; ARC is the old name everyone still uses.
Official Resources
- HiKorea (reservations, forms, e-applications): https://www.hikorea.go.kr
- Immigration Contact Center: 1345 (multilingual, including English)
This guide is general information, not legal advice — rules and fees can change, so always confirm with HiKorea or 1345 for your specific case. This article was researched and written with the help of AI tools and verified and edited by our Korea-based editorial team. Some links on this site may be affiliate links; this article contains none.