Home › Korea Residence Card (ARC) Registration

Korea Residence Card (ARC) Registration Guide (2026)

General information for new foreign residents · Last reviewed: June 2026

If you're staying in Korea longer than 90 days, you generally must register and obtain a Residence Card — the document formerly and still commonly called the Alien Registration Card (ARC). It's your official ID in Korea, needed for things like opening a bank account or signing a phone contract. This page walks through the deadline, booking, documents, medical exam, fee, and timing in plain terms.

⚠️ Registration rules, fees, and the documents required differ by visa type and nationality, and they change. This is general information, not legal advice. Always verify the exact requirements for your situation on hikorea.go.kr and with your district immigration office before going.

The 90-day deadline

Foreign nationals planning to stay longer than 90 days generally must apply for the Residence Card within 90 days of arrival. Missing this can result in fines that increase with the length of the delay. The card was officially renamed from "Alien Registration Card" to "Residence Card" in 2021, but both terms are still used interchangeably. Confirm the exact deadline that applies to your visa on HiKorea.

Step-by-step overview

1. Book a HiKorea appointment

Most immigration offices require an online reservation through HiKorea for the office that serves your district. Walk-ins are often not accepted, and slots can fill up — book early.
Reserve at hikorea.go.kr

2. Complete any required medical exam

Depending on your visa type and nationality, a medical examination — which can include tuberculosis (TB) screening — may be required. Nationals of designated high-TB-burden countries are commonly asked for a chest X-ray TB certificate from a designated hospital. Whether this applies to you is set officially.
Check if your visa/nationality requires it

3. Gather your documents

Typically the application form, passport, a passport photo, proof of your Korean address (lease, dorm certificate, or hosting confirmation), and the fee. Some applicants also need the medical/TB certificate. Your exact list depends on your case.
Verify the precise checklist on HiKorea

4. Pay the fee

The government fee is commonly cited around 30,000 KRW, usually paid via a revenue stamp purchased at the office or a nearby bank. Fees change — confirm the current amount.
Pay by revenue stamp at the office/bank

5. Attend and wait for the card

Attend your appointment, submit everything, and wait for processing — commonly around 3–5 weeks. The card may be mailed to you or held for pickup depending on the option you choose.
Processing time varies by office and season

Digital ID option

Reported guidance indicates that, in recent years, foreign residents have been able to apply for a digital ID version of the Residence Card through Korea's mobile identification app, with the same legal validity as the physical card. Availability and steps can vary — check the current official guidance before relying on a digital-only card.

Travel tip, not visa advice: you'll often need a working Korean phone number to complete bookings and verifications on arrival. Many new residents start with an eSIM on day one, then move to a local contract once their Residence Card is issued.
Compare Korea travel eSIMs
Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to register?

Generally within 90 days of arrival if staying longer than 90 days. Late registration can mean fines. Confirm your exact deadline on HiKorea.

Do I need a HiKorea appointment?

In most cases yes — walk-ins are often not accepted. Book online before going.

What documents do I need?

Commonly the form, passport, photo, proof of Korean address, the fee, and sometimes a medical/TB certificate. Verify your exact list officially.

Is there a medical exam?

For some visa types and nationalities, yes — including TB screening, with a chest X-ray certificate commonly required for nationals of designated countries. Check whether it applies to you.

What's the fee and processing time?

The fee is commonly cited around 30,000 KRW and processing often takes about 3–5 weeks. Both vary — confirm current figures on HiKorea.

⚠️ Reminder: deadlines, fees, medical requirements, and document lists change and depend on your visa and nationality. Do not treat this page as final. Confirm everything on hikorea.go.kr and with your immigration office. This is not legal advice.
Related guides → Korea D-2 student visa guide (2026) → Korea E-7 work visa requirements (2026) → Korea Working Holiday (H-1) visa guide → Back to all Korea visa guides