Getting your Alien Registration Card (residence card) in Korea
Every foreigner staying over 90 days in Korea must register. How to book on HiKorea, what to bring, costs, timing and what the card unlocks.
If you plan to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days, you must register as a foreign resident and receive a residence card, still widely called the ARC (Alien Registration Card). The card is your main ID in Korea. Without it, opening a bank account, getting a phone contract, signing up for online services and even ordering food through some apps is difficult.
Who needs to register
Anyone entering Korea on a long-term visa, such as E-2 teaching, D-2 study, E-7 professional, F-6 marriage or H-1 working holiday, must register within 90 days of entry. In practice, you should do it as soon as possible, because so much depends on it.
Step 1: book an appointment on HiKorea
Most immigration offices only accept visits with an appointment booked online. Use the HiKorea website, choose "Visit reservation", select your local immigration office and the category for foreign resident registration.
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