Alien Registration Card Korea — How to Get Your ARC in 2025

Everything You Need to Know About Getting Your Alien Registration Card in Korea

If you’re planning to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, securing a valid foreign resident ID is not optional—it’s the law. Known officially as the Alien Registration Card, or ARC, this card is your key to living, working, studying, and surviving in Korea. It connects you to public services, financial systems, mobile networks, and much more. Whether you’re a student, teacher, professional, or long-term visitor, understanding how and why to get your ARC is step one.

① What Is the ARC and Why Does It Matter?

The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is issued by the Korea Immigration Service and serves as your national ID during your stay. Think of it as your legal identity. While your visa grants you entry, this card validates your ongoing presence in the country. You’ll need it to open a bank account, get a phone number, receive mail, or register for health insurance.

Even basic tasks like verifying your age online or signing an apartment lease require this identification. Without it, you'll be functionally disconnected from most formal systems in Korea.

② Who Must Apply for It?

All foreign nationals staying in Korea longer than 90 days must apply. This includes:

  • University and exchange students (D-2 visa)
  • Language program attendees (D-4)
  • English instructors (E-2)
  • Spouses of Korean citizens (F-6)
  • Startup founders, business professionals, and IT workers

If you’re arriving under a C-3 tourist visa, you’re not eligible and not required to register unless your status changes after arrival.

③ What to Prepare Before Leaving Your Country

Before stepping on that plane, be proactive. Here’s what you can prepare while still at home:

  • At least four recent passport-sized photos (3.5cm × 4.5cm, white background)
  • Digital copies of your visa grant notice, employment contract, or university admission letter
  • Temporary housing contract or reservation confirmation (e.g., Goshiwon, officetel)
  • Proof of financial support if required (especially for D-2, D-4 applicants)

Also, take time to explore which immigration office you’ll need to visit based on your accommodation’s address.

④ Booking an Appointment via HiKorea

Once in Korea, you need to schedule a visit using the HiKorea portal. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Create an account on the HiKorea website
  2. Click "Reserve Visit" > "Foreigner" > "Alien Registration"
  3. Select your regional office and preferred date/time

Appointments book fast in Seoul, Incheon, and Busan, so don’t delay. Booking typically opens 2–4 weeks in advance.

⑤ What You’ll Need at the Immigration Office

  • Your original passport
  • One passport photo
  • Completed application form (can be printed at the office)
  • Proof of residence (contract, utility bill, or confirmation document)
  • Supporting documents (visa, school certificate, employment contract, etc.)
  • KRW 30,000 fee (cash or card)

Photos can be taken near most immigration offices if needed. Ensure your documents are organized and ready.

⑥ What to Expect on the Day

When you arrive:

  • Be at least 10–15 minutes early
  • Take a queue ticket or show your reservation confirmation
  • Submit your application to an immigration officer
  • You’ll have fingerprints and a photo taken onsite

Afterward, you’ll receive a receipt and estimate for when your card will be ready. Usually, this takes 3–4 weeks.

⑦ Life Without the ARC—A Simulation

Imagine arriving in Seoul with your visa but no registration card. You want to buy a local SIM card—denied. Open a bank account—impossible. Apply for the National Health Insurance program—blocked. Sign a lease for an apartment—nope. ARC isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s your access key to life in Korea.

⑧ How Long Is It Valid and When Should You Update It?

Your foreigner registration card is valid as long as your visa remains valid. If your visa is extended, so should your card be. You must update it within 14 days if you:

  • Change your address
  • Switch employers or schools
  • Alter your visa status

Failure to report changes can result in fines or complications during your stay.

⑨ Real-Life Tips from Expats

  • Join local expat communities on Facebook or Reddit—they often share timely advice.
  • Try to bring a Korean-speaking friend if possible; some offices offer translation support.
  • If in Seoul, use Omokgyo Immigration Office. For Incheon or Gyeonggi, use Suwon or Yangcheon branches.
  • Take a physical printout of your appointment confirmation, just in case.

⑩ Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this the same as a residence permit?
    Yes. The ARC serves as Korea’s version of a residence permit for foreigners.
  • Can I leave Korea while waiting for my card?
    Only if you apply for a re-entry permit. Otherwise, you may invalidate your visa.
  • What if I lose my card?
    You must file a police report and apply for a replacement within 14 days.
  • Can I apply from abroad?
    No. The process begins after your arrival in Korea. But you can prepare the documents in advance.
  • How long does the process take?
    From appointment to pickup, about 3–4 weeks. Faster in smaller cities.

Summary: Prepare Early and Breathe Easy

Getting your Korean foreigner ID isn’t just a bureaucratic chore—it’s a passport to freedom within the country. With this card in your wallet, you’ll unlock everything from bank accounts to gym memberships. Don’t let it wait until the last moment. Schedule your appointment, gather your documents, and start your new chapter in Korea with confidence.

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