Korea ARC registration & reissue (외국인등록증): 2026 document checklist
Documents for first-time alien registration (외국인등록) and card reissue (재발급), fees, where to apply, and the step-by-step process — updated for 2026.
Any foreign national staying in South Korea for more than 90 days must complete alien registration (외국인등록) and receive an Alien Registration Card, now called the Registration Card for foreigners (외국인등록증, commonly the ARC). When the card is lost, damaged, runs out of note space, or your registered information changes, you go through the reissue procedure (재발급). This checklist brings together the common documents, the reissue documents, the fees, and where to submit your application so that you can prepare everything before your appointment.
Step-by-step process
1Register within 90 days
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, complete alien registration (외국인등록) within 90 days of your entry date. If you are granted a change of status of stay, register at the time the permission is granted. For a reissue caused by a change of registered information, you must apply within 15 days of the change occurring.
2Prepare your documents
Gather the common documents (통합신청서, 여권, 컬러사진, 체류지 입증서류) plus any status-specific documents that apply to your visa. Status-specific documents are valid for three months from their issue date, so prepare them close to your appointment rather than too early.
3Book an appointment
Book an online appointment through HiKorea (민원신청 → 방문예약) to avoid waiting in line. Some procedures can also be filed online through the electronic civil application (전자민원) service.
4Submit and pay the fee
Visit the local immigration office (지방출입국·외국인관서) that covers your residential area, submit your application, and pay the ₩35,000 fee in cash at the counter.
5Receive your card
Once processing is complete, collect your registration card (외국인등록증) as directed by the office. Carry the card with you and apply for a reissue immediately if it is lost or damaged.
Documents to prepare
Common documents (공통) — first registration
- 통합신청서 — Integrated application form (form No. 34)Download from hikorea.go.kr → 민원서식 and complete it before you arrive.
- 여권 — Original passportAttach a copy of the bio-data page and the visa page (one copy each).
- 컬러사진 — Color photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm)White background, front-facing, no tinted glasses or hat, taken within the last 6 months.
- 체류지 입증서류 — Proof of residenceSubmit one of: a lease agreement (임대차계약서), a confirmation of accommodation (숙소제공확인서), or a utility payment receipt.
- 체류자격별 추가 서류 — Status-specific additional documentsVaries by status of stay (e.g. D-2: 재학증명서 certificate of enrollment; D-8: copy of 외국인투자기업등록증; F-6: 혼인관계증명서). For the full per-status list, see the HiKorea 「체류자격별 안내매뉴얼」 guide manual. Valid for three months from issue.
Reissue documents (재발급)
- 통합신청서 — Integrated application formDownload from hikorea.go.kr → 민원서식.
- 여권 — Original passportBring the original passport with you.
- 신청사유 소명자료 — Document explaining the reason (if lost)For example a lost-card report (분실 신고서) or a written explanation.
- 컬러사진 — Color photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm)Required only if the photo on the old card was taken six months or more ago.
- 구 외국인등록증 — Old registration cardReturn it when the card is damaged, has no note space left, or registered information has changed.
Fees
- First registration (외국인등록)₩35,000 (cash at the counter)
- Card reissue (재발급)₩35,000 (cash at the counter)
- D-8 (기업투자)Exempt from the first-registration fee
Where & how to apply
Apply at the local immigration office (지방출입국·외국인관서) that covers your residential area. To reduce waiting time, booking an online appointment through HiKorea (민원신청 → 방문예약) is recommended, and some procedures can be filed online through 전자민원. Help line: 1345 (dial without an area code inside Korea; from abroad +82-2-1345).
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Try AutofillFrequently asked questions
When must I register for an ARC?
Within 90 days of your entry date if you plan to stay longer than 90 days. If you are granted a change of status of stay, register at the time the permission is granted.
What should I do if I lose my card?
Apply for a reissue (재발급) at the immigration office and submit a document explaining the loss. Before you visit, you can file a loss report online through HiKorea — this is not mandatory but is recommended to prevent misuse of your card.
Is the fee ₩30,000 or ₩35,000?
The actual fee is ₩35,000 (effective from January 1, 2025) for both first registration and reissue. The process diagram on the HiKorea interface still shows "3만원" because it has not been updated, but the amount you actually pay is ₩35,000.
Can I do this online?
Some procedures can be filed online through 전자민원 on HiKorea, and you can book an appointment through 방문예약. However, in many cases you still need to attend in person for fingerprinting and to collect the card.
What is the photo specification?
A color photo measuring 3.5 × 4.5 cm, with a white background, front-facing, no tinted glasses or hat, taken within the last six months.