ARC Registration Guide: How to Get Your Alien Registration Card in Korea

What the ARC is and why you need it

The Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증, ARC) is your official ID in Korea. Once you have it, nearly every bureaucratic roadblock disappears: you can open a bank account, get a local SIM card contract, sign up for National Health Insurance (NHIS), and use your ARC as a valid ID at most government offices, hospitals, and businesses.

Without an ARC, you're operating on passport-only status, which limits you significantly. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can settle in properly.

Who must register: Any foreigner who has been or intends to be in Korea for 91 consecutive days or more. This includes work visa holders (E-series), student visa holders (D-series), and long-stay family visa holders (F-series).

Deadline: Apply within 90 days of your date of entry. Don't wait, processing takes 2–3 weeks, and you want the card before you hit the 90-day mark.

---

Before you apply: what you need

Documents required for most visa types:

Tip: Bring originals and one photocopy of everything. Immigration offices sometimes keep copies.

---

Step-by-step: applying for your ARC

Step 1, Find your immigration office

Go to the immigration office (출입국·외국인청) in the jurisdiction where you live. Major offices:

• Seoul: Seoul Immigration Office (서울출입국·외국인청) in Mok-dong, or satellite offices in various districts
• Incheon: Incheon Immigration Office near Bupyeong
• Busan: Busan Immigration Office in Choryang-dong
• Gyeonggi: Suwon, Ansan, or Uijeongbu offices depending on your area

Find your nearest office at www.immigration.go.kr → 사무소 안내 (Office guide).

Step 2, Book an appointment (recommended)

Walk-ins are accepted but wait times can be 2–3 hours. Book an appointment online at www.hikorea.go.kr or via the Hi Korea app. Appointments significantly reduce your wait time.

Step 3, Visit the office

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment. Take a numbered ticket at the entrance (선택: 외국인등록 for ARC registration). Have all documents ready.

At the counter, a staff member will:

• Check your documents
• Take your biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
• Issue you a receipt for your application

Pay the ₩30,000 fee at the payment counter (현금 or 카드 accepted).

Step 4, Wait for processing

Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks. You'll receive an SMS when your ARC is ready for pickup, or you can check status online at Hi Korea.

Step 5, Pick up your ARC

Return to the same immigration office with your passport and the receipt they gave you. Your ARC will be issued at the counter.

---

While you wait for your ARC

The 2–3 week gap is frustrating. Here's what you can and can't do:

Use a global debit card (Wise, Revolut) for spending while you wait. Most convenience stores, restaurants, and transit accept foreign cards.

---

Address changes and re-registration

If you move after getting your ARC, you must:

1. Update your address at the local 주민센터 (community service center / dong office), called 체류지 변경신고, within 14 days of moving
2. The address on your ARC will eventually be updated (or you'll get a sticker on the back)

This is separate from updating your address at the immigration office. Both must be done. Failure to update your address is technically a violation of immigration law.

---

ARC renewal

Your ARC expiry date matches your visa expiry date. Renew at the immigration office before your current ARC and visa expire, typically starting 4 months before the expiry date. The renewal process is similar to the initial application.

---

Useful contacts

• Korea Immigration Service main line: 1345 (English available)
• Hi Korea portal: www.hikorea.go.kr (appointment booking, status checks)
• Seoul Immigration Office address: 서울특별시 양천구 목동동로 151 (Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu)