Foreigner registration card: what to prepare after arrival

If you plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, your Korean residence card is one of the first life-admin tasks to handle. It is commonly still called an ARC by many residents, but official English materials increasingly use Korean Residence Card or foreign resident registration.

Start by checking whether your visa or stay status requires registration. Long-term residents usually need to apply within 90 days of entry, while people who receive or change a status of stay in Korea should act as soon as permission is granted. Your card is tied to your permitted period of stay, so do not treat it as a separate visa extension.

Prepare the basics before booking or visiting immigration: passport, application/report form, one color photo, your address in Korea, the required documents for your visa type, and the fee. The 2026 Seoul living guide lists a KRW 35,000 fee effective January 1, 2025, but fees and document details can change, so confirm your exact case through Hi Korea or the immigration office before visiting.

Your immigration office depends on your Korean address, not simply the office closest to your school or workplace. If you live in Seoul, different districts fall under different immigration offices or branches. Make a reservation when required, keep copies of submitted documents, and save your receipt until the card is issued.

After receiving the card, keep your name, address, visa status, and stay period consistent across banks, mobile carriers, insurance, and school or workplace records. If you move, report the new address within the required period. If your card is lost or damaged, ask immigration about reissuance quickly rather than waiting for your next visa matter.