Getting your ARC (Residence Card)
The single most important thing to do after you arrive. Here's how it works, start to finish.
In short
- What: The ID card every foreigner staying 90+ days must get. Officially the "Residence Card" since 2021 — everyone still calls it the ARC.
- Deadline: Within 90 days of arrival. Missing it can mean a fine up to ₩10 million.
- Where: The immigration office for the district where you live — booked in advance on HiKorea. No walk-ins.
- Cost: ₩35,000 (₩38,000 if mailed to you). Processing takes about 2–3 weeks.
If you're staying in Korea longer than 90 days, the ARC is the key that unlocks everything else — a bank account, a phone contract, health insurance, even signing a lease. Nearly every "sorry, we need your ID number" wall disappears once you have it. So treat this as your first mission, not something to leave until day 89.
Who needs one (and by when)
Anyone planning to stay in Korea for more than 90 days must register and get an ARC within 90 days of entering. This applies regardless of visa type — student (D-2/D-4), work (E-series), working holiday (H-1), marriage (F-6) and most others. Holders of A-1, A-2 and A-3 (diplomatic/SOFA) visas are exempt, though A-3 holders are still encouraged to get one.
The 5 steps
Sort out your address first
You need a Korean address to register, because your office is decided by where you live. Temporary housing (a goshiwon, a friend's place, short-term rental) is fine to start — you just update the address later if you move.
Do the medical exam if your nationality requires it
Nationals of certain higher-TB-risk countries must submit a tuberculosis (chest X-ray) certificate from a designated hospital. Some visa types (like E-2 teaching) require a fuller medical check including TB and HIV. If this applies to you, book it early — results take time.
Book your immigration appointment on HiKorea
Go to hikorea.go.kr, verify your identity, and reserve a visit ("Reservation"). Walk-ins are generally not accepted. Book the office that covers where you live — not the one near your workplace. That mix-up is the most common reason appointments get rejected.
Visit the office with your documents
Go in person on your reserved date with the full document set (below). They'll take your fingerprints, collect the fee, and hand you a receipt with your card's pick-up date.
Collect your card (or have it mailed)
Return on the date listed to pick it up — no new reservation needed — or pay a small extra fee to have it mailed to your address. Processing is usually about 2–3 weeks.
What to bring
- Your passport
- Integrated application form (Form 34) — downloadable from HiKorea or available at the office
- One passport photo, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background, taken within 6 months (ears visible)
- Proof of your Korean address — a lease in your name, a dormitory certificate, or a hosting/accommodation confirmation if you're staying with someone
- Fee: ₩35,000 (as of Jan 2025), or about ₩38,000 if you want it mailed. Pay in the exact amount at the office.
- Medical / TB certificate — only if required for your nationality or visa type (see step 2)
- Visa-specific documents — e.g. a certificate of enrolment for students, or an employer letter for workers. Requirements vary by visa, so confirm your case on HiKorea or by calling 1345.
A few things worth knowing
The card is now digital too
Since January 2025, residents aged 14+ with a smartphone in their own name can also get a mobile Residence Card through the Mobile ID app, with the same legal validity as the physical card. You can set it up at the immigration office or by tapping your IC-chip card on your phone.
Report changes within 14 days
If you move, you must report your new address within 14 days — at your local district office (주민센터) or on HiKorea. Late reporting can mean a fine.
Extensions: don't wait until the last week
Visa extensions can be filed on HiKorea up to 4 months before expiry. Processing can take weeks, and overstaying is treated harshly — so file early.
Common questions
Is it called the "ARC" or the "Residence Card"?
Both. The Ministry of Justice officially renamed it the Residence Card in 2021 (removing the word "alien"), but banks, landlords, HR teams and most foreigners still say "ARC". They mean the same card.
What if I don't get it within 90 days?
Failing to register can lead to a fine of up to ₩10 million (and in serious cases, worse). It also creates problems with your visa status. Apply as soon as you have your visa and an address — don't wait.
Can I open a bank account or get a phone before I have it?
Generally no — most banks and carriers require your ARC (and the resident registration number on it). A few banks offer limited foreigner accounts earlier, but the ARC removes almost all friction, so it's worth getting first.
I don't speak Korean. Can I still do this alone?
Yes. Forms are available in English on HiKorea, and major offices have staff with basic English. For anything complex, call 1345 — the immigration contact center offers interpretation in several languages including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian and Russian.
Sources: Korea Immigration Service (immigration.go.kr), HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr), Ministry of Justice. Fee of ₩35,000 confirmed against the Korea Immigration Service fee-increase notice effective 1 January 2025.
Last verified: July 2026. Rules and fees can change and vary by visa type and district — always confirm your specific case on HiKorea or by calling 1345 before applying. This is general information, not immigration or legal advice.
Questions about your ARC?
Ask people who've been through it — post in the community and tag it Immigration.