Reporting changes
Moved, changed jobs, or renewed your passport? What to report to immigration, and when.
In short
- If you hold an ARC, you must report certain changes to immigration — most importantly a new address within 14–15 days of moving.
- You must also report changes to your passport, name, date of birth, nationality, and (for many visas) your workplace — generally within 15 days.
- Reporting is free and can be done online via HiKorea, at your district/community office (구청·주민센터), or at an immigration office.
- Miss the deadline and you risk a fine of up to ₩1,000,000 (workplace-report failures and repeat offenses can be worse) — so treat these as routine admin.
Korea's system doesn't auto-update your foreigner record when life changes — you have to tell immigration. The good news: most reports are quick, free, and often doable online. This is general info, not immigration advice — confirm specifics with HiKorea or the 1345 Immigration Contact Center. See also your ARC, housing, and changing jobs.
Change of address (the big one)
When
Within 14–15 days of your move-in date (F-4 Overseas Korean Residence Card holders: 14 days). The clock uses the move-in date on your lease.
Where
Online via HiKorea (needs an ARC + account), your 구청/주민센터 (community service center), or an immigration office. Online takes ~3 days; in person is immediate.
Bring
Passport, ARC, and proof of residence (lease contract). If the place isn't in your name, add a 거주(숙소)제공사실확인서 (accommodation-provision confirmation) from the leaseholder.
Keep the receipt
Always keep your confirmation — it's your proof, and you may need it for extensions or other paperwork.
Other changes you must report
| Change | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Home address | 14–15 days |
| Passport (new number/renewal) | ~15 days |
| Name / date of birth / sex / nationality | ~15 days |
| Workplace (many visas: E-series, F-2, F-4, F-6, H-2, D-8/9, etc.) | ~15 days |
For work-related visas, both you and your employer may have reporting duties when a job starts or ends — don't assume the other side did it. Failing to report ending/starting employment has led to fines and, in serious cases, worse.
Related admin that trips people up
- Re-entry permit before leaving: since June 2020, long-term residents (including F-5) generally need a re-entry permit before travel abroad — F-4 is exempt. See re-entry permits.
- Stay extension: apply from up to 4 months before expiry, and by the day before your permit ends. See extensions.
- Part-time work (students): needs prior immigration permission — working without it can mean an immediate fine or deportation.
- Lost ARC: report and apply for reissue promptly at immigration (bring a photo + passport).
How to file online (HiKorea)
- Create a HiKorea account (you'll need your ARC), log in, and choose the relevant report (e.g. change of residence).
- Upload your documents and submit — you'll get a confirmation to keep.
- If immigration appointment slots are full near your deadline, you can still visit in person on the deadline day without an appointment to avoid being treated as a late/illegal report.
Common questions
Do I really have to report a move?
Yes — within 14–15 days, or you risk a fine up to ₩1,000,000. It's free and often doable online.
My landlord/household head updated their record — am I covered?
No. Foreigners must file their own address report separately.
Do I report a new job?
For most work and residence visas, yes — generally within 15 days. Both you and your employer may have duties.
Where do I go?
HiKorea online, your 구청/주민센터, or an immigration office. Keep the confirmation.
Sources: Immigration Act (Arts. 35–36), HiKorea, immigration.go.kr, and municipal foreigner guides (2026). Deadlines cited as 14 days (address, some sources/F-4) or 15 days (general/other changes) — confirm your case.
Last verified: July 2026. Rules and deadlines change — confirm with HiKorea or 1345. General information, not immigration or legal advice.
Sorting out a report?
Ask others which office was fastest and what documents they needed — post in the community and tag it Immigration.