Applying for the Alien Registration Card (ARC)
A guide that organizes, based on HiKorea, who must register as a foreigner when planning to stay over 90 days, the application timing, common documents, visit reservations, and fees.
Direct answer
A guide that organizes, based on HiKorea, who must register as a foreigner when planning to stay over 90 days, the application timing, common documents, visit reservations, and fees.
- How far this is checked
- Partly verified — confirm the details with the official sources below before you act.
Sources
Application situation
In Korea · Registration, extension or change
Task
Registration
Visa
ARC
Program
General
Region
Nationwide
AI direct answer: disabled. Because the additional documents per visa and the judgment of the competent office can differ, you need to check the latest HiKorea (하이코리아) manual or call 1345.
Key Summary
The Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) is the official registration card for foreigners staying long-term in Korea. Based on HiKorea, any foreigner who intends to stay for more than 90 days from the date of entry into the Republic of Korea is subject to alien registration. If you have already been granted status of stay or received permission to change status of stay within Korea, you must complete alien registration at the time that permission is granted.
Applications are processed at the local immigration office (지방출입국·외국인관서) that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. Immigration offices (출입국·외국인관서) nationwide operate a visit reservation system, so for general residence-related civil services you should book a visit reservation in advance on HiKorea before going.
Who Needs to Apply?
| Category | Whether alien registration is required | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Foreigner intending to stay over 90 days after entry | Required | Apply within 90 days of the date of entry |
| Foreigner granted status of stay or permission to change status | Required | Apply at the time the permission is granted |
| Short-term stayer of 90 days or less | Usually not required | If the purpose is a short-term stay, may not be subject to alien registration |
| Registration-subject person under 17 years of age | Exception possible | Registration required within 90 days from when the person turns 17 |
| Registration-exempt persons such as A-1, A-2, A-3 | Exception possible | Those performing diplomatic, official, or agreement duties may be exempt |
Among Canadian nationals, some statuses of stay for stays under 6 months (such as D-1, D-6, F-1, F-3, G-1) may fall under HiKorea's registration-exemption exceptions. Because whether an exception applies depends on the status of stay and the period of stay, check with 1345 or the competent immigration office (출입국·외국인관서).
Application Timing
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