Kofi landed in Incheon in August for a master's program. Three weeks later he still couldn't open a bank account, couldn't get a phone contract, and his landlord kept asking for his "registration number." Everyone said the same thing: "You need an ARC first."
The first available appointment at his immigration office was a month away.
Your ARC (Alien Registration Card, 외국인등록증) is the key to almost everything in Korea, and you must apply within 90 days of arriving if you’ll stay longer than 90 days. Book your appointment in your first week, since slots can be weeks out.
Who needs one
Anyone entering on a long-term visa, such as D-2, D-4, D-10, E-2, E-7, E-9, F-2, F-6 or H-2, who will stay more than 90 days. Tourists and short-term visitors don’t register. Once registered, you can also add a mobile ARC to your phone, which many banks and offices now accept.
What to bring
- Application form (통합신청서), available at the office or on HiKorea
- Passport, plus a copy of the photo page and visa
- One color photo, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background, taken within 6 months
- Fee: ₩30,000 (paid by revenue stamp or card at the office)
- Proof of address: your lease (임대차계약서), dorm certificate, or a letter from your host
- Visa-specific papers, for example a certificate of enrollment (D-2), employment contract and business registration (E-2, E-7), or marriage certificate (F-6)
Offices sometimes ask for extra documents, so check your local office’s page on HiKorea before you go.
Step by step
- Book a visit on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) under “Visit reservation.” Pick “Foreigner registration” and your nearest office. Some universities and large employers book group sessions for you.
- Attend the appointment with every document. Your fingerprints and photo are taken on the spot.
- Get your receipt. It shows your registration number and works as temporary proof of status.
- Collect the card in person or by post, depending on the office. Processing usually takes a few weeks.
While you wait
Postpaid phone plans, most bank accounts, online shopping and delivery apps that need identity checks, and some apartment contracts.
Prepaid SIM with your passport, a restricted bank account at some banks, T-money transport cards, and hostel or goshiwon stays.
If the earliest appointment is after your 90-day deadline, book it anyway and keep a screenshot. Then call the Immigration Contact Center at 1345: offices generally accept a reservation made in time, but late registration without one can bring a fine.
After you have it
- Moving house? Report your new address within 15 days, online or at the community center (주민센터). Late reports are fined.
- Leaving Korea for a trip? Registered foreigners don’t need a re-entry permit for trips under one year. More in our guide to visa extensions and re-entry.
- Next steps: open a bank account and get a phone plan, both much easier once the card arrives.
Sources: Immigration Act art. 31 (registration within 90 days), 36 (change of address), 30 (re-entry permit exemption); HiKorea foreigner registration guide.
Written from the laws and official notices in force on the date above. Rules change and every case is different, so check with the office named in the article before an important decision. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.