Residence Card and Address Change Basics

Your Alien Registration Card (ARC), officially called the Residence Card (외국인등록증), is your primary ID for daily life in Korea — banking, phone contracts, healthcare, and more.

Getting Your Residence Card

Apply for alien registration within 90 days of entering Korea if you hold a long-term visa. Apply in person at the Immigration Office. Book an appointment through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr).

Required Documents

Completed application form (통합신청서)
Passport
One passport-sized photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
Proof of residence (lease contract or accommodation letter)
Fee: ₩30,000
Additional documents depending on visa type

Reporting an Address Change

When you move, you are legally required to report the change within 14 days. Late reporting can result in a fine.

Where to Report

Online — through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr)
In person — at your local Community Service Center (동 주민센터), Gu Office, or Immigration Office

Documents Needed

Change of Residence form (available on-site)
Passport and ARC
Proof of new address (lease contract)

Visiting your local community center is often the quickest option. For questions, call 1345 (multilingual).

Common Mistakes

Missing the 14-day deadline — late reporting can result in fines.
Forgetting the lease contract — proof of your new address is required.
Not updating before a visa extension — immigration checks that your registered address is current.

Last reviewed: July 2026 · Always confirm current details with the relevant office or call 1345.