Korea Alien Registration (ARC) Complete Guide 2026: How to Apply, Documents & Timeline

All foreign nationals planning to stay in Korea for more than 90 days must complete alien registration within 90 days of entry. Once registered, you will receive an Alien Registration Card (ARC), which serves as your official ID for all administrative purposes in Korea.

Table of Contents

• 1. What Is Alien Registration?
• 2. Who Must Register
• 3. Application Deadline
• 4. Where to Apply
• 5. Required Documents
• 6. Application Process
• 7. ARC Issuance
• 8. ARC Renewal and Reissuance
• 9. What Can You Do with an ARC?
• 10. Frequently Asked Questions
• 11. Consultation

1. What Is Alien Registration? {#section-1}

Alien registration is the process under Korea's Immigration Act by which foreign nationals with long-term stays register their personal information at the competent immigration office. An Alien Registration Card (ARC) is issued upon completion.

Key purposes:

• Identity management for long-term foreign residents in Korea
• Foundation for accessing administrative services (banking, telecommunications, healthcare, etc.)
• Linked to visa (status) and stay management

2. Who Must Register {#section-2}

3. Application Deadline {#section-3}

Important: Failure to register within 90 days may result in a fine.

4. Where to Apply {#section-4}

5. Required Documents {#section-5}

Common Documents

Additional Documents by Status

6. Application Process {#section-6}

1. Prepare documents — Gather status-specific documents
2. Visit immigration office — Local office with jurisdiction (appointment via HiKorea recommended)
3. Complete and submit application — Submit at counter
4. Fingerprinting and photo — Biometric registration done on-site
5. Pay fee
6. Receive ARC — Typically issued within a few days to 2 weeks

7. ARC Issuance {#section-7}

Your ARC contains the following information:

• Name, nationality, date of birth
• Alien registration number (13 digits)
• Status of stay and stay period

8. ARC Renewal and Reissuance {#section-8}

9. What Can You Do with an ARC? {#section-9}

The Alien Registration Card (ARC) serves as official ID for all aspects of life in Korea.

10. Frequently Asked Questions {#section-10}

Q. How many days after entry do I have to register? A. You must complete alien registration within 90 days of entry. A fine may be imposed from day 91 onward, so apply as early as possible.

Q. Can I apply for alien registration online? A. Some statuses allow online application through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr). However, biometric data registration (fingerprinting) requires an in-person visit.

Q. Can I open a bank account without an ARC? A. Some banks allow account opening with a passport only, but most financial and administrative services require an ARC. Getting your ARC first makes life in Korea much more convenient.

Q. Do I need a new ARC if my visa status changes? A. Yes. When your status changes, you must apply for a new ARC reflecting the updated status. Apply within 14 days of the status change approval.

Q. What should I do if I lose my ARC? A. Report the loss immediately to your competent immigration office and apply for reissuance. Leaving a lost ARC unreported can cause complications.

11. Consultation {#section-11}

Alien registration is the starting point for life in Korea. Since required documents vary by status and missing the deadline can result in fines, getting professional support is the safe approach.

Vision Administrative Office provides alien registration support, document preparation assistance, and comprehensive visa status consultations.

Free consultation: 02-363-2251

Related guides:

• Korea Visa Extension Guide
• F-2-7 Points-Based Residency Guide
• F-6 Marriage Immigration Visa Guide
• Korea Visa Types Complete Guide