Staying longer than 90 days generally means registering as a foreign resident within 90 days of arrival. The card is usually called an ARC. If this is your first one, start with the appointment and your proof of address — those are what trip people up.
The first residence card opens the paperwork stage of Settling in Korea as a Foreigner. If you are asking about a digital version, see Mobile residence card in Korea: can I get one without visiting immigration?; for the full registration sequence after arrival, see What do I need to do to register as a foreigner and get an ARC after arriving on a long-term visa?.
Before you go
- Passport, application form, and proof of residence — if the lease is not in your name, ask your office first whether you need extra accommodation evidence
- One photo — 3.5cm × 4.5cm, taken in the last six months, front-facing on a white background
- Extra documents for your status — enrollment or employment records. These differ by visa, so do not work from someone else's list
From booking to collecting the card
Reserve a visit through HiKorea at the immigration office responsible for where you actually live. Submit the documents, give biometrics, and confirm how the card will reach you.
Under the Ministry of Justice notice effective 1 January 2025, the issuance fee is KRW 35,000. Fees and payment methods change, so check before you go.
Three checks that prevent a second visit
- Whether the photo meets the specification
- Whether the spelling of your name matches between passport and form
- Whether the address on your evidence is where you actually live
And do not let the appointment itself eat the deadline — booking a slot is not registering. Slots fill up in busy periods, so do not aim for day 90.
What to check now
- The date 90 days after you arrived
- Which immigration office covers your address
- Whether the lease is in your name
Requirements and exceptions vary by status, office and date. Confirm through HiKorea or the Immigration Contact Center at 1345. Worked examples of address evidence and the reasons applications get sent back are on the WeBring blog.