How to get your ARC (residence card) in Korea
Who needs an ARC, how to book on HiKorea, the documents and ₩35,000 fee, how long the card takes, and what you can't do until it arrives.
If you’re staying in Korea for more than 90 days, you must register as a foreign resident and get a Residence Card. Almost everyone still calls it the ARC (Alien Registration Card, 외국인등록증).
It’s the most important card you’ll have in Korea. Without it, a lot of everyday things are hard: a proper phone plan, a full bank account, online shopping and many apps.
Who needs one?
- Working holiday makers (H-1): yes, if you’re staying more than 90 days. Almost everyone is.
- Students (D-2) and language students (D-4): yes.
- Tourists on a visa waiver or tourist visa: no.
The deadline: 90 days
You must apply within 90 days of your entry date. Missing it can mean a fine, so don’t leave it until the last week. Appointments fill up, especially in Seoul.
Step by step
- Get an address first. You need a place to put on the form: a lease, or a letter from your goshiwon, share house or hostel saying you live there.
- Book an appointment on HiKorea. Choose the immigration office that covers the area where you live. Most offices don’t accept walk-ins.
- Prepare your documents (list below).
- Go to your appointment. Staff check your documents, take your fingerprints and confirm your details.
- Wait for the card. You can usually choose to have it posted to you for a small extra fee, or collect it yourself.
What to bring
- passport
- one passport-style photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background)
- the integrated application form (통합신청서), available on HiKorea or at the office
- proof of address in Korea
- the fee: ₩35,000 (raised from ₩30,000 in January 2025, when cards got an IC chip)
Some offices ask for extra papers depending on your visa. If you’re unsure, call the immigration helpline 1345 (English available) before you go.
How long does it take?
Usually two to six weeks after your appointment. There’s no fixed official time, and busy offices in Seoul can be slower.
While you wait
You’re still legally fine while your card is being made. Keep the receipt they give you at the appointment.
Things that are hard without the card:
- a monthly phone plan (see Phone plans and SIM cards)
- a full bank account (see Opening a bank account)
- identity verification (본인인증), the text-message check Korean apps and websites use
Mobile ARC
New cards have a chip, and you can add a mobile residence card to your phone through the official app. It works as ID in many places. You still need the plastic card to set it up.
Moving house or changing jobs
- New address: report it within 15 days of moving. You can do this online on HiKorea or at your local community service centre (주민센터).
- Leaving Korea for good: hand in your card at the airport immigration counter when you leave.