If you plan to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days, the ARC (formerly “Alien Registration Card,” now commonly called a Residence Card) is one of the most important things you’ll do after arrival. Without it, everyday life becomes harder—phone plans, banking, and many services may be limited.
This guide is built for foreigners who want a clear, step-by-step checklist: who needs an ARC, when to apply, how to book an appointment, what documents to bring, and how to avoid the mistakes that cause delays. This is general information—always confirm details on official pages because requirements and office practices can change.
Official Links You Should Bookmark (Source of Truth)
- HiKorea (English): https://www.hikorea.go.kr/
- HiKorea Visit Reservation (appointment rules): https://www.hikorea.go.kr/resv/ResvIntroR.pt
- Ministry of Justice (MOJ) – ARC / Foreigner Registration Card 안내: https://www.immigration.go.kr/…
- Korea Immigration Service (English portal): https://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/
Who Needs an ARC (Residence Card) and the 90-Day Rule
In general, foreigners who intend to stay in Korea for more than 90 days must complete foreigner registration and get a residence card. The Ministry of Justice explains that foreigners planning to stay beyond 90 days must register within 90 days of entry.
Practical takeaway: if you entered Korea on a long-stay visa (student, work, spouse/family, etc.), assume you need to apply soon. Don’t wait until the last week—appointment slots can be limited.
When Should You Apply? (Best Timing to Avoid “No Slots” Stress)
Rule-based answer: apply within the allowed window (commonly within 90 days of entry for those staying more than 90 days).
Real-life answer: book your HiKorea appointment as early as possible after arrival because popular immigration offices fill quickly. Even if your documents are not perfect yet, the smartest move is to secure a time slot first, then finish your paperwork before the appointment.
Step 1 — Book Your Immigration Appointment on HiKorea (English)
Most ARC applications are handled via an immigration office visit, and HiKorea is the official platform used for visit reservations. HiKorea also explains key rules such as: no same-day reservations, and reservations are generally possible starting from the next day (details may vary by office and service category).
Official Visit Reservation page: https://www.hikorea.go.kr/resv/ResvIntroR.pt
How to book (high-level):
- Open HiKorea (English): HiKorea English
- Go to Visit Reservation and choose member login or non-member verification.
- Select your service type (ARC/foreigner registration) and the immigration office that has jurisdiction over your address.
- Pick the earliest available date/time, then save confirmation (screenshot + email).
Common appointment mistake: booking the wrong office. Many services require you to visit the office responsible for your registered address (jurisdiction). If you book the wrong office, you may be told to rebook elsewhere.
Step 2 — Prepare Your Document Pack (What You Must Bring)
The Ministry of Justice lists core ARC submission items such as your passport, proof of residence/address, and a passport-style photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm). In practice, you should bring both originals and copies when possible, because document handling can vary by office.
Base checklist (most people need these):
- Passport (original) + copy of the photo/biodata page
- Residence/address proof (see next section for accepted styles)
- 1 photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm, passport-style)
- Fee (commonly KRW 30,000 for issuance—confirm at your office)
- Visa/status-specific documents (student/work/family categories differ)
Official reference for ARC basics: MOJ ARC 안내
Address Proof: What Usually Works (And What Often Fails)
Immigration offices typically ask for a document that shows your current Korean address. The exact accepted document type can vary by visa category and office, but these are common examples that people use:
- Rental contract (your name + address clearly visible)
- Dorm confirmation (if living in university housing)
- Housing confirmation letter (if staying with someone; office-specific rules apply)
Common failure: you show a booking screenshot that doesn’t include your full name/address, or you bring a contract that is unclear or missing pages. Bring the cleanest possible proof and keep it consistent with the address you used in your HiKorea reservation.
Photo Rules: Don’t Let a Small Detail Delay You
The Ministry of Justice explicitly lists the ARC photo size as 3.5cm × 4.5cm on its guidance page. Some offices also enforce “recent photo” expectations, so it’s safer to use a newly taken photo rather than an old one.
Official reference (photo size included): MOJ ARC 안내
Step 3 — Go to Immigration (What Actually Happens at the Office)
Most ARC visits follow a predictable flow:
- Check-in / queue (bring your appointment proof)
- Document review (officer checks passport, address proof, visa category documents)
- Application submission (forms may be provided at the office; requirements vary)
- Payment (issuance fee; confirm payment method at your office)
- Receipt + pickup/delivery instructions (office-specific)
Pro tip: arrive early and bring an extra set of copies. If anything is missing, you may be told to return another day, which can put you at risk if you’re close to deadlines.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Receive the ARC?
Processing times vary by location and season (peak student intake months can be slower). Many applicants report a few weeks from application to issuance, but you should treat that as a planning range—not a guarantee.
Best practice: don’t schedule critical life tasks (like urgent banking or long-term contracts) assuming you’ll get the card “next week.” Build buffer.
Most Common Reasons People Get Delayed (And How to Fix Them)
- No appointment slots: book earlier; check HiKorea frequently; consider different time windows.
- Wrong immigration office: confirm jurisdiction by address before booking.
- Weak address proof: bring a clearer contract/confirmation with your name + full address.
- Photo rejected: use a fresh 3.5×4.5cm photo.
- Visa-category documents missing: student/work/family visas often require extra items—prepare the correct set.
FAQ (Fast Answers)
Q1) Can I apply without an appointment?
Many offices run on reservation-based visits, and HiKorea’s visit reservation system exists specifically to manage wait times. For most cases, assume you should book through HiKorea first.
Q2) Do I need to apply within 90 days even if I’m busy?
If you plan to stay more than 90 days, the MOJ guidance indicates registration should be completed within the allowed timeframe (commonly within 90 days of entry). Don’t gamble with “later.”
Q3) What if my address changes after I book?
If your jurisdiction changes, your office may change too. It’s better to update your plan early rather than show up at the wrong office with mismatched address proof.
Q4) What’s the official help line?
HiKorea lists the Immigration Contact Center number 1345 (within Korea). For overseas calls, HiKorea also lists international contact numbers on the site.