Foreign Residence Registration

  • AFTER ARRIVAL
  • Foreign Residence Registration

Foreign Resident Registration (for stays over 90 days)

According to Korean immigration law, foreigners staying in Korea for more than 90 days are required to register their immigration status within 90 days from their date of entry.

Failure to register within this period is illegal and may result in fines, visa cancellation, or restrictions on your stay in Korea.

What is Foreign Resident Registration?

The registration process includes

  1. STEP 01

    Submitting
    the application form

  2. STEP 02

    Fingerprint registration

  3. STEP 03

    Receiving your Residence Card
    (RC, formerly ARC)

The RC serves as your official ID in Korea and is essential for daily life (e.g., opening a bank account, getting a phone plan).

Important

The D-2 visa is a single-entry visa valid for 90 days after arrival.
If you leave Korea before receiving your RC, your visa will be automatically canceled,
and you will need to apply for a new visa and RC from outside Korea.
Therefore, do not schedule any overseas travel before receiving your Residence Card.

It typically takes 3 to 4 weeks for the RC to be issued after applying.

Options for Registration

Group Registration

To support international students, the OIA organizes group foreign resident registration each semester.

Spring semester
  • Registration is arranged around March.
  • Instructions and necessary documents will be shared in late February.
Fall semester
  • Registration is arranged around September.
  • Instructions and necessary documents will be shared in late August.

You do not need to make a personal visit reservation to the immigration office.
However, please note that processing time may take up to 8 weeks, depending on the immigration office.
We will notify you via email as soon as your RC is ready.

Individual Registration

If you prefer to receive your RC earlier, you may complete the registration individually.

Detailed guidelines will also be provided in
  • Late February (for spring semester)
  • Late August (for fall semester)