Getting your residence card organised

For many long-term arrivals, foreigner registration is the next administrative task after finding an address. Book early enough to leave room for missing documents.

By Seemile · Sources checked

Check your own requirement

  • Ask HiKorea or 1345 whether registration applies to your status and what deadline you must meet.
  • Find the immigration office responsible for your actual address.
  • Students should also ask their international office about any campus registration arrangements.

Build your document folder

  • The usual starting items include your passport, application, photo and proof of your Korean address.
  • Get the status-specific checklist before paying for translations or ordering certificates.
  • If someone else provides your accommodation, ask which proof the office accepts.

After you apply

  • Keep the application receipt and confirm how and when to collect the card.
  • Check the spelling of your name and the registered address when it arrives.
  • Ask the office what to do if the card is lost or your personal details change.

A little Korean goes a long way

  • 외국인등록을 하려고 해요. — I would like to register as a foreign resident.
  • 이 서류로 주소를 증명할 수 있나요? — Can this document prove my address?
Look up a Korean word

Official information

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Keep going

Seoul is the starting point. National rules and local services are labelled separately; eligibility, fees and opening arrangements can differ elsewhere.

Written and organised by Seemile from official public information, with practical checklists and Korean expressions. We are independent of the institutions linked here. Confirm current requirements with the responsible office before an application, payment or medical decision.