Alien Registration Card (ARC) in Korea: A Complete 2025 Guide for Foreign Residents

Intro (why foreigners need to know this)

What is the ARC?

Who needs it? (visa types, nationality)

Why it’s necessary (legal obligations, daily life uses: banking, SIM, housing, etc.)

Application eligibility and process

Required documents

Validity period & renewal rules

ARC vs not having one (practical & legal consequences)

Mobile ARC (digital version)

Cancellation, revocation, or denial (e.g., overstaying, crime, visa loss)

Where & how to apply (Immigration offices, HiKorea system)

Practical tips for foreigners (timelines, common mistakes)

Conclusion (ARC as the “ID key” for living in Korea)

Introduction

For anyone planning to live in South Korea for more than a few months, one of the first and most important documents you will encounter is the Alien Registration Card (ARC). This small plastic card, issued by the Korean government, is more than just proof of your identity—it is the gateway to almost every aspect of daily life. Whether you are a student, an English teacher, a company employee, or even a digital nomad on a long-term visa, having an ARC allows you to open a bank account, sign a mobile phone contract, register for health insurance, and prove your legal residency status.

In recent years, South Korea has also introduced the mobile ARC, making it possible to carry your identity digitally on your smartphone. For foreigners, especially first-timers, the ARC process can feel intimidating. This guide will break down everything you need to know: what it is, who qualifies, why it’s mandatory, how to apply, and what happens if you lose or fail to obtain it.

What Is the Alien Registration Card?

The Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증, oegugin deungnok jeung) is an official ID card issued by the Korean Immigration Service under the Ministry of Justice. It functions as the national ID for foreigners who are staying in Korea for more than 90 days.

Key features of the ARC include:

Your name (in English and Korean transliteration)
Your date of birth
Your nationality
Your visa type and status (e.g., D-2 Student Visa, E-2 Teaching Visa, F-6 Marriage Visa)
Your residence address in Korea
The validity period of your stay

It is legally equivalent to the Resident Registration Card (주민등록증) that Korean citizens carry. Without it, you are essentially invisible in the system—you cannot legally or practically live in Korea for the long term.

Who Needs to Get an ARC?

Not every foreign visitor needs an ARC. The general rule is:

Required: All foreigners staying longer than 90 days in South Korea.
Not required: Tourists and short-term visitors (C-3 tourist visa holders, visa-free stays under 90 days).

Examples of foreigners who must apply:

International students (D-2 visa)
English teachers or foreign workers (E-2, E-7, etc.)
Expats on corporate assignments
Spouses of Korean citizens (F-6 visa)
Permanent residents (F-5 visa)
Long-term cultural exchange or research visa holders

Nationality does not matter. Whether you are from the U.S., France, India, the Philippines, or Nigeria—if you plan to stay in Korea beyond 90 days, you are legally obligated to register.

Why Is the ARC Necessary?

The ARC is not just a piece of plastic; it is the backbone of your life in Korea. Without it, many basic tasks are impossible.

Here’s what the ARC allows you to do:

Banking: Open a Korean bank account or get a debit card.
Mobile Phone & Internet: Sign a contract for a SIM card, Wi-Fi, or home internet.
Housing: Sign a lease agreement for an apartment or officetel.
Healthcare: Register with the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS).
Employment: Legally prove your right to work under your visa category.
Travel: Use it for immigration re-entry and as a valid ID for domestic flights.
Daily Life: Verify your identity when needed (hospitals, online portals, deliveries, etc.).

In short, without an ARC, life in Korea becomes extremely inconvenient and often legally restricted.

Application Eligibility and Process

Eligibility

You must apply for an ARC if:

You plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days.
You hold a valid long-term visa (not just a tourist visa).
You have a fixed address in Korea where you will reside.

When to Apply

Within 90 days of arriving in Korea.
For students: usually arranged by the university during orientation.
For workers: the employer often guides the process.

Where to Apply

Immigration Offices across Korea (Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, etc.).
Applications are made in person at your designated office (based on your residential address).
Appointments are usually booked online through HiKorea.go.kr.

Required Documents

While the exact documents vary by visa type, in general you will need:

Completed application form (downloadable from HiKorea).
Valid passport.
1 color photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background).
Proof of residence (rental contract, dormitory confirmation, etc.).
Visa documents (Certificate of Admission for students, employment contract for workers, marriage certificate for F-6 visa holders).
Application fee (30,000 KRW as of 2025, paid in revenue stamps).

Validity Period and Renewal

The ARC’s validity is tied to your visa period. For example:

A student visa might be valid for 1 or 2 years.
A work visa may be issued for 1 year, renewable with a contract extension.
A marriage visa (F-6) may start with 1 year and extend longer.

When your visa is renewed, you must also update your ARC. Failure to do so can result in fines.

ARC vs Not Having One

With ARC

Full access to banking, mobile, housing, healthcare, and legal employment.
Recognized as a legal resident.
Eligible for public services and digital certificates.

Without ARC

Cannot open bank accounts or sign contracts.
Cannot join National Health Insurance.
Considered an overstayer after 90 days → subject to fines, deportation, or entry bans.
Extremely difficult to function in daily life.

Mobile ARC: The Digital Version

Since 2021, Korea has gradually rolled out the Mobile ARC (모바일 외국인등록증).

Features:

Stored in a secure government app.
Functions as official ID for most purposes.
Convenient for people who don’t want to carry the physical card everywhere.

However, the physical card is still required in some cases (immigration checks, some banking tasks).

Cancellation, Revocation, or Denial

When Can It Be Revoked?

The Korean government may revoke or refuse to reissue an ARC if:

Your visa has expired or been cancelled.
You have committed serious crimes in Korea.
You violated immigration laws (overstaying, working illegally).
You provided false documents during your application.

What Happens If It’s Cancelled?

You lose your legal residency status.
You may be deported or banned from re-entry.
Employers, schools, and landlords will be notified that your residency is no longer valid.

Where and How to Apply

Applications are submitted at your local Immigration Office.

Steps:

Book an appointment on HiKorea.go.kr.
Prepare all documents and fee.
Attend the appointment in person.
Provide fingerprints and personal details.
Wait 2–4 weeks for processing.
Collect the card in person (bring passport for verification).

Practical Tips for Applicants

Book early: Immigration offices are often fully booked weeks in advance.
Bring exact documents: Even small mistakes (wrong photo size, missing contract) cause delays.
Update your address: If you move, you must report it to Immigration within 14 days.
Carry your ARC: By law, you must have it on you at all times. Police or officials may request it.
Mobile ARC backup: Install the app for convenience, but don’t rely on it 100%.

Conclusion

For foreigners living in Korea, the Alien Registration Card is more than just a bureaucratic requirement—it is the key to life in Korea. From opening a bank account to accessing healthcare, from getting a phone number to proving your identity, the ARC ensures that you are recognized as a legal resident.

Failure to obtain one within 90 days is not just inconvenient—it’s illegal. With the rollout of the mobile ARC, things are becoming more convenient, but the responsibility remains the same: register, carry your ARC, and keep it updated.

If you are planning to stay in Korea for work, study, or family reasons, applying for your ARC should be at the very top of your to-do list.