Any foreigner intending to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days must obtain a foreigner registration card, also called an alien card. This card allows access to Korean health insurance and the ability to enroll children in schools. Foreigners must carry their registration card at all times.
Who must register?
- Foreigners staying in Korea for more than 90 days
- Individuals who lost Korean nationality and obtained foreign nationality
- Foreigners born in Korea staying for more than 91 days
Registration exemptions
- Diplomats, public officials, and their families (A-1, A-2, A-3)
- Canadians staying less than 6 months for specific activities (D-1, F-1, F-3, etc.)
- Minors under 17 years old residing in Korea
Registration period
Registration must be completed within 90 days after entering Korea.
Documents required for registration
- Passport, application form, 1 color photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
- 30,000 KRW fee
- Proof of residence
Mandatory declarations
- Change of residency status or address must be declared within 15 days
- Employment changes must be declared within 15 days
- The residence card must be returned when leaving Korea
