Getting an Alien Registration Card (ARC) is a vital first step toward establishing legal residency for foreigners residing in Korea. This document enables people to access a range of services and benefits and acts as identification evidence. In this ultimate guide to Korea Alien Registration Card, we will walk you through the requirements and application procedure for acquiring an ARC card in Korea. Go on scanning to obtain all you should know about it.
What is the Korea Alien Registration Card
A Korea ARC card, or foreigner residence card, is a national identification card issued by Korea that serves as a means of identification and social security for individuals who are not citizens of Korea. If the applicant has an ARC, they will have more options, such as applying for a credit card or a post-paid mobile phone plan, which will make opening a local phone number or bank account much simpler. As long as your ARC is still valid, your stay in Korea will after that likewise be unlimited.
Who Can Apply for Korea ARC Card
The Korea ARC card is applicable for the following groups:
- Visitors from overseas plan to stay in the Republic of Korea for ninety-one days or more.
- Individuals who have acquired a foreign nationality and lost their Korean citizenship.
- Foreign nationals who were born in the Republic of Korea plan to remain in the country for more than 91 days after obtaining a stay permit.
When to Apply for ARC
For foreign visitors who intend to stay in Korea for more than ninety days, the Alien Resident Card South Korea (ARC) is a common identification card that they must register it within 90 days from the date of entry. As soon as it is obtained, it helps the candidate by serving as their formal identity in Korea. This means they can travel within the nation and prove their age without requiring a passport.
Required Documents for Alien Registration Card
To apply for ARC in South Korea, you have to prepare the following necessary documents.
- Passport and a single copy of the ID page
- Color passport photo measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm with a white backdrop
- The filled application form that can be obtained at the immigration office.
- A copy of the proof of residency, which is typically a lease.
- The precise sum of 30,000 KRW (for in-person residence card pickup) or 34,000 KRW (for mail-order residence card delivery)
- One sealed medical test result (including TBPE and HIV test) for those who qualify.
- Medical history of tuberculosis examinations. (Individuals who are citizens of any of the following 19 nations must submit the medical check-up report, which includes the tuberculosis examination, from a nearby public health center: China, Sri Lanka, Russia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Nepal, East Timor, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mongolia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, and Laos.)
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In some cases, you might also need to submit several additional documents:
- Professor (E-1): University’s Business Registration Certificate.
- Foreign Language Instructor (E-2): University’s Business Registration Certificate, A health check for employment including drug tests from a medical institution specified by the minister of justice.
- Study (D-2): Certificate of Enrollment.
- Language Training (D-4): Certificate of Enrollment, Training Center Establishment Related Certificates.
- The university’s Business Certificate is provided by the OIA (Office of International Affairs) or your department/college/school.
How to Apply for Alien Registration Card (ARC)
To apply for an ARC card in Korea, you can just follow these detailed steps:
Step 1: Create a hikorea.com account.
Initially, the candidate can arrange a visit and make an account on Hikorea by selecting the “login” symbol located at the top of the website. You can modify the language settings on the website by selecting the “language” option located in the upper right corner. At least ninety days before the arrival date, an appointment must be scheduled.
Step 2: Book a reservation online
Choose the immigration office nearby. Utilize the “Detailed Search” option to locate the relevant branch. Under the “Booth” category, the applicant has the option to choose between Chinese and foreign visitors. A pop-up window can be opened by clicking the “Date of visit” link. After choosing the day and hour of the immigration office visit, click “Close.” The form needs to be downloaded and printed by the applicant.
Step 3: Fill out the application.
The application is available on Hikorea’s official website. After making your choice, finish the application. From the menu at the top of the form, choose “Alien Registration.” The candidate is responsible for gathering all necessary paperwork. To find out what documents are required, one can also phone the Contact Center at (800) 1345 before attending the immigration office.
Step 4: Pay a visit to Immigration
The immigration office is where the applicant should go. After reviewing the application, the officer will direct one of the building’s ATMs to pay the KRW 30,000 processing fee. If the applicant would have the ARC mailed to the address, he will have to pay an additional KRW 3,000.
How to Replace a Lost or Damaged ARC Card
Within fourteen (14) days after the loss, all foreign residents are required to report to the local immigration office regarding their situation. Penalties may be imposed for failure to report. You can report to the local immigration office or online at hikorea.go.kr. Required documents for replacing a lost or damaged ARC card:
- The application form
- Passport-sized color photo with white background, measuring 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm; must have been shot within the previous six months.
- Certificate of Enrollment
- Claim of Missing or Lost
- Thirty thousand krw
How to Change the Address on My ARC Card Korea?
The “Immigration Administration Act” of South Korea states that whenever a foreign national changes their address, they must present their passport and registration card to the new city, county, district, or place of residence within 14 days of the original change. A change notification is also necessary in Seoul real estate if the new address is in the same city, county, or district as the prior address. This is among the responsibilities placed on foreign nationals. There will be a fine if no declaration is made within 14 days after the date of the move.
To change the address on your ARC card in Korea, you just follow the steps below:
1. Access the website hikorea.go.kr; Choose the “e-application” in the transaction list and complete the required fields.
2. To move on to the next page, select “I request a declaration” in the lower right corner and click “Apply.”
3. Type in the address in Korean, attach a picture of the lease, double-check the details, and submit.
4. While awaiting processing, click the “request application status” link at the top of the list of requests to see the status of the processing.
An email reminder will be sent once the processing is finished. The modification of the login address is finished after acceptance.
5. Use a black marker to write the move-in date and new address on the back of the login card.
You must be aware that in compliance with Article 98 (fines) of the Immigration Control Act, a fine of less than one million won will be levied if the duty to notify the change of residence address is broken. The penalty is as follows: 100,000 won in three months and thirty for the next three months. 10,000 won, 500,000 won in six months to a year, 700,000 won in two to three years, and more than one million won.
Return of Alien Card
When making your final departure, you must return the card to the immigration officer or office at the airport or port. There will be a fine if you don’t return.
FAQ
How long does it take to get the Korean ARC?
You will receive notification from the Immigration office when your ARCs are available to be picked up. Depending on the Korean immigration office’s workload, the complete procedure can take four to six weeks.
How much is the ARC fee in Korea?
The application fee for the Korea ARC card is 30,000 KRW or about 30 USD.
What happens if I don’t return my ARC?
You have to return the Alien Registration card to the immigration officers when you depart Korea. You can do this at the airport when you go through immigration. If you fail to turn in your ARC, you will face difficulties leaving the country and face heavy fines.
The Bottom Line
In this article, we have talked about the Korea Alien Registration Card, including the application requirements, process and required documents. For those who want to travel, study, or live in Korea, the Korea Alien Registration card is definitely a necessity, no matter for legal identification or life benefits. Just check whether you are eligible to apply for an ARC card in Korea, prepare all the required documents, and then apply for it with the detailed instructions above.
Erin Lo