Introduction

The Residence Card (RC) (formerly known as ARC) is your official Korean identification card as a foreign resident.
Once issued, it becomes one of your most important documents while living in Korea.

You'll use it for many everyday services, including:

   - Opening a Korean bank account
   - Signing up for a mobile phone plan
   - Receiving mail and deliveries
   - Identity verification for many online services
   - Entering employment (where applicable)

This guide is for students who are wanting to handle the RC application by themselves instead of going through a third party such as HireVisa.

Application Timeline

If you plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a RC per local law.

Since appointment availability can fill quickly during university intake periods, we recommend booking your appointment as soon as possible after arriving.
The entire process may take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months depending on whether you apply directly or go through a third party.

Which Office Should You Visit?

There are 3 office locations in Seoul. Below is a map that will help you determine which branch you need to visit based on your address.

Jongno Area (Central) 

Jongro 38, Jongrogu, Seoul
서울시 종로구 종로 38

Magok Area (West) 

Magokseo 1ro 48, Gangseogu, Seoul
서울시 강서구 마곡서1로 48

Gwanak Area (South) 

Mokdongdongro 151, Yangcheongu, Seoul
서울시 양천구 목동동로 151

How Do I Apply for a Residence Card (RC)?

  • Make a reservation to the Immigration office through HiKorea’s website.

    The office location you will need to visit will vary by your address.

  • Visit the appropriate immigration office based on your reservation with all of the required documents.

  • Once you arrive at the immigration office, take a waiting ticket and wait until your number is called.

    Before meeting with the immigration officer, purchase a Government Revenue Stamp (KRW 35,000) at the designated payment counter within the immigration office.

    The Revenue Stamp is cash only, so it is recommended that you bring cash with you.

    Although many immigration offices have an ATM, it may not accept international cards or cards issued by smaller banks.

    After purchasing the Revenue Stamp, keep the receipt and submit it together with your other required documents when your number is called.

  • When your waiting number is called, proceed to the immigration counter and submit all required documents to the immigration officer.

    Not all immigration offices have English-speaking staff, so having your documents prepared in advance is recommended.

    The immigration officer will then collect your fingerprints as part of your Residence Card application.

  • Once your appointment is completed, your application will be reviewed.

    Processing times can vary largely anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months depending on the time of the year.

    Note: March-April and August-September timeframe usually takes longer as this is when international students arrive in mass.

Commmonly Required Documents

Students will often require the following document for their Residence Card (RC) Application:
   - Passport 
   - Application Form (Available at Immigration Offices and online at the HiKorea website)
   - Government Revenue Stamp (Available at Immigration office for KRW 35,000 for cash only)
   - Proof of Residence (Lease Contract, Certitficate of Accomodation, Etc.)
   - Proof of Enrollment    
   - 1 Color Photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) (details and requirements can be found on HiKorea's website)

Frequently Made Mistakes

Depending on the branch and time, the immigration office can get extremely crowded. 
Since you will have to also purchase your revenue stamp prior to seeing the officer, you will want to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.

1) Arriving Just On Time for Your Appointment

Purchasing the revenue stamp will require cash. Please note that the ATMs at the branches may only take major card holders and decline cards issued by your local bank.

2) Not Bringing Cash

3) Leaving the Country While RC is Processing

If you plan to leave Korea before your Residence Card (RC) has been issued, make sure you understand how this may affect your immigration status or your ability to re-enter Korea.

Depending on your visa type and individual circumstances, you may need additional documentation or permission before departing.

4) Not Reporting Change of Address

Please note that if your address changes, you must report it within 14 calendar days. Failure or delay in reporting will result in a fine.

To report the address change, you can simply visit your Dong or Gu Office with your Resident Card and Proof of Address (e.g. housing contract). Generally, appointments are not needed.

Need Help?

If you're unsure about the application process or would like someone to help you navigate it, Univera offers guidance and accompaniment services to help make the process easier.