South Korea is a popular destination for people all over the world, thanks to
its rich culture, stunning scenery, and booming economy. Whether you're
planning to visit the country for a short stay or you're planning to move to
South Korea for an extended period, you'll need to obtain an Alien
Registration Card (ARC). The ARC is an essential document that foreign
nationals must possess while staying in South Korea. It serves as proof of
identity, residency, and employment status.
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Alien Registration Card
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In this article, we'll take a closer look at what an ARC is, who needs one,
and how to get one. We'll cover the process in detail, including the
necessary documents, fees, and application requirements. By the end of this
article, you should have a clear understanding of what you need to do to
obtain an ARC in South Korea.
➤What is an Alien Registration Card (ARC)?
An Alien Registration Card (ARC) is a document that foreign nationals must
possess while residing in South Korea for more than 90 days. It serves as
proof of identity, residency, and employment status. It is issued by the Korea
Immigration Service (KIS) and contains important information such as the
holder's name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, visa status, and
place of residence.
The ARC is valid for up to three years and must be renewed before it
expires. Failure to renew your ARC can result in fines, legal action, and
even deportation.
➤Who needs an Alien Registration Card (ARC)?
All foreign nationals who plan to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days
must obtain an ARC. This includes students, employees, and people who are
married to Korean nationals. In addition, anyone who plans to work in South
Korea must have an ARC.
If you are a short-term visitor to South Korea, such as a tourist, you do
not need an ARC. However, if you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you
will need to obtain one.
➤How to Get an Alien Registration Card (ARC)?
Getting an ARC in South Korea involves several steps. The process can take a
few weeks, so it's important to plan ahead and start early. Here's what you
need to do to obtain an ARC:
Step 1: Obtain a Visa
Before you can apply for an ARC, you must first obtain a visa. The type of
visa you need will depend on the purpose of your stay in South Korea. There
are several types of visas available, including:
E-1 Visa: For foreign nationals who plan to engage in international trade
activities in South Korea.
E-2 Visa: For foreign nationals who plan to teach English in South
Korea.
E-3 Visa: For foreign nationals who plan to conduct research or technical
work in South Korea.
E-4 Visa: For foreign nationals who plan to work in South Korea as a
professional, such as a lawyer or doctor.
F-1 Visa: For foreign nationals who plan to study in South Korea.
F-4 Visa: For foreign nationals of Korean descent who plan to reside in
South Korea.
To obtain a visa, you must apply at a South Korean embassy or consulate in
your home country. You will need to provide various documents, such as your
passport, a completed application form, and proof of your purpose of stay in
South Korea.
Step 2: Enter South Korea
Once you have obtained your visa, you can enter South Korea. When you
arrive, you will receive an arrival stamp in your passport, which indicates
the date of your entry into the country. This stamp is important, as it
determines the start of your 90-day period during which you must obtain an
ARC.
Step 3: Find a Place to Live
Before you can apply for an ARC, you must have a place to live in South Korea.
This can be a rental apartment, a shared house, or a dormitory. You will need
to provide proof of your address when you apply for your ARC.
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment
You will need to schedule an appointment at your local immigration office to
apply for your ARC. You can do this online through the KIS website or by
calling the KIS hotline. You will need to provide your name, passport number,
and the reason for your visit.
Step 5: Gather the Required Documents
Before your appointment, you will need to gather the required documents for
your ARC application. These documents include:
Your passport and visa
Proof of your address in South Korea (e.g., lease agreement or utility
bill)
Two passport-sized photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm)
The completed ARC application form (which can be obtained at the
immigration office or downloaded from the KIS website)
A fee of KRW 30,000 (as of March 2023)
In addition, depending on your visa type, you may need to provide
additional documents, such as proof of employment or enrollment in a
school.
Step 6: Attend Your Appointment
On the day of your appointment, you will need to bring all of your documents
to the immigration office. You will be asked to fill out the application form
and submit your passport, photos, and proof of address. The immigration
officer will review your documents and take your fingerprints and a digital
photo.
Step 7: Wait for Your ARC
After you have submitted your application, you will receive a receipt with the
date when you can pick up your ARC. This is typically two to four weeks after
your appointment. You will need to return to the immigration office on that
date to pick up your ARC.
Step 8: Renew Your ARC
Your ARC is valid for up to three years. Before it expires, you will need to
renew it by visiting your local immigration office and submitting a renewal
application. You will need to provide updated information, such as your new
address and employment status, and pay a renewal fee of KRW 30,000.
Obtaining an Alien Registration Card (ARC) in South Korea is a necessary step
for foreign nationals who plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days.
The process involves obtaining a visa, finding a place to live, gathering the
required documents, and attending an appointment at your local immigration
office. It's important to start the process early and to ensure that you have
all of the required documents before your appointment. By following these
steps, you can obtain your ARC and enjoy your stay in South Korea without any
legal issues.
