FOHO Blog – Global Housing & Living Guide for Foreigners

How to Apply for Your ARC in Korea – A Foreigner’s Guide to Housing Documents

Get your Korean Alien Registration Card without the stress. Learn the exact housing proof you need, whether you live in a dorm, Airbnb, goshiwon, or private rental.

Evan Han

CEO & Founder of FOHO, a housing platform for foreigners in Korea. Experienced in rental market trends, proptech innovation, and foreign tenant support.

Aug 11, 2025

FOHOTIP

Table of contents

01Getting Your ARC in Korea: A Practical Guide for Foreign Residents
•Why the ARC Matters
•The ARC Application Checklist
•Understanding Proof of Residence
•Common Mistakes That Delay ARC Approval
•How to Ask for Housing Documents
•After You Get Your ARC
•FOHO Can Simplify It All

Getting Your ARC in Korea: A Practical Guide for Foreign Residents

If you plan to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days, applying for an Alien Registration Card (ARC)—officially called a Residence Card—isn’t optional. Without it, you can’t open a bank account, sign a phone contract, or even legally continue your stay.

Yet one part of the process consistently causes delays for newcomers: proof of residence.

This guide breaks down the ARC application from start to finish, with extra focus on housing documentation—so you can avoid common mistakes and get your card on time.

Why the ARC Matters

The ARC is your official ID in Korea. It contains your photo, visa status, and registered address, and you are expected to carry it at all times. You must apply within 90 days of arrival or risk fines. Processing can take 3–8 weeks, so starting early is essential.

The ARC Application Checklist

Here’s what you’ll need to bring to the immigration office:

Item	Details	Tips
Passport (original + copy)	Clear, actual-size scan of the ID page	Must show the machine-readable code; no shadows or fingers
Visa Grant Notice	Printed PDF from visa.go.kr	For visa holders; re-download if lost
Application Form	Available at immigration or HiKorea	Fill out completely; use black ink
ID Photo	3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, white background, taken within 6 months	No hats/sunglasses; religious headwear OK if face is fully visible
Fee	₩30,000 cash (plus ₩3–5k if mailed)	Buy revenue stamp on site
Proof of Residence	Document covering at least 60 days from application date	See full breakdown below
Other (if applicable)	TB test, enrollment certificate, job contract, etc.	Depends on your visa type

Understanding Proof of Residence

Immigration won’t accept “just an address” written on your form. You need evidence that you legally live there—and that your stay will last at least two more months from the day you apply.

The exact documents depend on your living arrangement:

Housing Type	What to Submit	Extra Notes
University Dorm	Dormitory residence certificate issued by school	Get it from the housing office or international office
Lease in Your Name	Copy of rental contract	Show address, your name, lease dates; add business registration if landlord is a company
Housing Not in Your Name	1) Confirmation of Residence form (signed by host) 2) Host’s ID copy (front/back) 3) Host’s lease or ownership proof	All three are mandatory
Hotel / Guesthouse / Goshiwon	1) Confirmation of residence 2) Business registration of provider 3) Rent receipt or payment proof	Receipt must cover current stay
Airbnb	1) Airbnb booking confirmation 2) Confirmation form 3) Host’s ID 4) Host’s lease/ownership proof	If company-run, use business registration instead of personal ID

Tip: If your housing is short-term (less than 60 days left), extend it before applying or be ready to update your address with new documents later.

Common Mistakes That Delay ARC Approval

Poor-quality passport copy – Use a scanner, not your phone.

ID photo not meeting specs – Background must be white, size exact, no shadows.

Incomplete housing proof – Missing host’s ID or contract is the most common reason for rejections.

Contract expiring too soon – Immigration may reject contracts with less than two months left.

Documents not in Korean or English – Translate if necessary.

How to Ask for Housing Documents

If your name isn’t on the lease, you’ll need cooperation from your landlord or host. Here’s how to make it easier:

Provide the official Korean form – Download the “거주/숙소제공 확인서” from HiKorea so they know exactly what’s required.

Explain the reason – Let them know it’s for government registration, not for tax or legal trouble.

Offer a template letter – Some schools and services (like FOHO) provide ready-made letters in Korean explaining the request.

After You Get Your ARC

If you move, you must report your new address within 14 days at immigration or your local district office. Failing to do so can lead to fines. Keep your ARC safe—replacement takes time and another fee.

FOHO Can Simplify It All

Managing utilities might feel overwhelming when you first move to Seoul. And while the systems here are efficient, the language barrier and service fragmentation can make things harder than they need to be.

That’s where FOHO can make a difference. We help you understand what each option really means and communicate with landlords — so you avoid costly mistakes and stay focused on what brought you to Korea in the first place.

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