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.
