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Korea Visa & Stay Q&A for Foreigners

Answers to the questions foreigners in Korea ask most, based on Ministry of Justice manuals, laws and official guides.

Guides by visa

E-9Non-professional employmentH-2Work & visitE-7Special activitiesE-7-4Skilled workerE-2Language instructorD-2StudentD-4General trainingD-10Job seekingF-4Overseas KoreanF-2ResidenceF-5Permanent residentF-6Marriage migrantF-1Visiting & living with familyD-8Corporate investmentC-3Short-term visit

Registration card

I lost my Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증). How do I get it reissued and how long does it take?

Reports

By when and where must I report a change of residence after moving?What do foreign workers need to report when they change companies?

Health insurance

Do foreigners also have to join health insurance? How much is the premium?Can I register my foreign spouse and children as dependents on my health insurance?

Violations

My stay period has expired. How much is the fine, and what should I do?What are the residence disadvantages if a foreigner drives under the influence?

Driving

How do I exchange a foreign driver's license for a Korean license?How long can I drive in Korea with an International Driving Permit?

Pension

Can a foreigner receive the National Pension lump-sum refund when leaving Korea?

Housing

Can foreigners sign a jeonse (전세) contract? What about the confirmed date (확정일자) and move-in report (전입신고)?Can foreigners buy a house in Korea? How do I report it?

Tax

For foreign workers' year-end tax settlement, how is the 19% flat tax rate applied?How does a foreign freelancer (3.3%) file the comprehensive income tax return?What documents do foreigners need to register a business?

Banking & phone

What do foreigners need to open a bank account?How can a foreigner activate a mobile phone in Korea?

Entry & exit

Who needs to fill out the electronic arrival card (e-Arrival card)?If a foreigner with an Alien Registration has left Korea, do they need a re-entry permit to come back in?How do I make a reservation to visit an Immigration Office (출입국·외국인관서)?

School & childcare

Can foreign children also attend daycare centers (어린이집)? What about childcare fee support?Can foreign children also enroll in Korean elementary, middle, and high schools?

Social integration (KIIP)

How do I apply for the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (사회통합프로그램, KIIP), and what benefits do I get for completing it?

Labor rights

I haven't been paid my wages. Can a foreign worker also report unpaid wages?How much is the 2026 minimum wage, and does it apply to foreigners too?I was suddenly fired. How do I file a request for relief from unfair dismissal?

Family & marriage

How do I register a marriage when a Korean and a foreigner get married?

Nationality

What are the requirements for general naturalization?