Are fingerprints and a photo required when I register as a foreigner?

A photo is required. Most foreigners give fingerprints when they register, but some people are exempt.

Submit the photo with your passport and the Alien Registration Card application form (외국인등록증 발급신청서). HiKorea says to bring 1 color photo (3.5cm×4.5cm). Gov24 (정부24) lists a different photo size, so check with HiKorea or the immigration office before you apply. The photo rules are:

• It must be a front-facing photo of your face, taken within the last 6 months.
• It must have a white background and no border.
• The face length (top of head to chin) must be 2.5~3.5cm.
• It must not be edited with Photoshop or similar tools, and it must not be black and white.

Fingerprints are not confirmed in the materials I have. In practice, foreigners aged 17 or older usually give fingerprints and face data at the immigration office when they register. Some people may be exempt, such as those with a diplomatic or official purpose. Children under 17 do not get an Alien Registration Card. A registration number sticker is attached to their passport.

💡 Good to know

• You must register within 90 days of the day you entered Korea. Visit the immigration office (출입국·외국인관서) that covers where you live.
• The fee is 35,000 KRW.
• Fingerprints are taken on site, so you do not need to prepare anything.

Before you visit, check who must give fingerprints and who is exempt on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or at the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).