By when and where do I have to register as a foreigner after I enter Korea?

You must complete alien registration (외국인등록) within 90 days of the day you entered Korea. This applies to foreigners who will stay in Korea for more than 90 days. Apply at the immigration office with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

Where do I apply?

• Apply in person at an Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청) or its branch office, or at an Immigration Service Office (출입국·외국인사무소) or its branch office.
• You must go to the office that covers the place where you live.
• Processing is done on the spot. It takes about 3 hours during working hours.

Prepare these documents

• Basic documents (application form, passport, photo, fee) — The photo is 1 color photo (3.5cm×4.5cm). The fee is 35,000 KRW. It is waived for Corporate Investment (D-8).
• Proof of residence — a lease contract, a housing confirmation letter, a utility bill payment receipt, etc.
• Extra documents by visa status — Study (D-2) needs a certificate of enrollment, Language Training (D-4) needs a certificate of enrollment, Professor (E-1) needs a copy of the business registration certificate, etc.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• Extra documents are valid for only 3 months from the issue date.
• Be sure to register before the 90 days pass.
• If you move after registering, you must report the change of residence within 15 days of the day you move to the new address.

Before you apply, check the documents needed for your visa status on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr). Before you visit, check once more with your local immigration office or the Foreigner Information Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).