Do I need to report to Immigration when I get a new passport?

Yes. If you have registered as a foreign resident, you must report within 15 days when your passport number, issue date, or expiry date changes. A new passport usually has a new number and expiry date, so it is usually something you must report.

You must file a change report on alien registration details (외국인등록사항 변경신고) at the local immigration office (지방출입국·외국인관서) with jurisdiction within 15 days from the day the reason for the report arose. You or your agent can file the report.

Just bring these documents

• New passport — check the changed number and expiry date
• Alien registration card (외국인등록증) — used to check and correct your registration information
• Change report form for alien registration details (외국인등록사항 변경신고서) — available at Immigration and also on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr)
• Document proving the change — a copy of the new passport usually serves this purpose

Steps to report

1. Check the day you received the new passport. The deadline is 15 days from that day.
2. Prepare your documents and go to the immigration office with jurisdiction over your address. You may need to book a visit.
3. Submit the change report form and have it accepted.

⚠️ Points to note

• If you do not report within 15 days, you violate Article 35 of the Immigration Act (출입국관리법) and will be fined. The fine is an administrative penalty.
• This report is a different procedure from the report of a change of residence (address). If your address changed, you must report it separately.
• When you get a new passport, keep it together with your old passport that has the visa in it.

Check once more on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Information Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345) for how to report and whether you can book a visit.