🆔 How to Register for ARC (Alien Registration Card) in Korea | Living in Korea

📌 If you're staying in Korea for more than 90 days, you must register for a Korean ARC (Residence Card). It's your official ID used for opening bank accounts, getting a SIM card, signing contracts, and more.
📋 Table of Contents
- 1. When You Must Apply
- 2. Booking an Appointment (HiKorea)
- 3. Required Documents & Medical Exam
- 4. Immigration Office Visit & Fee
- 5. Card Issuance & Pick-Up
- 6. 🤔 Did you know?
- 7. Practice Everyday Korean
1. When You Must Apply
📌장기비자(D-2, H-1, E-2 등)를 소지한 경우, 입국 후 90일 이내에 반드시 외국인등록을 해야 합니다.
If you have a long-term visa (e.g. D‑2, H‑1, E‑2), apply within 90 days of arrival. Tourists on short-term visas are exempt.
2. Booking an Appointment (HiKorea)
📌 HiKorea 홈페이지에서 비회원 방문예약을 클릭하고 여권 정보를 입력해 예약합니다.
Visit HiKorea and click “Reserve Visit (Non-member).” Verify identity using passport info and choose your local immigration office.
3. Required Documents & Medical Exam
📌 준비물:
- 여권 원본 및 복사본
- 여권사진 (35×45mm)
- 주소 증명 서류 (임대계약서 등)
- 결핵검사 결과서 (E-2 비자 소지자)
Bring:
- Passport + copy
- Passport photo (35×45mm)
- Proof of address
- TB test result (if E-2 visa)
4. Immigration Office Visit & Fee
📌 예약 당일에는 일찍 도착하고, 수수료 3만 원(현금)과 우편비(선택 시)를 지참하세요.
Arrive early with ₩30,000 cash. Extra ₩3,000–₩4,000 if using postal delivery.
5. Card Issuance & Pick-Up
📌 카드 발급까지 2~6주가 걸립니다. 직접 수령 또는 우편 수령 가능합니다.
Issuance takes 2–6 weeks. Pick up in person or receive it by post.
6. 🤔 Did you know?
📌ARC의 외국인등록번호는 주민등록번호처럼 생활에 필수입니다.
Your ARC has a 13-digit ID, used like a resident number—for banks, mobile phones, and more.
7. Practice Everyday Korean
📌 한국 행정 용어와 표현이 어렵다면, italki에서 저와 함께 수업을 들어보세요!
Learn Korean for daily life and paperwork. Book a class with me on italki.
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