Alien Registration Card Korea 2026: 90-Day Deadline, Fees, Penalty
This applies only to people staying in Korea past 90 days on a long-term visa (D-2 study, E-7 work, F-6 marriage). If you're a tourist staying under 90 days, this does not apply to you.
Bottom line: You must register as a foreigner at the immigration office covering your address within 90 days of entry (or of getting your visa status). Book your visit slot on hikorea.go.kr first — walk-ins without a reservation get turned away at the counter.
If you didn't know: Missing the 90-day deadline is a criminal matter under Korea's Immigration Act, not just a late fee. Legal references consistently cite a penalty of up to 1 year in prison or a fine of up to 10,000,000 won. A late registration can also count against you later when you apply to extend or change your visa status.
Deadline — within 90 days of entry or visa approval · Where — your local immigration office (book first at hikorea.go.kr) · Bring — passport, proof of address, one passport photo (3.5×4.5cm, face 2.5–3.5cm, white background, taken within 6 months) · Phone — Immigration Contact Center 1345.
Article 31 of Korea's Immigration Act requires foreigners who will stay past 90 days to register within 90 days of entry, with narrow exemptions for diplomats and similar status-holders. The photo specs and where to apply come straight from the Ministry of Justice's official immigration guidance. Once registered, you get a personal Alien Registration Number, which becomes the ID you use to open bank accounts, sign up for phone plans, and join health insurance. We could not find an official, specific number of business days for how long the card takes to print, or a single confirmed reissue fee, on the public HiKorea notices checked — call 1345 or ask your local office directly before you apply. If your card is lost, report it to HiKorea or your immigration office immediately. Checked 2026-11-01 on the Ministry of Justice's official immigration site (immigration.go.kr) alien registration guidance page, and Article 31 of the Immigration Act via the National Law Information Center.
This article summarizes official information and is not legal, medical, or financial advice.
Journey stage: During the trip · Verified 2026-11-01
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