Korea Alien Registration 2026: 90-Day Deadline, Penalties, and How to Report an Address Change

Bottom line: This applies only to foreigners who must hold an Alien Registration Card — long-term stays on visas such as D-2 (study), E-7 (skilled worker) or F-6 (marriage), typically staying more than 90 days. Short-term visitors and tourists staying 90 days or less don't need this. Register as a foreigner within 90 days of entry at your local immigration office and that duty is done. After that, if you move or any registered detail (passport number, school, employer) changes, you only need to file a separate report within 15 days — and the two obligations carry very different weight.

If you didn't know: Failing to register as a foreigner at all can mean up to 1 year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won under the Immigration Control Act. Missing the 15-day deadline to report a change of address or registered details after you're already registered is a fine of up to 1 million won — ten times lighter. Tiered fine tables circulating online ('100,000 won under 3 months, 1 million won after 2 years') come from a different article of the law (Article 19, employer reporting) and don't apply here — don't trust them.

This article summarizes official guidance and is not legal, medical or financial advice.

If you miss this once, it can count against you later when you apply to extend your visa or change your status.