There is one crucial thing you must do right after arriving in South Korea: applying for your ARC (Alien Registration Card).

ARC Korea is not just a simple ID card. Opening a bank account, getting a mobile phone plan, enrolling in national health insurance, and signing a housing lease—everything revolves around this single card. Without an ARC, you cannot access the basic infrastructure of daily life in Korea.

In this post, we have summarized the essentials for international students and expat workers applying for an ARC for the first time, including who needs to apply, required documents, a step-by-step guide, and what’s new in 2025.

What is ARC Korea?

Everything in Korea starts here

The ARC (Alien Registration Card) is an exclusive identification card for foreigners issued by the Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice. It functions exactly like a Korean citizen's Resident Registration Card.

💡 TIP: As of 2021, the official English name of the card was changed to Residence Card (RC). Don't panic if your physical card says "RC" when you receive it! In everyday life, the name "ARC" is still the most widely used.

Once you receive your ARC, you can:

Open a Korean bank accountSet up a mobile phone plan with a domestic telecom carrier (SIM in your name)Enroll in National Health Insurance (NHIS)Sign a monthly rent or Jeonse (deposit) housing leaseAccess various administrative services and online identity verification

Conversely, without an ARC, all of the above are blocked. While you can use your passport for some limited services, opening a fully functional bank account and getting a standard mobile contract are impossible without it. To avoid inconveniences during your first weeks in Korea, it is highly recommended to apply as soon as possible.

Pre-Application Checklist

Check if your visa requires an ARC

The ARC is mandatory for any foreigner planning to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days (91 days or more). Regardless of your purpose of stay or visa type, you must apply if you plan to stay long-term.

D-2
International students enrolled in degree programs at universities or graduate schools. Exchange students staying for more than 90 days are also included.

D-4-1
Students enrolled in language schools or university-affiliated Korean language programs. Even for short-term language study, an ARC is required if the stay exceeds 90 days.

E-Series
Work visa holders such as professors, language instructors, and professionals. If your employment contract exceeds 90 days, you should prepare to apply immediately upon arrival.

F-Series
Marriage migrants and permanent residents. Accompanying family members must also apply individually.

C-3
If you entered on a short-term tourist visa (90 days or less), you are not eligible to apply. If you wish to stay longer, you must change to an appropriate long-term visa before entering.

You can check the specific conditions for each visa type on the official HiKorea website.

💡 TIP: You must apply within 90 days of your entry date. Overdue applications may result in fines ranging from 100,000 to 1,000,000 KRW.

Required Documents for ARC Application

You must prepare all of the following documents before visiting the Immigration Office.

Common Documents (Regardless of Visa Type)

Original Passport (Must be valid)1 Passport-sized photo (White background, 3.5×4.5cm)Application form (Available at the Immigration Office or can be filled out in advance on HiKorea)Proof of Residence in KoreaApplication Fee: 35,000 KRW (Increased from 30,000 KRW as of January 1, 2025)

What is Proof of Residence?

This is the most commonly overlooked part of the ARC application.
You must provide official documents proving your actual residential address in Korea.

Certificate of Dormitory Residence (If living in a university dorm)Housing Lease Agreement (If renting a studio, officetel, etc.)Utility bill or confirmation of residence under your name

In short, your housing must be secured before applying for an ARC.

Feeling overwhelmed about finding a place to live after arriving? Check out Homes in Korea for Housing in Korea

💡 TIP: Additional Documents by Visa Type

D-2 Students: Certificate of Enrollment or Certificate of AdmissionD-4-1 Language Trainees: Certificate of Enrollment from the language instituteE-2 Language Instructors: Employment Contract + Health Check-up Certificate (from a Ministry of Justice-designated hospital)

Step-by-Step ARC Application Guide

From HiKorea Reservation to Pick-up

You must apply at the Immigration Office that has jurisdiction over your residential area. Making an online reservation via HiKorea before your visit is strictly required.

STEP 1. Make a Reservation on HiKorea
Go to HiKorea → Reserve a Visit → Select the jurisdiction office for your area → Choose a date and time. During peak seasons (February-March for the new semester), slots fill up very quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as you arrive.

STEP 2. Prepare Documents & Visit
Visit the office on your reserved date with all required documents. You will submit your application, register your fingerprints, and take a photo on-site.

STEP 3. Pay the Fee
Pay the 35,000 KRW application fee on-site. Both cash and card are usually accepted.

STEP 4. Receive Application Receipt & Wait
After submitting, you will receive an application receipt. It typically takes 2-3 weeks for the ARC to be issued. Once ready, you will receive a text message. Bring your passport and the receipt to the same office to pick up your card.

📍 Find your Jurisdiction Office: Enter your residential address on the HiKorea website to check.
⏰ Processing Time: 2-3 weeks (Up to 4 weeks during peak semester seasons).
💡 TIP: The application receipt can be used as a temporary ID until you receive your physical ARC, but certain services like opening a bank account generally require the physical card.

What's New in 2025: Introduction of the Mobile ARC

Starting January 2025, you can use a Mobile ARC (Mobile Residence Card) along with your physical card. By registering your digital ARC via the Ministry of Justice's 'Mobile ID' app, you can verify your identity at public institutions, hospitals, and convenience stores without needing the physical card.

How to use the Mobile ARC:

You need an ARC with an embedded IC chip issued after January 2025.Install the 'Mobile ID' app (iOS/Android) and scan the QR code on your ARC.Anyone aged 14 or older with a smartphone registered in their name can apply.

⚠️ Existing ARCs issued before 2025 are not automatically converted. If you want a Mobile ARC, you must visit the Immigration Office and apply for a replacement card with an embedded IC chip.

⚠️ Not all institutions accept the Mobile ARC yet. It is highly recommended to carry your physical card as well.

Top 3 Common Mistakes When Applying for an ARC

① Incorrect Photo Specifications ARC photos must have a plain white background, and your ears must be visible in a full-frontal shot. If your hair covers your ears or the background isn't white, your application will be rejected. This means you’ll have to retake photos on-site or revisit the office, so double-check before you go.

② Missing Proof of Residence
This is the most common mistake. Many people forget to bring their dorm certificate or housing lease, making same-day application impossible. Remember: you cannot apply if your residential address is not yet finalized.

③ Visiting Without a Reservation
Walk-ins are generally not accepted. Especially during the peak spring semester (Feb-Mar), reservations close weeks in advance. Booking your slot on HiKorea should be your top priority upon arrival.

Applying for an ARC is your very first gateway to life in Korea.
As long as you prepare the right documents and book your reservation early, it’s much easier than it seems. 
We highly recommend booking your HiKorea appointment within your first week of arriving!