ENG : “Don’t Miss the Deadline!” How to Register Your Address (등록) at Korean Immigration
🏠 How to Register Your Address (주소지 등록) at Korean Immigration
ARC Registration & Address Change for Foreign Residents
If you stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you MUST register your address with Immigration.
Failure to register = a penalty (₩100,000–₩1,000,000).
This process applies to:
- Workers (E7, E9, E2, D8 etc.)
- Students (D2, D4)
- Long-term residents (F6 Marriage Visa, F2, F5)
- ANY foreigner staying 90+ days
✅ First ARC registration
✅ Moving to a new house
✅ Updating your residence info
📌 When must you register?
| Situation | Required? |
| Applying for ARC (first registration) | ✅ YES |
| Changing address / moving to new housing | ✅ YES (within 14 days) |
| Staying short-term (tourist visa) | ❌ Not required |
Every time you move, you must update within 14 days.
📄 Required Documents
Bring ALL items:
| Document | Description |
| 🛂 Passport | ID verification |
| 🪪 ARC (Alien Registration Card) | Only when updating existing ARC |
| 📄 Address registration form | Given at immigration or district office |
| 🏠 Proof of residence | Contract / dorm document / landlord letter |
| 📱 Korean phone number | Required for contact & SMS updates |
⭐ Your name does NOT need to be on the contract — see below.
Accepted Proof of Residence
| Housing Type | Acceptable Proof |
| One-room / monthly rent | Lease 계약서 (contract) |
| Dormitory | Certificate issued by school |
| Airbnb / long stay | Booking confirmation (must show dates) |
| Living with someone else | Contract + copy of their ID + consent |
✅ Where to register
| Place | When to go |
| Immigration Office (출입국관리사무소) | ✅ First ARC registration |
| District Office / 주민센터 | ✅ Address change (faster, no reservation) |
📌 For address change only: Go to 주민센터, not immigration.
🚶 Step-by-step (IMMIGRATION OFFICE)
They may take your passport temporarily to verify your info.
🚶 Step-by-step (주민센터 / District Office)
⏱ Takes 5–10 minutes.
🗣 Useful sentences (English → Korean)
| Situation | English | Korean |
| First address registration | “I need to register my address for my ARC.” | 주소지 신고 하러 왔습니다. |
| Address change | “I moved to a new address and need to update my ARC.” | 주소 변경 신고 하러 왔습니다. |
| Name not on contract | “I live with someone else. Here is their contract and ID copy.” | 계약자와 함께 살고 있습니다. 계약서와 신분증 사본입니다. |
✅ Address Registration Checklist
| Task | Status |
| Passport ready | ☐ |
| ARC (if updating) | ☐ |
| Proof of residence (contract / dorm doc / consent letter) | ☐ |
| Korean phone number | ☐ |
| Completed application form | ☐ |
⚠️ Fines (if you don't register)
| Situation | Fine |
| No registration | ₩100,000 ~ |
| Late registration (after 14 days) | ₩200,000 ~ |
| Fake / incorrect address | Up to ₩1,000,000 |
➡️ Register ASAP to avoid penalties.
🧾 FAQ
Q1. I don’t have a Korean phone number yet. Can I register?
❌ No. You need the number for updates & authentication.
Q2. I’m staying in Airbnb. Is it allowed?
✅ Yes — must show booking confirmation (30 days+ recommended).
Q3. My name is not on the lease. What do I do?
✅ Bring:
- Copy of lease contract
- Copy of ID of the person who signed it
- Consent (위임장)
🔑 Conclusion
- You must register your address within 90 days
- You must update the address within 14 days every time you move
- Proof of residence + passport + phone number = success
📌 Immigration = first registration
📌 주민센터 = address change (fast)
Once your address is registered, you can open a bank account, receive mail, and apply for phone plans.