Question
What documents do I need to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC)?
As of · sources retrieved from official Korean authorities
You need a valid passport (or other government‑issued ID) and, if applying through an agent, a power of attorney plus the applicant’s valid ID; the in‑person fee is ₩2,000 (online is free) and the card is issued within one day【1†L1-L5】. Full details below.
Details
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Primary applicant
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Valid passport or other government‑issued ID【1†L1-L5】
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Application fee: ₩2,000 for an in‑person visit (online application is free)【1†L1-L5】
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If applying through an agent
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Power of attorney signed by the applicant【1†L1-L5】
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Agent’s valid ID and the applicant’s valid ID【1†L1-L5】
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Where to submit
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Competent immigration office or branch office in your city/county/district【1†L1-L5】
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Processing time
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Typically issued within 1 day (about 3 hours during business hours)【1†L1-L5】
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After issuance
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You receive the Alien Registration Card confirming your legal residence status in Korea.
Hotlines for help: 132 (Legal Aid), 1350 (Labor), 1577‑0071 (Foreign Worker Counseling).
Sources fetched 2026-05-16 · Korean laws change — verify with the issuing authority before acting.