Affiliate disclosure: This page may contain Coupang Partners links. Gear Plum may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through those links.
Korea Residence Card (ARC): how to apply
If you’re staying more than 90 days, the Residence Card is the document that unlocks everything else in Korea — a phone plan, a bank account, K-Pass, even smooth Coupang checkout. Here’s the practical version of getting one.
“ARC” is now the Residence Card
In 2024 the Alien Registration Card (ARC) was officially renamed the Residence Card (RC). Most people — locals and foreigners — still say “ARC” in everyday talk, so you’ll see both. They’re the same thing.
Who needs one, and by when
If your stay is over 90 days, you must register with the Korea Immigration Service and get a Residence Card within 90 days of arrival. Don’t wait until day 90 — apply as soon as you have your visa and a fixed Korean address. Processing takes about 2–3 weeks, and you’ll need the card before you can open a bank account or get a proper SIM.
What to bring
- Completed application (Form 34) — at the office or downloadable from HiKorea
- Passport and a passport photo
- Proof of Korean address — lease, dorm certificate, or a hosting confirmation if you stay with an employer/family
- Fee: ₩30,000, paid by government revenue stamp (bought at the office or a nearby bank)
- A TB (chest X-ray) certificate from a designated hospital — required for nationals of 35 higher-TB-risk countries (China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Russia and others)
You must book online first
Walk-ins are generally not accepted at immigration offices. Go to hikorea.go.kr, click “Reserve Visit,” and book a date and time before you go. Slots at popular offices fill up, so reserve early in your 90-day window.
After you apply
You’ll get the card in about 2–3 weeks. The moment it arrives, you can move on to the rest of setup: