Is this your situation?
- I arrived in Korea recently and don't know what to do first.
- I don't know by when I have to register.
- I'm worried because I don't know which documents I need.
- It's hard for me to go to the immigration office alone.
Rights you should know
Staying over 90 days means registering
If you will stay in Korea for more than 90 days from the day you entered, you must register as a foreign resident within 90 days of entry. (Immigration Act, Article 31)
You register at the immigration office for the area where you live
Apply at the immigration office that covers your place of residence. Booking a visit on HiKorea first means you will not have to wait.
The documents you need depend on your residence status
Some documents, such as your passport and a photo, are always needed, and others differ by residence status. Before you go, check what applies to your status with 1345 or on HiKorea.
Not registering can cause problems
If you do not register within the deadline, you can face penalties under the law. If you think the deadline has passed, do not decide alone: call 1345 first.
Try this
- 1.
Mark the 90th day after your entry on your calendar
Count from the day you entered Korea and set a reminder in your phone calendar so you do not forget.
- 2.
Book a visit on HiKorea
Reserve an appointment at the immigration office for your area at hikorea.go.kr. Slots fill up, so book early.
- 3.
Ask 1345 which documents your status needs
Asking a specific question such as "Which documents do I need to register with my residence status?" gets you an accurate answer. Advice is available in several languages.
- 4.
Find someone to go with you if it feels hard
You can ask a guardian, a teacher, your local family center or a migrant youth support organisation to come with you or to help with interpretation.
Please note
Who must register and which documents are needed depend on your residence status, and the rules can change. Check the current requirements on HiKorea or with 1345 before you apply.
Checklists to use with this information
You might also want to know
Your residence status (visa type) sets out what you are allowed to do in Korea. Knowing your status exactly is the first step for every procedure.
- Visa & Stay
How do I extend my period of stay (visa)?
Apply for an extension before your current period of stay ends. Book a visit on HiKorea and then apply at the immigration office.
- Daily Life in Korea
I want to open a bank account and get a mobile phone
A bank account and a phone are basics for life in Korea. With a residence card you can usually get both, but if you are a minor you may need a guardian's consent.
Where to get help
Immigration Contact Center 1345 (HiKorea)
How they can help
Multilingual advice on visa status, extensions and alien registration. Office visits are booked on HiKorea.
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
- Area
- Nationwide
- Languages
- Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
Danuri Call Center 1577-1366
Emergency lineHow they can help
A 24-hour multilingual call center for migrants, covering daily-life questions and violence support.
- Opening hours
- 24 hours
- Area
- Nationwide
- Languages
- Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
Rainbow Youth Center for Migrant Youth
How they can help
A specialist centre supporting migrant-background youth with study, careers, Korean language and counselling.
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
- Area
- Nationwide
- Languages
- Korean
Last reviewed 6 September 2026
Before you call, try saying this
If you are not sure how to start the call, use these sentences as a guide. They are only examples and do not replace advice from the organisation.
- 1. “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about Visa & Stay.”
- 2. “This is what happened. (Briefly say when, where and what happened.)”
- 3. “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”
Tips for the call
- If Korean is hard for you, ask: "Can I get advice in another language?"
- Keep dates, places and things like text messages or contracts next to you so it is easier to explain.
- You only need to give your name or contact details if the counsellor asks for them.
Follow the organisation's own guidance on how advice works. If you are in danger now, call 112 (police) or 119 (ambulance) straight away.
Sources for this page
- Ministry of Justice · HiKorea (Korea Immigration Service)
- Ministry of Government Legislation · Easy Law (alien registration)
First written 20 September 2026Last reviewed 20 September 2026
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