Guidebook for Living in Korea

Foreigners who enter Korea must possess a valid passport and visa issued by the Minister of Justice. Visitors from countries that have entered a visa waiver agreement with Korea or visitors that are otherwise exempt from visa requirements may enter using only a passport. Visitors are encouraged to be aware of passport and visa expiration dates to avoid any complications in the case of stay extensions, etc.

The expiry date specified on the Visa is the expiry date of the permitted stay

The permitted/valid duration (dates) of sojourn and the expiration date are written on the back of the alien registration card, and you must apply for a valid visa to extend the sojourn duration before the expiration date to legally stay longer. (Permanent resident card needs to be reissued within the validity period)

Foreigners who plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days must complete their alien registration before the 90 day period is complete.

In addition to the documents above, the following documents of the Korean spouse are required :

Application and (re)issuance of alien registration can only be completed at the immigration office (or branch office) that has jurisdiction over the district in which you live.

Alien registration cards are necessary to verify the identity of foreign residents. Foreign residents are required to carry them at all times. Anyone who neglects to keep his/her alien registration card in his possession may be subject to a fine of up to KRW 1 million.

In the following cases, foreign residents should apply for reissuance of their alien registration card at the appropriate Immigration Office or Foreigners' Office (or branch office).

Foreigners who intend to stay in Korea longer than permitted stay period may request an extension of stay anywhere between four months before the visa expiration date and the final expiration date. Anyone who applies for an extension of stay after the final stay expiration date will be subject to fines.

If foreign residents in Korea intend to cease the activities permitted under their current status and undertake activities permitted under another status, they must visit the appropriate Immigration Office (or branch office) for a permit before undertaking said activities. These cases include, but are not limited, to the following.

If long-term foreign residents of Korea who stay for more than 91 days (short-term visa holders for 90 days or less are excluded) intend to maintain their current status and undertake activities permitted under another status, they must apply for a permit for said activities before beginning said activities. Cases include, but are not limited, to the following.

Married immigrants (F-6) can work full-time or part-time jobs without any restrictions. No separate activity permit except stay qualification is required. In the case of jobs such as teaching, additional qualifications in corresponding areas may be required. Even for permitted working activities, Korean law may require prospective employees to possess certain qualifications if required by the job.

If foreign residents who have left the country with a reentry permit are unable to reenter Korea within the allowed period or exemption period due to unavoidable circumstances, they may apply for an extension at the local embassy or consulate of Korea during the permitted period. When the applicant fails to enter Korea during the period for permission of re-entrance, the existing stay qualification becomes invalid.

Foreigners registered as alien are required to report the following cases to the Immigration Office (or branch office) in their area of residence or employment within 15 days from the date of the cases occurred. Foreigners who fail to report may be subject to fines or other penalties regarding their stay.

Foreign residents who have been registered in Korea must report the following information changes to the appropriate Immigration office (or branch office) within 15 days of said change.