Introduction
After you have successfully submitted your visa at the embassy and received your "Visa Grant" and you have arrived in Korea, your job is unfortunately not done yet! You need to show up at the immigration office to report that you have arrived where you live and everything that comes with it to receive your resident card and unlock a lot of benefits of being a resident. Today I'm going to show you what you need to do!
To obtain a resident card in Korea, it is crucial to submit all the required documents to the immigration office within 90 days of arrival.
Failure to do so may result in fines for overstaying your visa, which can become increasingly expensive the longer you wait. In this guide, I will walk you through navigating one of Seoul's immigration offices.
The immigration office does not accept walk-ins without a reservation. Therefore, it is essential to schedule an appointment before visiting the office.
You must bring all the required documents for your specific Visa during your appointment.
After submitting your documents, your resident card will take approximately 3-4 weeks to be issued. You will receive a note indicating whether you need to pick up your card at the immigration office or if it will be sent to you.
It is important to make copies of all the documents you submit to the immigration office for your records. Double-check the checklist to ensure you have all the necessary documents before visiting the office.
Note: Please do not submit original documents such as your University Degree or Certificates. These documents will not be returned to you.
General Document
Passport
Passport Copy
Passport Photo ID
Application Form (Report Form)
Proof of Residency (Booking Confirmation from Airbnb, Booking, Landlord…)
Cash
- ₩30.000 for Pickup (Personally Prefer)
- ₩34.000 for Deliver
Other required documents for specific Visa
Video Guide at Seoul Southern Immigration Office
Steps to Obtain a Resident Card in Korea
Check which Immigration Office is in your Jurisdiction (Seoul)
Go to Residence Permit
Fill out the Application Form by Hand at the Immigration Office
But it’s highly recommended to fill it out and print it out before you go!
Go to the Revenue Stamp Purchase to pay for the Application Fee
Choose 외국인등록즘 발급수수료 납부 Resident Card Application Fee
Follow ATM Instructions
Submit your Documents at the Counter
After completing the previous steps, the final step is to proceed to the counter and have your documents checked by an immigration officer. The officer will verify the visa you are applying for and ensure that you have submitted all the required documents. If you have missed any documents, they may ask you to resubmit them on another date or resubmit the missing documents. It is important to be prepared and have all the necessary documents with you to avoid any delays or complications in the process.
Conclusion
I know visiting the immigration office can be a nerve-wracking event! But with enough preparation and understanding of the process, it will be a breeze to go through. Make sure to submit all your required documents and their copies. Most of the time, the officers are reasonable, but it's crucial to be prepared and knowledgeable about the visa you are applying for. And remember, being nice goes a long way!
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Kim Ninja (Nguyen Huy Kim)
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The blog published by Kim Ninja (Huy-Kim Nguyen) is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter.
