Korean Alien Registration Card (ARC) Guide for New Students
If you are coming to Korea as a new international student, getting your Alien Registration Card, or ARC, is one of the first real tasks that makes you feel like you are officially living here. Think of it as your Korean identity card. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, sign a phone plan, sign up for university services, or even stay in the country legally beyond 90 days.
As a Korean local who has helped many students survive this process, let me break it down in the simplest, most realistic way possible.
What Exactly is an ARC
The Alien Registration Card is a mandatory ID for all foreigners staying in Korea for more than 90 days. It contains your name, nationality, date of birth, visa type, and your personal registration number. That number will follow you everywhere. You will write it at hospitals, banks, your university, and sometimes even for online verification.
When to Apply
The rule is simple. You must apply within 90 days of arriving in Korea. Not 91 days, not after you finish exploring every cafe in Hongdae. If you miss the deadline, there can be fines. The earlier you apply, the better, because immigration appointments fill up fast during the school semester.
Where to Apply
You can apply at your local immigration office. Each area of Korea has a designated office based on where you live. Seoul alone has multiple branches, and they get very busy during student season. Many universities help students reserve group appointments, so check your school announcements.
How to Make an Appointment
Bookings are made online through the HiKorea website. Unfortunately, the site looks like it was designed long before smartphones existed, but it works. Set up your account and secure an appointment as soon as you arrive in Korea. Morning slots fill fastest, so do not wait.
Documents You Need
Prepare your documents in advance to avoid unnecessary trips. Most students will need the following:
- Passport
- One recent passport photo
- Application form
- Visa issuance certificate or your visa sticker on your passport
- Proof of residence in Korea such as a dorm certificate, rental contract, or goshiwon confirmation
- University enrollment certificate
- Fee for application, usually paid in revenue stamps
Some nationalities or visa types may need extra documents, so always check with your school or immigration office before going.
Processing Time
The ARC usually takes two to four weeks after submitting your application. During peak school seasons, it can take longer. Immigration will give you a pickup date. Until your ARC is issued, you can ask for a temporary copy if you need to open a bank account or complete school admin tasks.
What You Can Do With Your ARC
Once you have the card in your hand, Korea finally opens up. Here is what becomes much easier:
- Opening a bank account
- Signing a phone plan
- Registering for national health insurance
- Using university services
- Signing rental contracts
- Online account verification for many Korean platforms
It is basically your key to living a normal life in Korea.
Important Tips from a Korean Local
Double check your address. If you move, you must report it to immigration within 14 days.
Do not lose your ARC. Replacing it takes time and documents.
Take your ARC everywhere. You will need it more often than you expect.
Getting your ARC is not complicated. It is just a bit bureaucratic, and Korea loves its paperwork. But once you get past this step, you will finally feel settled, registered, and ready to start your life as a real student in Korea.