What the Korean alien registration card is
The alien registration card (ARC) is the identity card for foreign nationals who live in South Korea for more than 90 days. It proves that you stay in Korea legally and shows your name, nationality, date of birth, alien registration number, address in Korea and the validity period of the card. In daily life you need your Korean ARC to open a bank account, sign a lease or use health care, and the law asks you to carry the card with you at all times in Korea.
Who needs a Korea ARC
Students, workers and family members of Korean citizens or of foreign residents who plan to stay in South Korea longer than 90 days apply for an alien registration card. If you came to Korea on a long-stay visa, registration is the next step after arrival, and a correct photo is part of that application.
South Korea alien registration photo size explained
The required picture is 3×4 cm, or 30×40 mm, in portrait format. In our template the head takes about 78% of the photo height from chin to the top of the head, with a small margin of about 7% above the hair. The background is plain white, and the image is in colour with no filters. A print at 600 DPI keeps the photo sharp at this small size; the same photo also works as a digital file if your office asks for one. A picture cut to another document size, for example a larger passport photo, does not match the 3×4 cm frame of the card.
How to apply for the alien registration card
You apply in person at the nearest immigration office in South Korea; it is best to make an appointment in advance to avoid long waiting times. Bring a valid passport, your visa if you have one, the completed application form, one 3×4 cm photo and proof of your address in Korea, such as a lease agreement or a utility bill. Depending on the purpose of your stay you may need more, such as an employment contract for workers or an admission letter for students. Check the current list on the Korea Immigration Service page before your visit.
At the office you hand in the application with your photo and pay the fee, which depends on your visa type and length of stay. You get a receipt with a processing number. Processing takes from a few days to a couple of weeks, then you collect the card with your receipt and identification.
Renewal and lost cards
Renew your Korea ARC before it expires. The renewal process is similar to the first application and requires updated documents. If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the nearest immigration office at once; you need a police report and a new application for a replacement registration card.
Checklist for the Korean ARC
- Correct photo size: 3×4 cm (30×40 mm).
- Plain white background, no shadows or patterns.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.
- Head straight and centred, about 78% of the photo height.
- Your full face stays inside the frame.
- Sharp, recent colour photo with no filters.
Other South Korea documents
If you also need a photo for a visa or a residence card, see our South Korea visa photo page and our South Korea residence card photo page. Each Korean document has its own photo size, so make a separate photo for each one.
