Feeling overwhelmed by paperwork and immigration procedures in Korea?
Below is an easy, topic-based summary of the most frequently asked questions received at immigration offices.
Check the essential information you need for a stable life in Korea.
📋 Registration · Stay
Q. Who needs to register as a foreign resident, and when?
If you plan to stay in Korea for 91 days or more, you must complete foreign resident registration within 90 days of entry. However, exceptions may apply to holders of A-1 (Diplomat), A-2 (Official), and A-3 (Agreement) visas.
Q. Do I have to visit an office in person to extend my stay?
For the visa types below, online submission is available:
• D-1~2, D-4~7, D-9~10 • E-1~6, E-9~10 • F-1, F-3, H-1, H-2
Q. When can I apply for an extension?
You can apply up to 4 months before your stay expires. The deadline is the expiry date (for e-services: the day before expiry). Q. What documents are required for a stay extension?
[Common documents] Integrated application form, passport, alien registration card, and proof of address/residence.
⚠️ Additional documents vary by status. Call 1345 to confirm what you need.
Q. How can I check my immigration entry/exit history?
You can request an Entry/Exit Facts Certificate.
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📍 Move · Change Report
Q. Do I need to report an address change after moving?
Registered foreigners must report a change of address within 15 days of moving in (F-4: within 14 days) to the competent immigration office or to a local government office/community center. Each family member must file separately. |
💼 Permanent Residency · Naturalization · Nationality
Q. Do I need permanent residency to apply for naturalization?
Since Dec 20, 2018, general naturalization requires permanent residency (F-5). If naturalization is your long-term goal, prepare for F-5 first.
Q. What happens to Korean nationality if I acquire foreign citizenship?
If you voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship, Korean nationality is automatically lost on that date, and you must report nationality loss to a Korean mission or immigration office. If citizenship was acquired involuntarily due to marriage/adoption, you may maintain Korean nationality by filing a nationality retention report within 6 months.
Q. Do permanent residents need to renew their permanent resident card?
Yes. The card is valid for 10 years and must be reissued before expiry. |
🏢 Status Change · Employment
Q. Is a criminal record certificate required when applying for an F-4 status change?
Yes. You must submit an overseas criminal record certificate that:
• was issued within 3 months of the application date, • ncludes the original plus a notarized translation, and • includes a copy of the translator’s ID.
Q. Can someone who received an extension/deferral of the departure deadline work?
No. Even if you previously held a work-eligible status, after receiving a departure-deadline extension/deferral, you can no longer work legally. |
🚨 Notice
Immigration rules can vary depending on your status and personal circumstances. For important reporting matters, call 1345 or visit a nearby immigration office for accurate guidance.
