Are you planning to stay in Korea for more than 90 days? Then getting a Residence Card
is a must.
You might think, “Isn’t it just like getting an ID card?” But once you actually try to apply, many international students find themselves overwhelmed by how unexpectedly complicated and strict the process can be.
But don’t worry!
This guide will make it easy for you!
1.
Why you need a Residence Card
2.
How to apply for a Residence Card
3.
What realistic difficulties foreigners face
4.
Whether there are any solutions
Why Is the Residence Card a Must?
The Residence Card is more than just a simple ID. It’s essential for starting a stable life in Korea and getting through daily life without hassles.
Residence Card
It’s a Legal Requirement!
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If you plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you're legally required to register for a Residence Card within 90 days of your arrival.
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Failing to register within that period could result in fines or even being considered an illegal resident.
It's Essential for Daily Life!
You’ll face a lot of restrictions in daily life without a Residence Card.
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Opening a Bank Account? You’ll Need a RC!
To manage your living expenses and use card payments in Korea, you’ll need a bank account.
But most banks require a Residence Card as a mandatory document.
•
Getting a Mobile Plan? RC Required!
To stay connected and access to informations, you’ll need a Korean phone number.
But most mobile carriers in Korea require a Residence Card to sign up.
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Leaving Korea Before Getting a RC? Do not!
You might have to leave Korea temporarily before your RC is issued.
But if you depart without the RC, you may not be allowed to re-enter, and your application could be automatically canceled.
🪪 RC Application Process
Your life in Korea begins with the Residence Card. Let’s see how to get it.
1.
Before You Apply
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Make a reservation at the Immigration Office and prepare the required documents.
2.
On the Day of Application
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Visit the Immigration Office, submit your documents, and complete fingerprint registration.
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Depending on your case, fingerprinting might be scheduled for a different day.
3.
After You Apply
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Wait for your Residence Card to be issued, then go pick it up.
Unexpected Difficulties You Might Face
Applying for a Residence Card might seem easy at first, but in reality, many people run into unexpected difficulties.
Here are some real-life challenges we've heard from others!
“I Didn’t Think Making a Reservation Would Be This Hard…”
Did you know you must make a reservation at the Immigration Office before applying for your RC?
But here’s the catch: the reservation process is harder than it looks, especially during busy times of the year when competition is intense.
Residence Card Immigration Office Reservation (Image generated by Gemini AI)
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Immigration Office reservations fill up fast!
◦
After arriving in Korea, you’re required to visit the Immigration Office and apply for your Residence Card within a set time. But this visit must be reserved through the HiKorea website.
HiKorea website.◦
During peak times like the start of a semester or vacations, available reservation dates disappear in the blink of an eye.
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A delayed reservation means a delayed Residence Card!
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If your reservation is delayed, the issuance of your RC will also be pushed back.
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Without RC, basic tasks like setting up a bank account or getting mobile service become difficult. In the end, your daily life in Korea could be seriously affected.
“Why Are There So Many Complicated Documents?”
Another major hurdle in getting RC is preparing the documents.
Many people feel overwhelmed, thinking:
“Why do I need so many documents?”, “Why is my paperwork so complicated?”
Residence Card Document Preparation (Image generated by Gemini AI)
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The documents you need vary from person to person!
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The required documents depend on your visa type and where you're currently living. It’s not just about quantity, it’s about knowing exactly what applies to your situation, which can be tricky.
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Relying on online information can result in preparing unnecessary documents or submitting the wrong forms, which only wastes your time.
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If even one document is missing, you’ll have to go back again!
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Even if you manage to visit the Immigration Office, missing or incorrect documents means you’ll need to supplement it and return.
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That can be incredibly frustrating, especially after waiting for a reservation. No one wants to repeat the whole process just because of one overlooked detail.
“Wait, I Have to Pay the Fee Somewhere Else?”
The government fee refers to the cost of issuing a Residence Card.
Many people expect the payment process to be quick and easy, but it often comes with unexpected challenges.
Residence Card Government Fee Payment Line (Image generated by Gemini AI)
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You can’t pay the fee directly to the staff.
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Many international students assume they can pay the fee with cash or card at the counter. But the Residence Card fee must be paid at a designated self-service ATM only.
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If you don’t know this beforehand, it can be confusing when you arrive. Remember, the staff at the counter do not accept payment directly.
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You might face a long wait just to pay the fee.
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Because all applicants have to use the same ATM, long lines are very common.
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Sometimes, you might end up waiting over two hours just to pay.
You don’t have to go through this alone!
The Residence Card application process is full of complicated steps, and it’s definitely not easy to handle on your own. But with HireVisa, you can get through it all much more smoothly and with less stress!