In this post, “visa extension” generally refers—using standard Korea Immigration terminology—to Permission to Extend Period of Stay. It doesn’t mean changing your status of stay (visa type) itself; it means keeping your current status (D-2 or E series) and extending the duration. Let’s take a calm, step-by-step look at Korea visa extension documents.

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1) When can you apply? (Timing is where rejections start)

Extending your period of stay is 안내되어 as available from 4 months before your period of stay expires, and you must apply by the expiration date (for e-application, by the day before the expiration date).

👉 Conclusion: Once you can see your expiry date coming, the safest approach is not “do it all at the last minute,” but to start preparing the moment the 4-month window opens.

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2) Where/how do you apply? (Online vs. in-person)

• E-Application (HiKorea): For statuses eligible for e-application, it is 안내되어 that you can apply online.
• In-person application (competent Immigration Office/Branch Office): For in-person applications, many resources 안내되어 making a visit reservation through HiKorea. (Easy Law)

The Ministry of Justice also 안내되어 that you can handle permissions such as extension of period of stay without a visit through HiKorea and that there is also a 20% fee reduction (the applicable scope may vary depending on which services/eligibilities are available for e-application). (Ministry of Justice)

Hours for using e-application are also 안내되어 separately (weekday operation). (HiKorea)

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3) One-page checklist of “common required” items for D-2 / E series

The core common documents specifically listed in immigration 안내자료 are just four items.

A. Documents (minimum required 4 items)

• Integrated Application Form (Appendix No. 34) – check “Permission to Extend Period of Stay” + signature/contact info required
• Passport
• Alien Registration Card (ARC)
• Proof of residence (address verification) (lease contract, dorm confirmation, accommodation provision confirmation, etc.)

B. Cost (the point almost everyone gets confused about)

• Fee: KRW 60,000 (Permission to Extend Period of Stay) (Law.go.kr)

Note: “Issuance/reissuance of an Alien Registration Card (card) KRW 35,000” and visa extension (extension of period of stay) KRW 60,000 are different fees. (Law.go.kr)

C. What you additionally need when applying online (e-application)

• Prepare scanned/photographed files (PDF/JPG, etc.) (passport, contract, etc.)
• An identity verification method (joint certificate, etc., depending on system requirements)

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4) For D-2 (study abroad) extensions, additional documents (official 기준)

According to the Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Control Act (table of attached documents), the key additional documents for a D-2 extension of period of stay can be summarized as follows.

D-2 additional documents (official)

• Certificate of Enrollment
  • If you are preparing a master’s/PhD thesis, it is 안내되어 that you may substitute a recommendation letter from your academic advisor or a confirmation of government-invited scholarship recipient.
• Financial proof documents (tuition/living expenses)
• (If conducting certain research) Documents proving research activities

For D-2, online extension is also frequently 안내되어

There are cases where university notices 안내되어 extending the D-2 period of stay via HiKorea e-application (operating methods may vary by school/jurisdiction). (grad.aks.ac.kr)

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5) For E series (employment) extensions, additional documents (official 기준)

There are many E-series categories, so it’s not that “all E are identical,” but if you look at the official table of attached documents, the backbone of an extension is ‘employment relationship + business entity proof + (if applicable) additional requirements’.

Below, focusing mainly on E-2 / E-3 / E-4 / E-5 / E-7 which especially come up often in practice, I’ve extracted only the items that correspond to extension (permission to extend period of stay).

E-2 (Conversation Instructor) extension

• Employment contract
• Business Registration Certificate (for corporations, a Certificate of All Registered Matters)

E-3 (Research) extension

• Employment contract
• Business Registration Certificate (for corporations, a Certificate of All Registered Matters)

E-4 (Technological Guidance) extension

• Dispatch order or certificate of employment
• Related documents such as proof of technology introduction contract/reporting (within the applicable scope)
• Business Registration Certificate (for corporations, a Certificate of All Registered Matters)

E-5 (Professional Employment) extension

• Employment contract
• Business Registration Certificate (for corporations, a Certificate of All Registered Matters)

E-7 (Specially Designated Activities) extension

• Employment contract
• (For applicable occupations) Letter of Guarantee (Personal Guarantee)
• Certificate of Payment Details

One-line summary: For the E series, it doesn’t 끝 with “your documents” alone—company documents (business registration/corporate registry/payment details, etc.) also move together.

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6) The 8 most common mistakes that trigger “supplement requests” (D-2/E common)

1. Wrong application timing

• You prepare too early (before the 4-month window) and end up having to redo it, or you rush right before expiration and miss items. (Possible from 4 months before / e-application by the day before)

2. Missing checkmark/signature/contact info on the Integrated Application Form (Appendix No. 34)

• If you forget to check “Permission to Extend Period of Stay” or there’s no signature, it becomes “fill it out again on the spot.” (Law.go.kr)

3. Weak proof of residence (unclear address)

• If the contract address is ambiguous, your name doesn’t appear at all, or the accommodation-provision confirmation is flimsy, requests for supplement happen a lot.

4. Not bringing original passport/ARC (bringing only copies)

• The common documents include the passport and ARC themselves.

5. D-2: Certificate of Enrollment/financial proof not being the latest version

• For a D-2 extension, proof of enrollment and finances are 핵심.

6. E series: Employment contract period/terms mismatch

• If it’s an extension but the contract has already ended, or if the company information doesn’t match the latest business registration, you can end up having to prepare everything again.

7. E-7: Missing Certificate of Payment Details/Letter of Guarantee (if applicable)

• For E-7, attached documents for extension explicitly list items such as a Certificate of Payment Details.

8. Online application but files are blurry/missing/pages cut off

• For e-application, “upload quality” is document quality. In particular, it’s common to cut off parts of the contract (address/signature page).

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7) (Practical tip) This is the easiest way to bundle your documents

Common to both D-2 / E: If you organize your submitted files/paper documents in the order below, it’s easier for the officer to review and your chance of a supplement request goes down.

1. Integrated Application Form (Appendix No. 34)
2. Passport (bio page)
3. ARC front/back
4. Proof of residence (contract/confirmation)
5. If D-2: Certificate of Enrollment → financial proof → (if applicable) advisor recommendation letter/research proof
6. If E series: employment contract → business registration/corporate registry → (if applicable) payment details/letter of guarantee
7. Prepare fee payment (KRW 60,000) (Law.go.kr)

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Korea visa extension documents FAQ

Q1. When can I apply for a D-2/E visa extension?

Extending your period of stay is 안내되어 as available from 4 months before expiration, and you must apply by the expiration date (for e-application, by the day before).

Q2. What are the “common documents” for a D-2/E visa extension?

The common documents are the Integrated Application Form (Appendix No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, and proof of residence.

Q3. How much is the visa extension fee?

The fee for permission to extend period of stay is 안내되어 as KRW 60,000. (Law.go.kr)

Q4. What do I need additionally for a D-2 (study) extension?

Based on the official attached-document standards, the 핵심 is a Certificate of Enrollment + financial proof documents (tuition/living expenses), and there is guidance that cases like thesis preparation can be replaced with an advisor recommendation letter (if applicable).

Q5. For an E-series (work) extension, what company documents are usually needed?

It varies by category, but if you look at the extension attached-document table, the combination of employment contract + business registration (corporate registry) appears frequently. Example: E-2, E-3, etc.

Q6. Can I extend online (HiKorea e-application)?

It is 안내되어 that for statuses eligible for e-application, online application is available. However, eligibility may vary by status.

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If you want, I can compress this further into a one-page sheet showing, by case type for “proof of residence documents (home contract/dorm/company housing/friend’s place)”, the document combinations that most often result in the fewest supplements for D-2 and for the E series respectively.

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Foreigner tax savings Korea? The information below is for general informational purposes and may vary depending on an individual’s residency status, type of income, and whether a tax treaty applies. If anything is unclear, the safest option is to use the National Tax Service (NTS) Foreign Taxpayer Help Line (English). (National Tax Service)

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Top 10 “Mistakes” Foreigners Make for Tax Saving/Refunds (At a Glance)

Rank	Mistake (What to Avoid)	Result
1	Getting your resident/non-resident status wrong from the start	Claiming deductions you’re not eligible for (or giving up deductions you could claim)
2	Choosing the 19% flat tax as “always better”	Risk of giving up deductions, exemptions, tax credits, and reductions
3	Not applying because you don’t know about foreigner-only benefits/tax treaty benefits	Missing lawful reductions/exemptions
4	Relying only on simplified year-end tax settlement data and not submitting “missing documents”	Throwing away a refund you could have received
5	Mistakenly thinking overseas medical expenses/overseas card spending/overseas education expenses are deductible	Deductions denied / burden of corrections
6	Giving up deductions for family in your home country (spouse/parents/children) or lacking supporting documents	Missing a big refund opportunity
7	Thinking withholding at 3.3% or 8.8% means it’s “done”	Missing May filing / possible additional tax assessment
8	Missing exceptions for combining income from multiple jobs/side income	Failing to file even though you should
9	Not settling taxes before leaving Korea (overseas relocation)	Missing the pre-departure filing deadline
10	Not filing a correction claim even after realizing missed/incorrect deductions	Giving up refunds for up to 5 years

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1) Mistake: Getting Your Resident/Non-Resident Status Wrong from the Start

For foreign taxpayers, the key is not “nationality,” but resident vs. non-resident status.

• NTS guidance: A resident in Korea is “an individual who has an address in Korea or has resided in Korea for 183 days or more.” (NTS)
• NTS guidance: For foreign employees who are non-residents (with some exceptions), you should note that most income deductions and tax credits do not apply. (National Tax Service)

How to avoid it

• Organize your entry/exit schedule (flight tickets/immigration records) and calculate the “183 days” yourself
• Confirm with HR (payroll) whether your year-end settlement is being processed as a resident
• If you are treated as a resident, your deduction strategy changes completely (especially for dependents/rent/pension accounts, etc.).

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2) Mistake: Assuming the 19% Flat Tax Is “Always Better”

A well-known option for foreigners is the 19% flat tax, and this is where many mistakes happen.

Key points from NTS Q&A/guidance:

• They repeatedly emphasize that if you choose the flat tax, rules on non-taxation, reductions, income deductions, and tax credits do not apply. (NTS)
• They also note that “depending on each person’s tax base and deduction items, the advantage/disadvantage differs, so the flat tax is not always beneficial.” (NTS)

How to avoid it

• At least once, compare “flat tax vs. standard (progressive) tax rate” using the simplified/estimated tax feature before deciding (NTS)
• The more “deduction cards” you have—rent, dependents, donations, pension accounts, etc.—the more the flat tax can become unfavorable (case by case).

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3) Mistake: Not Applying Because You Don’t Know About Foreigner-Only Benefits/Tax Treaty Benefits

Some people assume “being a foreigner is disadvantageous” and end up missing benefits available only to foreigners.

NTS guidance (summary):

• Eligible foreign technicians may receive tax reductions on employment income for a certain period, and the NTS notes that individuals must check whether they meet the requirements. (National Tax Service)
• Additionally, if a country’s tax treaty with Korea includes a teacher (native-speaking teacher) exemption clause, and requirements are met, income related to teaching/research may be exempt for a certain period. (National Tax Service)

How to avoid it

• If your visa/job/contract type could fall under “reduction-eligible,” check with your company’s payroll staff or a professional about “special provisions applicability”
• Because tax treaties vary by country, be sure to check the relevant treaty wording/requirements (the NTS also emphasizes confirming conditions). (National Tax Service)

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4) Mistake: Trusting Only Simplified Data and Not Submitting “Missing Documents”

This is the most realistic mistake that directly costs you your refund.

NTS guidance:

• They state that if data is not provided or is missing in the year-end tax settlement simplified service, you can obtain it directly from the issuing institution and submit it to your company to claim the deduction. (National Tax Service)

How to avoid it

• Don’t just save the simplified PDF and stop—separately check “items that may be missing (commonly: rent, some education expenses/donations, etc.)”
• If missing, get supporting documents from the issuing institution (bank/school/hospital/donation organization, etc.) and submit them to your company as additional documentation

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5) Mistake: Thinking Overseas Medical Expenses, Overseas Card Spending, and Overseas Education Expenses Are Deductible

This is a particularly common “misconception-type mistake” among foreigners. People include them assuming they’re deductible in Korea, but they are often denied by the company/tax office.

NTS Q&A (summary):

• Medical expenses at overseas medical institutions are not deductible (NTS)
• Credit card spending made overseas is not deductible (NTS)
• Education expenses paid to overseas educational institutions are not deductible (NTS)

How to avoid it

• Rebuild your deduction plan around “expenses incurred in Korea”
• Since overseas spending may not qualify for Korean deductions, reduce wasted time and prioritize domestic deduction items (rent/donations/pension accounts, etc.) first

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6) Mistake: Giving Up Deductions for Family in Your Home Country—or Having Insufficient Documentation

This is a mistake that can make a huge difference in your refund amount, so it’s important to address it.

NTS Q&A (summary):

• The NTS explains that a foreign employee who is a domestic resident and meets requirements (e.g., spouse’s annual income amount of KRW 1,000,000 or less) may claim the basic deduction even if the spouse lives in the home country. (NTS)
• Lineal ascendants/descendants (parents/children, etc.) may also qualify if requirements are met, and documentation to confirm relationship and income + proof of actual support (e.g., living expense remittance records) is required. (NTS)
• They also explain that documents issued by overseas governments may be accepted as evidence through apostille or consular legalization, etc. (NTS)

How to avoid it

• Let go of the fixed idea that “they must live with me in Korea to qualify” (resident status + income requirements + documentation are key)
• Prepare family relationship/marriage relationship/income certificate documents in advance + authenticate (apostille/consular legalization)
• If proof of support is required, organize remittance records “for documentation purposes”

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7) Mistake: Thinking Withholding at 3.3% or 8.8% Means It’s “Done” (Freelance/Lecture Fees, etc.)

As side gigs, freelancing, and paid lectures have become more common among foreigners, this mistake has increased a lot.

NTS guidance:

• They clearly state that if you have business income, you must in principle file a final comprehensive income tax return. (National Tax Service)
• In the NTS “pre-filled return guidance,” it also clearly states that even if you have personal service business income (withholding at 3.3%), you are still subject to comprehensive income tax filing. (National Tax Service)
• Other income varies by case, but the NTS provides an example: if other income exceeds KRW 125,000, withholding is payment amount × 8.8% (including local income tax). (National Tax Service)
• They also provide guidance that one-time lecture fees/manuscript fees, etc. are subject to filing if annual other income exceeds KRW 3,000,000. (National Tax Service)

How to avoid it

• Collect documents on the assumption that withholding is not “final tax,” and the final result may be determined through settlement/final filing
• If you have freelance/lecture income, block out May (comprehensive income tax season) on your calendar

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8) Mistake: Missing Exceptions for Combining Income from Multiple Jobs (2+ Employers) and Side Income

The trap is thinking, “I only got a salary, so I don’t need to file in May, right?”

NTS guidance on comprehensive income tax:

• If you have only earned income and you completed year-end tax settlement, you usually don’t need to file a final return, but they explain exceptions requiring final filing, such as earned income received from two or more employers, earned income with no withholding agent, and cases where year-end tax settlement was not done, etc. (National Tax Service)

How to avoid it

• If you changed jobs/held multiple jobs/had a part-time job, first confirm whether “income was combined into a single year-end settlement by one company”
• If you have income other than earned income (business/other/pension, etc.), the likelihood of needing a combined filing increases (case by case).

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9) Mistake: Putting Off Tax Settlement Before Leaving Korea (Overseas Relocation/Immigration)

For foreigners, departure itself can become a tax event in some cases.

NTS filing deadline guidance:

• As an exception to the comprehensive income tax filing/payment deadline, if you are leaving Korea for overseas relocation, it is guided as “by the day before departure.” (National Tax Service)

How to avoid it

• Don’t wait until “after you book your flight”—bring forward your tax schedule as soon as you have a departure plan
• Check early with your company/tax office whether you need to file before departure

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10) Mistake: Giving Up a Refund by Not Filing a Correction Claim Even After You Realize Missing/Incorrect Deductions

Deductions you missed in year-end settlement, income you reported incorrectly… this is not “the end.”

NTS guidance:

• They explain that if you failed to apply deductions/reductions or did not receive sufficient income deductions/tax credits, you can correct it through a request for correction. (National Tax Service)
• They also explain that the deadline for a correction request is, in principle, within 5 years after the statutory filing deadline. (National Tax Service)

How to avoid it

• Even after year-end settlement/comprehensive income tax filing, if you find “missing deductions,” first check whether the 5-year window is still open
• Collecting supporting documents (receipts, family documents, remittance records, etc.) increases the likelihood of getting a refund

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(Practical) 5-Minute Checklist: What to Verify Today

• Am I being treated as a resident or non-resident? (NTS)
• If I chose the 19% flat tax, did I choose it knowing that deductions/reductions are blocked? (NTS)
• Could I claim the basic deduction for family in my home country, but gave up due to documentation (apostille/consular legalization, remittance records)? (NTS)
• Do I have freelance/lecture fee income, but didn’t file because I thought “withholding was taken, so it’s done”? (National Tax Service)
• If I’m planning to leave Korea, did I check whether there is a filing issue “by the day before departure”? (National Tax Service)
• If I have missing deductions, did I confirm the 5-year correction claim window? (National Tax Service)

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Where to Get Help (For Foreigners)

The NTS English Help Desk provides organized guidance, including operating hours for the Foreigner Help Line (+82-1588-0560). (National Tax Service)

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Foreigner tax savings Korea FAQ

Q1. Do foreigners get almost no deductions in year-end tax settlement?

For non-residents, the application of deductions may be limited, but resident foreign taxpayers basically follow a year-end settlement structure similar to that of Korean residents (however, there are some special provisions/requirement differences). (NTS)

Q2. If I choose the 19% flat tax, can I still receive deductions as well?

According to NTS guidance, if you choose the flat tax you should note that non-taxation, deductions, reductions, and tax credit rules do not apply. (NTS)

Q3. Are hospital bills/card spending/children’s tuition paid overseas deductible in Korea?

In its Q&A, the NTS provides guidance to the effect that overseas medical expenses, overseas card spending, and education expenses paid to overseas educational institutions are not deductible. (NTS)

Q4. Can I claim the basic deduction even if my spouse/parents are in my home country?

According to NTS guidance, it is possible for resident foreign employees who meet the requirements, and it may require proof of relationship/income (documents issued by an overseas government) + proof of actual support (remittance records, etc.). (NTS)

Q5. If 3.3% was withheld, is my freelance tax finished?

The NTS advises that if you have business income, you must in principle file a final comprehensive income tax return, and separately notes that personal service business income withheld at 3.3% is also subject to filing. (National Tax Service)

Q6. If I’m planning to leave Korea (overseas relocation), until when do I have to file comprehensive income tax?

According to NTS guidance on filing deadlines, if you leave Korea for overseas relocation: by the day before departure. (National Tax Service)

Q7. I missed some deductions in year-end tax settlement—can I still get a refund now?

The NTS explains that missed deductions/reductions can be corrected through a request for correction, and that, in principle, you can file it within 5 years after the statutory filing deadline. (National Tax Service)

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Korea Year-End Tax Settlement for Foreign Residents is the same process as for Korean nationals: income tax that was “roughly” withheld each month is “accurately” recalculated at year-end, and the difference is either refunded (refund) or additionally collected (additional payment). And there are exactly two key factors that determine that difference.

1. Did you submit supporting documents properly (Simplified Service + missing documents)?
2. Did you apply every deduction/credit you’re eligible for (income deductions · tax credits) without missing anything?

In particular, for the 2025 tax year settlement, the HomeTax Year-End Tax Settlement Simplified Service opens on January 15, 2026, and the final confirmed data will be provided starting January 20. (National Tax Service)

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1) How Korea year-end tax settlement creates a “refund (your 13th-month paycheck)”

The income tax already taken out on your payslip is, in most cases, close to an “estimated amount” based on the simplified withholding tax table.
But in reality, depending on the person,

• whether you have dependents,
• whether you have medical expenses, education expenses, donations, monthly rent, or pension savings,
• how much you spent via card payments,

your final tax amount changes.

So the conclusion of year-end tax settlement can always be summarized with this formula.

Refund/Additional payment = (Tax already paid: withholding) − (Tax finalized via year-end settlement: finalized tax due)

• If the tax already paid is higher → Refund
• If the finalized tax is higher → Additional payment

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2) (2025 tax year · 2026) Year-end tax settlement schedule: Remember just this

The deadline differs by company, but the “National Tax Service Simplified Data flow” is mostly fixed.

• 1/15 (Thu): Simplified Year-End Tax Settlement service opens (deduction data provided for a total of 45 categories) (National Tax Service)
• 1/20 (Tue): Final confirmed data provided reflecting additions and corrections (National Tax Service)
• After that: Worker submits documents → company settles → refund/additional payment reflected in salary (timing differs by company policy)

Tip (safe route for beginners)
If possible, submitting based on the final confirmed data after 1/20 is advantageous for reducing omissions and errors. (National Tax Service)

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3) Year-end tax settlement document checklist (for beginners)

Year-end tax settlement documents “look like a lot,” but the structure is simple.

3-1. The basic 2-item set

1. HomeTax Year-End Tax Settlement Simplified data (PDF/e-file)
2. Income/Tax Credit Report (company form)
   → The basic method is to print/download the simplified data, attach it to the deduction report, and submit it to your company. (HomeTax)

3-2. Additional documents that “don’t appear in Simplified / are missing” (Important)

The NTS also officially states it like this.

• For data that is not provided in the Simplified Service or is missing, you must obtain it directly from the issuing institution and submit it to your company for it to be deductible. (National Tax Service)
• Examples include cases where certain data such as academy fees for preschool children, monthly rent, donation receipts, etc. may not be provided/may be missing (National Tax Service)

Also, some items within the Simplified categories may not be viewable because they are “voluntary submission (△)” data rather than mandatory submission (e.g., eyeglasses/contact lens purchase expenses). (National Tax Service)

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4) Deductions in one go: Income deduction vs Tax credit

This is the part people get confused about the most in year-end tax settlement.

4-1. What is an Income Deduction?

It means reducing your tax base (the income amount used as the basis for taxation).

The NTS example structure for calculation is set up like this.

Comprehensive income tax base = Earned income amount − Personal deductions − Pension insurance premium deduction − Special income deductions − Other income deductions + (Amount exceeding the overall limit) (National Tax Service)

And the “earned income amount” itself is also calculated as,

Earned income amount = Total salary − Earned income deduction
. (National Tax Service)

✅ Why income deductions matter to beginners
→ Because income deductions lower the amount before the tax rate is applied, the perceived benefit differs depending on your income bracket.

Examples of major income deductions

• Deductions related to credit card · debit card · cash receipt spending (includes items provided in Simplified) (National Tax Service)
• Housing finance-related deductions (jeonse/lease deposit loan, long-term mortgage loan, etc.: includes items provided in Simplified) (National Tax Service)
• Home subscription savings, small business mutual aid contributions, etc. (includes items provided in Simplified) (National Tax Service)

For reference, in the Simplified Service for the 2025 tax year, fees for using swimming pools and fitness centers after 2025.7.1 will be reflected as “culture/sports spending (deduction rate 30%),” and usage-fee data for sports facilities will also be newly provided. (National Tax Service)

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4-2. What is a Tax Credit?

It means subtracting directly from the calculated tax (computed tax).
In other words, even with the same KRW 100,000, it often feels more straightforward than an income deduction.

(A) Earned Income Tax Credit (an automatic “basic tax credit”)

The NTS provides the method and limit depending on the computed tax bracket. (National Tax Service)
(For beginners, it’s enough to understand this as “my tax is automatically reduced once more,” rather than doing the exact number-crunching here.)

(B) Special Tax Credits: The 4 major items beginners most often claim

The representative items that the NTS groups as “special tax credits” are as follows. (National Tax Service)

1) Insurance premium tax credit

• Protection-type insurance: up to KRW 1,000,000 per year, credit rate 12%
• Disability-exclusive protection-type insurance: up to KRW 1,000,000 per year, credit rate 15% (National Tax Service)

2) Medical expense tax credit

• Medical expenses exceeding 3% of total salary are generally eligible for the basic credit (National Tax Service)
• There are categories such as a KRW 7,000,000 annual cap for medical expenses for general basic deduction-eligible persons (credit rate 15%), etc. (National Tax Service)
• Items excluded from medical expenses (e.g., portions reimbursed by indemnity insurance) are specified, so it’s risky to assume “amount shown = all deductible.” (National Tax Service)

3) Education expense tax credit

• Tax credit of 15% of education expenses (National Tax Service)
• There are specific limits, such as KRW 3,000,000 per child per year for preschool–high school, and KRW 9,000,000 per university student per year. (National Tax Service)

4) Donation tax credit

• Generally structured as 15%, and 30% for the portion exceeding KRW 10,000,000, etc. (National Tax Service)
• Political funds/hometown donation/employee stock ownership, etc. have different application methods—be sure to distinguish the type of donation. (National Tax Service)
• For donations that the company deducts in bulk from payroll, guidance states that attaching receipts may not be necessary depending on the case. (National Tax Service)

(C) Monthly Rent Tax Credit: A 대표 item that often “increases your refund”

The monthly rent tax credit has clear conditions and paperwork, so it’s beginner-friendly.

NTS guidance criteria (summary):

• Total salary of KRW 80,000,000 or less (comprehensive income amount KRW 70,000,000 or less)
• Head of household or household member (if conditions are met) in a household without home ownership
• Credit rate: 17% if total salary is KRW 55,000,000 or less; 15% if over that up to KRW 80,000,000
• Annual limit: KRW 10,000,000
• Required documents: Resident registration record (certificate of resident registration), copy of lease contract, proof of rent payment (transfer receipt, etc.) (National Tax Service)

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5) Understanding the refund structure as a “calculation flow” (Beginner diagram)

It’s hard if you try to understand year-end settlement through numbers; it’s easy if you understand it as a flow.

1. Total salary (annual pay, pre-tax)
2. − Earned income deduction → Earned income amount (National Tax Service)
3. − (personal deductions/pension insurance premiums/special income deductions/other income deductions, etc.) → Tax base (National Tax Service)
4. Tax base × tax rate → Computed tax (National Tax Service)
5. − (earned income tax credit/insurance · medical · education · donation/monthly rent/pension accounts, etc.) → Finalized tax due (National Tax Service)
6. Compare with tax already paid (withholding) → refund/additional payment

Example (to get a feel)

• Tax already paid via withholding during the year: KRW 4,000,000
• Finalized tax due calculated through year-end settlement: KRW 3,200,000
  → Refund of KRW 800,000

Conversely, if the finalized tax due is KRW 4,500,000 → additional payment of KRW 500,000.

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6) If you’re a foreign worker, check these 3 반드시 items (real “workplace” points in Korea)

For foreigners who are employees receiving a salary from a company, the broad framework of year-end tax settlement is the same, but differences can arise in your “options” and “scope of application.” I’ll pull out only the essentials based on the NTS press release. (s.nts.go.kr)

6-1. Resident vs Non-resident

The NTS explains that if a foreign employee qualifies as a resident in Korea (has a domicile or stays 183 days or more), the deduction items and tax calculation are the same as for Korean nationals, but there may be differences in some income deductions/tax special provisions. (s.nts.go.kr)
On the other hand, for a non-resident, it clearly states that most deductions (personal exemptions, special income deductions, child tax credit, special tax credits, etc.) do not apply. (s.nts.go.kr)

6-2. Choosing the 19% flat tax is a trade-off for “giving up deductions”

Foreign employees may choose a 19% flat tax rate under certain conditions, but the NTS states that

When choosing the flat tax rate, tax-exemptions · deductions · reductions · tax credits under the Income Tax Act / Restriction of Special Taxation Act do not apply
—clearly. (s.nts.go.kr)

✅ Practical tip

• Those with many deductible items (rent, medical expenses, donations, pension savings, etc.) may find the flat tax unfavorable, while
• those with few deductions may find the flat tax simple and potentially advantageous.
  → Since it depends on your case, it’s recommended to do a side-by-side comparison at least once with your company’s payroll 담당 or a tax professional.

6-3. Check whether your company uses the “bulk provision service”

The NTS 안내 says that if a company uses the bulk provision service, the company can register a list and, with employee consent, download simplified data in bulk. (s.nts.go.kr)
→ When you’re confused about “what should I do?”, first check whether your company is using bulk provision or individual submission.

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7) Top 7 common beginner mistakes

As the NTS emphasizes, Simplified data is not “automatic deductions”—it’s closer to a “collection of data.” You must verify whether you meet the deduction requirements. (National Tax Service)

1. Assuming that if it appears in Simplified, it’s automatically deductible (skipping eligibility checks) (National Tax Service)
2. Including personal dependent deductions even though the dependent exceeds the income requirement
   • The NTS said it strengthened guidance on dependents who exceed income 기준. (National Tax Service)
3. Submitting with the 1/15 open data and missing the 1/20 final confirmation updates (National Tax Service)
4. Missing one of the three required documents for the monthly rent tax credit (resident registration record / lease contract / transfer proof) (National Tax Service)
5. Trying to deduct medical expenses as-is, including portions reimbursed by indemnity insurance etc. (National Tax Service)
6. Mixing up types of donations and misunderstanding credit rates/limits (National Tax Service)
7. Thinking “it’s done, so it’s done” even though you missed deductions
   • Missing items can be reflected via a request for correction (amended claim) in HomeTax, and NTS video guidance explains it’s possible within 5 years from the statutory filing deadline. (National Tax Service)

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8) Foreigners’ year-end tax settlement: 3 things to do today (real practical checks)

1. Download your HomeTax Simplified data as the final version after 1/20 (National Tax Service)
2. Check whether you need additional documents only for items that apply to you among “rent/medical/education/donations” (National Tax Service)
3. (If you’re a foreigner) Compare whether to choose the 19% flat tax, including “giving up deductions” (s.nts.go.kr)

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FAQ (for search traffic · beginner question collection)

Q1. Does everyone have to do a year-end tax settlement?

In most cases, employees (wage earners) who receive salary from a company have their year-end tax settlement handled by the company. However, depending on the case (job change, mid-year resignation, multiple employers, other income, etc.), the processing method may vary.

Q2. If I submit only the “Simplified data,” is it done?

No. The NTS also explains that for data that is not provided in Simplified or is missing, you must obtain it directly from the issuing institution and submit it for it to be deductible. (National Tax Service)

Q3. Income deduction vs tax credit—what’s better?

Both are important, but they work differently.

• Income deduction: Lowers the tax base (before the tax rate is applied) (National Tax Service)
• Tax credit: Subtracted directly from the calculated tax (National Tax Service)

Q4. What documents are 반드시 required for the monthly rent tax credit?

Based on NTS guidance, you need resident registration record + a copy of the lease contract + proof of rent payment (transfer receipt, etc.). (National Tax Service)
(For foreigners, your company may request substitute documents, so check with HR.)

Q5. What if my medical expenses don’t show up in Simplified?

The NTS provides guidance on a reporting center for missing/errors in medical expenses and also announces the schedule for final confirmed data. In addition, missing data must be obtained directly from the issuing institution and submitted. (National Tax Service)

Q6. Can foreigners receive all year-end tax settlement deductions?

According to NTS guidance, foreign employees who are residents in Korea are generally calculated the same as Korean nationals, though there may be differences in some tax special provisions. Non-residents may have most deductions limited. (s.nts.go.kr)

Q7. What changes if a foreigner chooses the 19% flat tax rate?

The NTS clearly states that when choosing the flat tax rate, tax-exemptions, deductions, reductions, and tax credits do not apply. (s.nts.go.kr)
So you gain “simplicity,” but it comes with “giving up deductions.”

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Once your international student orientation at a Korean university is over, it’s time to start setting up the administrative, financial, and telecom essentials that “make life in Korea run.” aka International student settlement in Korea.
Because what you can do before vs. after you receive your Residence Card (formerly ARC, Alien Registration Card) differs a lot, handling things in order can dramatically cut down on time and stress.

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Days 0–30 Timeline (One-Page Summary)

When	Top priority	Why it matters now
D+0–3 (right after orientation)	Organize the school portal/course registration/student ID/dorm rules	Academic schedules have short “add/drop correction” windows
D+1–7	Confirm your housing, get a temporary SIM (prepaid)	Without an address/contact number, the next steps get blocked
D+7–30	Book and apply for Alien Registration (Residence Card)	Basic rule: register within 90 days of entry (Global One-Stop Service Center)
After receiving RC	Open a bank account, switch to a postpaid/identity-verifiable line, check insurance	Korean online identity verification/finance becomes available
Every time you move	Report change of residence (address change)	You must report within the deadline after moving in (institution guidance: 14–15 days) (Gov.kr)

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1) Lock Your School Portal/Email/Academic Calendar to “Korea Time” (School)

If you leave the materials from orientation as-is, the most common mishaps are missing the add/drop correction period / missing tuition or document deadlines.

How to do it right away

• Log in to the school portal → save the academic schedule calendar (add/drop corrections/leave of absence & return/tuition/finals)
• Log in to the school email (Gmail/Office) app + turn notifications ON
• Organize orientation slides/documents (visa, insurance, dorm) into a single folder

Pro tips

• Fix your calendar time zone to “Korea Standard Time (KST)”
• Professors/TAs often reply only to your school email address

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2) Student ID (Access/Library) + Set Up Must-Have Campus Services (School)

Your student ID is more than a simple ID—it’s the key to the library, classroom access, dorm access, and student discounts.

Check

• Issue your student ID / mobile student ID (register immediately if your school supports it)
• Register for library use
• Confirm how on-campus printing/copying points are topped up

(Some schools link the student ID to banking/debit card functions, which can affect your bank choice. Example: Seoul National University guidance notes that to use the S-Card as an ATM card, you need an account at a specific bank.) (OIA)

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3) Confirm Your Housing: Check These “4 Items” First on a Dorm/Studio Lease (Housing)

Once your housing is confirmed, you can also prepare the Alien Registration (Residence Card) documents (proof of residence). (A lease contract, dorm move-in confirmation, etc. are commonly used as proof of residence.) (Global One-Stop Service Center)

4 must-check items on a studio/officetel lease

1. Address accurately written (including building/unit number)
2. Landlord information (name/contact)
3. Deposit/monthly rent/maintenance fee listed separately
4. Contract term clearly stated (move-in date & move-out date)

Points beginners in Korea often miss

• What’s included in maintenance fees (internet/water/gas) varies by unit
• If “appliances included,” it’s safer to specify models/quantities in a special clause

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4) Protect Your Deposit: Move-in Report (Change of Residence Report) + Confirmed Date Stamp (Housing)

The core of protecting your rental/jeonse deposit in Korea is the combination of (1) taking occupancy (delivery of the residence) + (2) moving-in report (or change of residence report) + (3) a confirmed date stamp on the lease.
Legal guidance (Easy Law) also explains that if you have a confirmed date plus the requirements for opposability (delivery of residence + moving-in report/change of residence report), you obtain a preferential right to repayment. (Easy Law)

Execution order (super simple)

• Move in (even bringing in part of your belongings helps prove “occupancy”)
• Ask at the community service center (Administrative Welfare Center) about move-in/address procedures
• Get a confirmed date stamp on your lease contract

Additional option (more worth considering for jeonse/large deposits)

• If it’s jeonse, you can also look into guarantee products such as “Jeonse Deposit Return Guarantee.” A government policy Q&A notes that individuals, corporations, and foreigners can also enroll. (Korea.kr)

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5) Alien Registration (Residence Card) Booking & Application: The 90-Day Rule + 35,000 KRW Fee (School/Admin)

For most international students, this step is “the switch that turns on settling in Korea.”

• Guidance to register within 90 days of entry appears repeatedly across many university pages. (Global One-Stop Service Center)
• There is immigration guidance stating that from 2025, with the introduction of an IC chip, the issuance fee increases to 35,000 KRW (from 30,000 KRW). (Immigration Office)

Commonly required documents (typical examples)

• Passport
• ID photo (3.5×4.5)
• Application form
• Proof of residence (lease contract/dorm confirmation, etc.) (Global One-Stop Service Center)
• Fee (35,000 KRW in cash) (Global One-Stop Service Center)

Booking tips

• Immigration often requires an appointment (some guidance explicitly states “online reservation”). (whic.mofa.go.kr)
• Some schools support “group registration,” so be sure to check your international office notices (group processing may involve an additional administrative service fee in some cases). (isa.ewha.ac.kr)

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6) Mobile Plan: Prepaid Before RC, Then Switch to Postpaid/Identity-Verification Line After RC (Telecom)

In Korea, your phone number is essentially your “online identity verification key,” so there comes a moment when you need a number that can be used for identity verification, not just a “data-only SIM” (delivery apps/banking apps/simple verification, etc.).

Before RC (Alien Registration)

• Prepaid service may be possible with a passport in some cases. KT Global Shop guidance also states that prepaid plans can be opened with a regular passport. (KT Shop Global)
• School guidance also notes that “prepaid is suitable for those without a Residence Card or staying less than 6 months.” (OIA)

After RC (recommended)

• Switch to postpaid or a long-term plan
• Typically at this stage, identity documents such as a Residence Card are required (carriers provide separate checklists for foreigners). (KT Shop Global)

Mistake prevention

• If the name spelling (in English) registered with the bank/school/insurance differs from your mobile subscription info, identity verification may fail.

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7) Open a Bank Account: “Passport + RC + Korean Phone + Address” Is the Basic Set (Banking)

For international students, a bank account isn’t just for saving money—it connects to:

• Tuition/scholarships/part-time wages
• Easy payments/certificates
• Monthly rent auto-transfer
  as well.

Information commonly required based on university guidance

• Passport
• Residence Card
• Korean address
• Korean mobile number (OIA)

Also, guidance materials from an investment promotion agency provide examples such as a passport and residence card for foreigners opening an account. (InvestKorea)

5 things to ask at the bank

1. Whether a debit card can be issued (immediately/later)
2. How to set up international remittances (sending/receiving overseas)
3. ATM withdrawal/transfer limits (initial limits may apply)
4. Internet/mobile banking login method (certificate/financial authentication)
5. Student ID linkage (if applicable by school)

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8) Identity Verification (PASS) & Simple Verification (Naver/Kakao) “Initial Setup” (Banking/Telecom)

The biggest time sink in Korea is “Why won’t verification work?”—and in most cases it comes down to one of these two:

• Your mobile line is not eligible for identity verification (data-only SIM/short-term line, etc.)
• The English name/date of birth registered with your bank/telecom/school differs slightly

If possible, proceed like this

• RC issuance → (postpaid or identity-verifiable line) → banking app → simple certificate
  This order usually causes the fewest trial-and-error issues.

Reference (Mobile Residence Card)

• Immigration has published guidance on the mobile Residence Card (mobile registration card), and explains that issuance requires an identity verification procedure (such as scanning a QR code after visiting immigration). (Immigration Office)

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9) Insurance: Check NHIS Auto-Enrollment + School Group Insurance (Insurance)

9-1. National Health Insurance (NHIS) essentials

• NHIS official English guidance states that foreigners staying in Korea for 6 months or longer are subject to mandatory enrollment (including guidance on the mandatory policy after July 2019). (NHIS)
• However, many universities state that international students are automatically enrolled after alien registration (alien registration number/RC). (OIA)

9-2. Possible reductions (discounts)

Some universities 안내 international students about a 50% premium reduction (policy subject to change). For example, SUNY Korea notes a 50% discount for international students starting March 2023 (subject to change), and JBNU provides sample discounted amounts for D-2 students. (SUNY Korea)

Because premiums/reduction standards can be adjusted each year, the safest approach is to check both “your school international office notice + NHIS guidance” together. (NHIS)

9-3. Waiver exemptions

Some schools also 안내 waiver applications based on private overseas insurance, and post examples of required documents (varies by school/situation). (inu.ac.kr)

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10) Address Change Reporting/Stay Management: If You Move, “Report Within the Deadline” + Use Online Services (Housing/Admin)

Even after you’ve settled in, the administrative task international students repeatedly do in Korea is reporting a change of residence (address change).

• Government24 민원 guidance states within 15 days from the move-in date. (Gov.kr)
• Local government English guidance/university guidance often states within 14 days (guidance may differ by institution). (Junggu)

Practically, this is the safest rule

• “Process it within 2 weeks of moving (ideally within 1 week).”
• If you miss the deadline, it may only be possible at your jurisdictional immigration office, or you may be informed about an administrative fine. (Junggu)

Some services can be done online

• Immigration services have separate guidance materials for online applications (change of residence, etc.). (Immigration Office)

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International Student Orientation: A “Settlement Checklist (10 Lines)” You Can Copy-Paste

• Log in to the school portal/save the academic calendar
• Log in to the school email app/set notifications
• Issue student ID (including mobile)/register for the library
• Confirm your housing (check contract address/deposit/maintenance fee)
• After moving in, get a confirmed date + ask about move-in/address processing (community service center)
• Book alien registration (Residence Card)/prepare documents/apply (fee 35,000 KRW) (Immigration Office)
• Before RC: Activate a prepaid SIM (check cases where passport is accepted) (KT Shop Global)
• After RC: Open a bank account (passport + RC + address + Korean number) (OIA)
• Check NHIS enrollment/auto-enrollment (+ check school group insurance) (NHIS)
• When moving, report address change within 2 weeks (check if online is available) (Gov.kr)

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Top 6 Common Mistakes (Time-Saving Points)

1. Delaying your RC application, then appointments get booked and you’re rushed by the 90-day deadline (Global One-Stop Service Center)
2. A unit number/address typo on the housing contract → proof of residence rejected
3. Expecting a prepaid SIM to work for all app verification → blocked at the identity verification step
4. Not asking the bank about limits/international remittance settings → having to visit again later
5. Missing NHIS auto-enrollment/notices → worries about delinquency/disadvantages (some school notices include warning language) (NSL PNU)
6. Forgetting to report an address change after moving → inconvenience/fine guidance if the deadline passes (Junggu)

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FAQ International student settlement in Korea (Search Traffic + Residency/International Student Concerns)

Q1. Do I have to register (Residence Card/Alien Registration)?

For most long-term international students, it is 안내 as a required procedure (many university pages repeatedly mention registering within 90 days of entry). (Global One-Stop Service Center)

Q2. Isn’t the alien registration fee 30,000 KRW?

According to immigration guidance, there is a notice that it increases to 35,000 KRW from January 1, 2025. (Immigration Office)

Q3. How do I use a phone before my RC is issued?

According to carrier guidance, prepaid may be possible with a passport in some cases. Once your RC is issued, the general flow is to switch to a postpaid/long-term line. (KT Shop Global)

Q4. Can I open a bank account without an RC?

Based on school/institution guidance, it’s common to require a passport + Residence Card + Korean address + Korean mobile number. (OIA)
(Exceptions may exist depending on the branch/bank/individual situation, so it’s safer to confirm with the branch before visiting.)

Q5. Is National Health Insurance (NHIS) mandatory for international students too?

NHIS states that foreigners staying 6 months or longer must enroll, and universities often state that international students are automatically enrolled after alien registration. (NHIS)

Q6. If my NHIS premium is too expensive, can it be reduced?

Some universities mention details such as a 50% reduction for international students (policy subject to change). Check both your school notice and NHIS criteria. (SUNY Korea)

Q7. If I have overseas private insurance, can I get an NHIS waiver?

Some schools provide examples of documents required for a waiver application. However, eligibility conditions can vary by situation, so you need to check both your school guidance and NHIS. (inu.ac.kr)

Q8. If I move, where do I report my address change?

Based on Government24/local government/university guidance, processing routes are 안내 at a community service center (Administrative Welfare Center), your jurisdictional immigration office, or online. Since there is guidance on deadlines (14–15 days), handling it quickly is safest. (Gov.kr)

Q9. Do foreigners also need a move-in report/confirmed date stamp?

From the perspective of protecting your deposit, there is legal guidance stating that having a confirmed date stamp plus move-in/address-related requirements helps with obtaining preferential repayment rights. (Easy Law)

Q10. Can foreigners also enroll in a jeonse deposit return guarantee?

A government policy Q&A states that individuals, corporations, and foreigners can also enroll (details should be confirmed by product/institution). (Korea.kr)

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⚠️ Notice: Immigration policies and required documents can vary depending on an individual’s status of stay (visa) · jurisdiction office · timing. I organized this based on the basic principles in official guidance, but for the final confirmation, contact your competent immigration office/1345. (Immigration Service)

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1) ARC (Alien Registration Card) Korea = Why it’s the “must-have ID” for life in Korea

The Alien Registration Card (often called an ARC) is an official ID under the Immigration Control Act, and it’s explained as having the same legal effect as a Korean resident registration card. (Immigration Service) That’s why, to do things like the following, it becomes almost a “must-have item.”

• Opening a bank account / financial transactions
• Getting a mobile phone line (postpaid plan)
• Signing a housing contract / address move-in-related administration
• Identity verification for civil services / hospitals / insurance, etc.

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2) “By when?” ARC application deadline (this is where delays happen a lot)

Principle: A foreigner who intends to stay for more than 90 days from the date of entry must register as an alien within 90 days from the date of entry. (Immigration Service) Also, the guidance is to make an appointment first on HiKorea and then apply at the immigration office with jurisdiction over your place of stay. (Immigration Service)

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3) ARC registration process A to Z (for first-timers)

A. Make a visit reservation on HiKorea

• There are really many cases of “going without a reservation and being sent back.”
• Your competent office is based on your current residence (place of stay). (Immigration Service)

B. Prepare documents (common + additional by status of stay)

• The common documents are mostly fixed, and
• The “additional documents” vary by visa/situation (student, worker, overseas Korean, family, etc.). (Immigration Service)

C. Submit in person + provide biometric data (fingerprints, etc.)

When registering as an alien, it may include providing biometric information such as fingerprints and face data, and there is guidance that refusal may limit permission to stay. (Easy Law)

D. Pay the fee

• As of January 1, 2025, the issuance fee for the Alien Registration Card increased to KRW 35,000 (issuance with an embedded IC chip, based on the mobile ARC). (Immigration Service)
• The payment method is stipulated by law as cash or a token/voucher proving cash payment, so “bringing cash” is the safest. (Law.go.kr)

E. Receive the receipt → receive the card

After submission, the time until you receive the physical card may vary depending on season/jurisdiction (longer during peak times).

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4) ARC common required documents: the “4 essentials” (the basic backbone)

According to official guidance, the core basic submission documents are as follows. (Immigration Service)

✅ Common 1) Passport (original)

• If possible, bringing a copy of the passport bio page can speed up the intake process (may be requested depending on office/case).

✅ Common 2) Proof of residence (Residence proof)

• A lot of applications get rejected due to “address proof.” (More details in #5 below)

✅ Common 3) One photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm)

Photo requirements are strict. If you violate even one of the rules below, it’s the #1 on-site rejection reason. (Immigration Service)

✅ Common 4) Additional documents by status of stay (visa)

• Even in official guidance, it’s separated as “documents by status of stay (see attached file).” (Immigration Service)

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5) Proof of residence (address verification) — the key rejection point

Residence verification can be summarized in one line like this.

“Objectively show that you actually live at this address right now.”

The most commonly used practical examples are as follows (schools/institutions usually guide the same combinations). (oia.cbnu.ac.kr)

1) Housing contract in your name (lease contract)

• The contract must show the address accurately, and
• Be sure to confirm your name (English/passport name) matches the contract

2) Dormitory residence confirmation (issued by a school/institution)

• For international students, this is the cleanest case. (oia.cbnu.ac.kr)

3) Accommodation provided by an acquaintance/company (Accommodation Provision Confirmation, etc.)

• Additional items such as a copy of the provider’s ID and supporting proof of residence may be required (varies by jurisdiction/case).

✅ Tip: If the “address notation (building/unit number/postal code)” is ambiguous, this is the most common point where the counter requests supplements.

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6) (Reference) Common cases where additional documents are required by status of stay

From here on, it’s the area that “depends on your visa.” Still, understanding the general pattern of what gets added can reduce rejections.

● What is often required for international students (D-2/D-4, etc.)

Based on university international office notices, the following usually move as a set. (oia.cbnu.ac.kr)

• Integrated application form (template)
• Certificate of enrollment
• Proof of residence (dorm/contract, etc.)
• Fee KRW 35,000

● Cases like foreign workers (E-9/H-2, etc.) that include “medical check/proof”

In the Easy Law guidance example (worker case),

• (E-9) Business registration certificate + designated hospital drug test confirmation
• (H-2) Early Adjustment Program completion certificate + designated hospital health check report
  are guided as additional documents. (Easy Law)

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7) ARC registration: “Top 10 most common reasons for rejection” (plus fixes)

Here, “rejection” usually means cannot be accepted / request for supplementation. The really frustrating part is that you brought all the big documents, but end up making another visit due to small details. Just checking the 10 items below greatly reduces the chance you’ll need to come back.

Rejection TOP10 summary table

Rank	Reason for rejection	How it blows up on-site	Fix (fastest)
1	Photo size/spec mismatch	“Please bring a new photo.” (white background/within 6 months/face ratio/retouching, etc.)	Retake per rules: 3.5×4.5, within 6 months, white background, no retouching/damage, etc. (Immigration Service)
2	Insufficient/unclear proof of residence	Your name not on the contract, or the address is ambiguous	Make address · your full name · type of residence clear on the contract/confirmation (for dorms, use the confirmation letter). (Immigration Service)
3	Visiting without a HiKorea reservation	“No reservation, no acceptance.”	Make a visit reservation first, then visit your competent office. (Immigration Service)
4	Application form (integrated form) not completed / completed incorrectly	Missing signature, missing date, incorrect contact info	Print and fill it out in advance + complete signature/date as well (match passport info exactly)
5	Passport info/name notation mismatch	Passport name differs from contract/enrollment documents	Standardize the English name on all documents (based on the passport)
6	Insufficient/near-expiry passport validity	May cause restrictions during stay permission/issuance process	Renew before expiry if possible (especially watch out when under 6 months remaining). (Immigration Service)
7	Fee not prepared (cash, etc.)	Panic if you can’t pay at the counter right away	Fee is regulated as cash or proof of cash payment → bring cash. (Law.go.kr)
8	Applicant not present (biometrics required)	Proxy submission limited due to fingerprint/face registration	Plan your schedule assuming you must visit in person (biometrics provision procedure). (Easy Law)
9	Missing additional documents by status of stay	“Additional documents” required depending on student/worker/overseas Korean, etc.	Check your status of stay → confirm additional documents via your jurisdiction/school notice/official guidance. (Immigration Service)
10	Confusion between “original vs. copy” for photos/documents	Original required but you brought only copies	Passport original required + prepare 1–2 extra copies of anything that might be needed. (Immigration Service)

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8) 1-minute “final check” checklist for the day before your visit

If you just put these in your bag, the chance of having to come back due to a mistake drops a lot.

• HiKorea visit reservation completed (confirm date/time/competent office) (Immigration Service)
• Passport original (+ extra copies of bio page) (Immigration Service)
• One photo: 3.5×4.5 / white background / within 6 months / no retouching · tinted glasses · hats (Immigration Service)
• Proof of residence (contract/dorm confirmation/accommodation provision confirmation, etc.) (Immigration Service)
• Integrated application form completed (including signature/date)
• Prepare the fee in cash: KRW 35,000 (increase effective 2025.1.1~) (Immigration Service)
• (If applicable) Additional documents by status of stay (enrollment/employment/medical check, etc.) (Immigration Service)

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9) (Bonus) From 2025, a “Mobile Alien Registration Card” also became available

Starting January 10, 2025, issuance of a Mobile Alien Registration Card is guided for registered foreigners residing in Korea. (Immigration Service) The official mobile ID guidance also introduces it as “any ARC holder can apply” in terms of flow. (Mobile ID)

• IC (chip-based) ARCs are guided as a method that makes reissuance easier via tagging even after you change phones. (Mobile ID)

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Wrap-up: The most realistic conclusion for preventing rejection

ARC registration doesn’t get rejected because “the documents are hard”—most people slip on the basics like photo · address · signature · reservation · fee. If you prepare exactly according to today’s checklist, your chances of being accepted on your first visit go up significantly.

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FAQ

Q1. Do I have to register for an ARC after entering Korea?

If you intend to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, in principle you must register as an alien within 90 days from your date of entry. (Immigration Service)

Q2. How much is the ARC issuance fee?

As of January 1, 2025, guidance announced an increase to KRW 35,000 (issued with an embedded IC chip). (Immigration Service)

Q3. Can I pay the fee by card?

By law, the issuance/reissuance fee for an ARC must be paid in cash or proof of cash payment, so bringing cash is the safest. (Law.go.kr)

Q4. Can I use any ID photo?

No. Requirements are very specific, including 3.5×4.5, within 6 months, white background, no retouching/damage, face length (2.5–3.5cm), etc. (Immigration Service)

Q5. What exactly should I submit as proof of residence?

Common examples include a lease contract and a dormitory residence confirmation (additional requirements may apply depending on the case). (Immigration Service)

Q6. Can I go to the immigration office without a HiKorea reservation?

Official guidance is to apply at the competent immigration office after making a visit reservation on HiKorea. (Immigration Service)

Q7. Do I have to register my fingerprints?

ARC registration may include procedures to provide biometric information such as fingerprints and face data, and guidance notes there may be limitations on permission if you refuse. (Easy Law)

Q8. What additional documents do international students usually need?

Based on university international office guidance, typically a certificate of enrollment + proof of residence + fee are required together (may vary by school/jurisdiction). (oia.cbnu.ac.kr)

Q9. Can anyone get a Mobile ARC?

Starting January 10, 2025, issuance of a Mobile ARC is guided for registered foreigners, and the official Mobile ID site also provides the issuance flow. (Immigration Service)

Q10. If you had to pick just one most common rejection reason, what is it?

In practical terms, photo specifications and proof of residence compete for #1–#2. Photo rules are very specific in the official criteria, so matching them exactly is the best approach. (Immigration Service)

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