Visa & Immigration
Which visa do you need?
Korean visa types, how to get your ARC card, and the pitfalls that trip up most newcomers.
Last updated: March 2026
Visa Finder
Find your visa
Answer two questions and we'll point you to the right visa.
Why are you coming to Korea?
This is for informational purposes only. Always verify with the Korean Immigration Service or your nearest Korean embassy.
Visa Types
Compare visa types
Select a category to compare visa purpose, duration, and work rights.
| Visa | Purpose | Duration | Work | Key docs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-2 Student Visa | Enrolled in a Korean university or language institute | Duration of study program, typically 1-2 years | Yes Part-time work allowed (up to 20 hrs/week with permission) |
|
| D-4 General Training Visa | Korean language studies, short-term training programs | Up to 1 year, extendable | No Work not permitted without additional permission |
|
Visa regulations change. Always verify current requirements at hikorea.go.kr or your nearest Korean embassy.
ARC Card
How to get your ARC
If you're in Korea on a long-stay visa, you need an Alien Registration Card. It's required for nearly everything — bank accounts, phone plans, health insurance.
Within 90 days of arrival
You must register for an ARC (Alien Registration Card) within 90 days of arriving in Korea on a long-stay visa. Failing to register is a violation and can result in fines.
Make an appointment
Book an appointment at the Hi Korea website (hikorea.go.kr) or call 1345 for the nearest immigration office. Walk-ins are possible but wait times can be 2-4 hours.
Documents to bring
Passport + visa, 2 passport photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm), completed application form, proof of address, fee (30,000 KRW), and any employer/school documents.
At the immigration office
Take a number, wait, submit your documents, get fingerprinted. The officer will keep your passport temporarily and give you a receipt.
Processing time
About 2-3 weeks. You'll receive a text when ready. You can track status on Hi Korea. Pick up in person at the same office.
Book at Hi Korea
Online appointments save you the 2-4 hour walk-in wait.
Seoul immigration offices
Seoul Foreign Population Office (Mapo)
27 Eoulmadag-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
You can register at any immigration office nationwide. Call 1345 to find the nearest one to you.
Watch Out
Common pitfalls
Visa violations can lead to fines, deportation orders, and bans on re-entry. Know these before they catch you off guard.
Working at a second school without permission
E-2 holders can only work at their sponsoring employer. Any additional teaching requires a separate work authorization from immigration. Violation can result in deportation.
Overstaying during school breaks
Your visa must be valid even during breaks. Check your visa expiry date — not just your school calendar. Apply for extension at least 2 weeks before expiry.
Changing employers/schools without updating ARC
You must notify immigration within 15 days of changing employers. Failure to report is technically a violation. Visit your local immigration office or use Hi Korea online.
Working on a tourist visa
Any paid work on a C-3 visa is illegal. This includes English tutoring, content creation for Korean companies, and remote work paid by Korean entities. The consequences can be severe.
Divorce affecting visa status
F-6 is tied to your Korean spouse. Divorce doesn't automatically end your visa, but you'll need to notify immigration and may need to transition to another visa type, especially if you have children.
Have a visa question?
Call the immigration helpline at 1345 — they have English support.