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How to Report a Change of Address in Korea

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🌍 Foreign Residents in Korea Series

Step-by-step guides for foreigners living in Korea — from address registration and visa to banking, taxes, and digital certificates.

Change of address in Korea for foreigners and residents: where to report, deadlines, online vs. in-person steps, required documents, and key agencies to stay compliant.

In short

If you move in Korea, you must report your new address. Koreans file a “Move-in Report” at a community center or via Government24. Foreign residents report a “Change of Residence” to Immigration (HiKorea or local office). Do it within 14 days and bring ID plus proof of residence.

Who Needs to Report

In Korea, both citizens and foreign residents must report their new residential address after moving. This ensures your resident records (Koreans) or immigration records (foreigners with an Alien Registration Card, ARC) are accurate for services like health insurance, taxes, and official mail.

  • Koreans: Submit a Move-in Report (전입신고) to update resident registration.
  • Foreigners with ARC: Submit a Change of Residence (체류지 변경신고) to Immigration (HiKorea or local Immigration office).
  • General deadline: within 14 days of moving.

Koreans: Move-in Report (전입신고)

Where & How

  • In-person: Visit your local 주민센터 (community center) for the new address.
  • Online: Use Government24 (정부24) with a digital certificate (공동/금융인증서) and mobile/PC verification.

Documents You’ll Need

  • Valid ID (주민등록증 or driver’s license).
  • Proof of residence: lease contract (임대차계약서), sales contract, or property ownership proof.
  • If moving as a family: relationship proof if records are separate.
  • If the property owner is not present: owner consent may be requested (e.g., signed consent or verification by phone/app).

Fee & Processing Time

The filing itself is typically free and processed on the same day. Your resident record updates immediately; certificates (e.g., resident registration copy) will reflect the new address.

💡 Tip If you apply online via Government24, prepare clear photos/PDFs of your lease or ownership documents before starting.

Foreigners: Change of Residence (체류지 변경신고)

Where & How

  • Online: HiKorea e-Application (available for many visa types).
  • In-person: Nearest Immigration office (or branch) responsible for your new address.

Documents You’ll Need

  • Passport and ARC (Alien Registration Card).
  • Proof of residence: lease contract, school dorm letter, 고시원 confirmation, or accommodation confirmation from the property manager.
  • If filing for family members: relationship proof (marriage/birth certificates as applicable).

Deadline & Fee

Report within 14 days of moving. Reporting the change itself is usually free. If you request a reissued ARC card showing the new address, a card reissuance fee may apply.

⚠️ Note Late reporting can lead to an administrative fine. Always keep your ARC and contact information up to date in Korea.

After You Report: Mail, Banks, Bills

Government records do not automatically update every private service. After filing your report, update these common services “in Korea” to avoid missed mail and billing issues:

  • Postal mail: Set up mail redirection/forwarding with Korea Post for a transition period.
  • Banks & credit cards: Update your address in each banking app or branch.
  • Mobile carrier & internet: Update your service address for billing and technician visits.
  • Utilities: Gas, electricity, water—terminate at the old address and open accounts at the new one as needed.
  • Insurance & memberships: National Health Insurance may sync from resident records, but private insurers/gyms do not—update separately.
  • Driver’s license/vehicle: If applicable, check and update records to match your new address.
💡 Tip Take photos of your old and new utility meters on move-out/move-in day. It helps prevent billing disputes.

Quick Checklist

  • Report within 14 days: Government24/주민센터 (Koreans) or HiKorea/Immigration (foreigners).
  • Carry ID + proof of residence (lease/ownership/dorm/고시원 confirmation).
  • If moving with family, bring relationship documents if needed.
  • Update mail forwarding, banks, mobile/internet, utilities, and subscriptions.
  • Keep digital copies of documents ready for online filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q. Do I need to visit the old district office?
    A. No. File at your new address (주민센터) or online via Government24. Foreigners file with the Immigration office in charge of the new address or via HiKorea.
  2. Q. What if my name is not on the lease?
    A. Bring proof that you actually live there (e.g., a confirmation from the owner/manager or a family relation document). Additional consent may be requested by the office.
  3. Q. Is there a fee?
    A. Filing the report is usually free. If you request a new ARC card to reflect the address, a reissue fee may apply.
  4. Q. Can I report online?
    A. Yes. Koreans can use Government24 with a digital certificate. Many foreign residents can use HiKorea e-Application; otherwise visit Immigration in person.
  5. Q. What happens if I’m late?
    A. You may face an administrative fine. File as soon as possible and keep documents that prove your actual move-in date.

Notes

Note. Requirements can vary by district office and visa type. When in doubt, call your new 주민센터 or the Immigration call center before visiting, and bring original documents plus copies.

Explore the Series

More step-by-step guides for foreigners in Korea. Browse them on the hub, or jump directly below.

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