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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.
How foreigners in Korea can obtain an official Immigration (Alien Registration) Certificate to prove their residence and visa status for banks, jobs, or visa renewal.
In short
Foreigners living in Korea can request an official Immigration Certificate (출입국사실증명서) or Alien Registration Certificate from Immigration or HiKorea. It proves your visa type, residence period, and registration details — useful for banks, employers, and government applications.
Table of Contents
What Is an Immigration Certificate?
The Immigration (Alien Registration) Certificate, officially known as the Certificate of Entry and Exit/Residence (출입국사실증명서), is issued by the Korean Immigration Service under the Ministry of Justice. It shows:
- Your registered Alien Registration Number and visa type
- Dates of entry and exit to/from Korea
- Residence address and registration details
This document is often required by banks, employers, universities, or when applying for public benefits or official verification of your stay in Korea.
💡 Tip The certificate is different from your physical ARC
card — it’s an official paper proof used for administrative and legal
purposes.
Where to Apply
- Online: HiKorea portal (for digital copies in Korean or English).
- In-person: Any local Immigration Office or Government24 (정부24) kiosk that provides immigration records.
- By proxy: A representative can apply with a power of attorney if you cannot appear personally.
⚠️ Note Community centers (주민센터) cannot issue this
immigration certificate. It is handled only by Immigration or through HiKorea.
Required Documents
- Passport (for ID verification)
- Alien Registration Card (ARC)
- Application form (available at the Immigration office or online on HiKorea)
- Processing fee (usually 2,000 KRW per copy)
- If by proxy: authorization letter and representative’s ID
💡 Tip For online applications, prepare scanned copies of
your ARC and passport if required for verification.
How to Apply Online via HiKorea
- Visit HiKorea and log in with your account or digital certificate.
- Go to “e-Application → Issuance of Certificate.”
- Select 출입국사실증명서 (Certificate of Entry/Exit) or 체류지 증명서 (Residence Proof).
- Enter your Alien Registration Number, visa type, and purpose of use.
- Pay the issuance fee online via card or bank transfer.
- Download or print your certificate in PDF format immediately or receive it by email.
⚠️ Note Ensure your name and Alien Registration Number match
exactly with your ARC to prevent system errors.
Fees and Processing Time
- Fee: 2,000 KRW per copy (online or in-person)
- Processing time: Immediate issuance (online) or within 10 minutes at the counter
- Languages available: Korean and English versions are both offered
💡 Tip The English version is often required for embassy or
international verification — request the English option when applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q. Can I use the certificate instead of my ARC card?A. No. The certificate serves as proof of registration or residence history, but you must still carry your ARC card for ID purposes in Korea.
-
Q. Can someone else apply for me?A. Yes, a legal representative or family member can apply on your behalf with an authorization letter and their ID.
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Q. How long is the certificate valid?A. There is no fixed expiration, but institutions usually require a version issued within the past 3 months for current verification.
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Q. Can I print it in English?A. Yes, HiKorea provides both Korean and English options. Choose “English Version” before downloading the PDF.
Notes
Note. Keep your ARC information updated before requesting the certificate. Any outdated address or visa status may appear incorrect on the record and cause re-issuance delays.
Related Reading
- Alien Registration (ARC) Process in Korea
- How to Report a Change of Address in Korea
- How to Extend Your Visa in Korea
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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