How to Renew Your ARC Card in Korea
How to Renew Your ARC Card in Korea
Your ARC expiry date is approaching and you're not sure whether renewal is automatic, whether it happens with your visa, or whether you need to do something separately. The short answer: ARC renewal is tied to your visa status and requires a deliberate application. Here's exactly how it works.
The Quick Answer
Your ARC expiry date almost always matches your visa expiry date. When you extend your visa, you also renew your ARC at the same time — in a single application. The standard fee is ₩35,000 (increased January 2025). Processing takes 2–4 weeks depending on your visa type and immigration office. Apply at least 2–3 months before expiry — immigration offices in Seoul and Gyeonggi are heavily booked and appointment slots fill up weeks in advance.
When Does Your ARC Need to Be Renewed?
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| When Should You Renew Your ARC Card in Korea? 🗓️ ✅ 4 months before expiry — earliest you can apply 🎯 2–3 months before — RECOMMENDED — HiKorea appointment slots fill up fast (especially Seoul/Gyeonggi)! ⚠️ 1 month before — risky! Processing takes 2–4 weeks 🚨 After expiry — Late penalty (과태료) applies! Apply immediately 💰 2025 Fee: ₩35,000 (ARC renewal) + ₩25,000 (admin) = Total ₩60,000 |
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Visa expiry approaching | Renew visa + ARC together in one application |
| Change of visa status | Change visa + update ARC simultaneously |
| ARC lost or damaged | Apply for replacement separately |
| Personal information changed (name, nationality) | Apply for updated ARC |
| Address changed | Register new address — ARC card itself may not change |
The most common scenario is renewing alongside a visa extension. If you've already read our visa extension guide, the ARC renewal process is handled in the same application — you don't need two separate visits.
When to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to 4 months before your ARC expiry date.
Recommended timing:
- 2–3 months before expiry — strongly recommended. Appointment slots at busy immigration offices fill up weeks in advance, especially in spring (March–April) and autumn (September–October) when student visa renewals peak
- 1 month before — workable but cutting it close for Seoul and Gyeonggi Province offices
- Less than 2 weeks — risky. Processing can take 2–4 weeks; you may end up in a gap
After expiry: Applying after your ARC has expired results in a fine (과태료). If you've already missed the deadline, apply immediately and be prepared for the penalty. Do not delay further.
Required Documents
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| ARC Renewal Documents Checklist — What You Need! 📄✅ ✅ Passport (original) — must be valid for at least 6 months! ✅ Current ARC (original) — even if expired, submit it for replacement ✅ Integrated application form (통합신청서) — download from HiKorea or fill out at office ✅ ID photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm) — taken within last 6 months ✅ Enrollment certificate / transcripts (for D-2 visa) 💰 Fee ₩60,000 (₩35,000 ARC + ₩25,000 admin) 📌 All personal info blurred for privacy protection! 🔒 |
Common to All Applications
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport (original) | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay |
| Current ARC (original) | Even if expired — submit it for replacement |
| Integrated application form (통합신청서) | Download from HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or fill out at the office |
| ID photo (증명사진) | 3.5 × 4.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months |
| Fee | ₩35,000 (card or cash at the immigration office counter) |
Additional Documents by Visa Type
| Visa | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| D-2 (Student) | Certificate of enrollment, academic transcripts |
| D-4 (Language trainee) | Enrollment certificate, attendance records |
| E-7 (Specific activities) | Employment contract (original + copy) |
| F-2 (Resident) | Residence proof, additional docs depending on subtype |
| F-6 (Marriage migrant) | Marriage certificate, proof of ongoing relationship |
Fee Structure
| Service | Fee (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| ARC renewal (with visa extension) | ₩60,000 total (₩35,000 ARC + ₩25,000 administrative) |
| ARC renewal only (no visa change) | ₩35,000 |
| Lost or damaged ARC replacement | ₩35,000 |
| Address/information update only | ₩10,000 |
Note: Fees were increased on January 1, 2025. Previous guides citing ₩30,000 are outdated.
How to Apply
Step 1: Book Your Appointment on HiKorea
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| Booking Your ARC Renewal Appointment on HiKorea! 💻 📍 hikorea.go.kr → "출입국 방문예약 Immigration Visit Reservation" 🗓️ Book 3–4 weeks in advance — Seoul/Gyeonggi slots fill up FAST! 💡 Pro Tips: • Cancellations appear throughout the day — keep checking! • Regional immigration offices outside Seoul have more availability • Call 1345 for alternative options if fully booked |
Go to hikorea.go.kr → "출입국 방문예약" (Immigration Visit Reservation) → Select your nearest immigration office → Choose your service → Pick a date and time.
Booking tips:
- Book as early as possible — 3–4 weeks in advance is often necessary at Seoul offices
- Cancellations appear throughout the day — check back if slots are full
- For urgent situations, some regional offices outside Seoul have more availability
Step 2: Prepare Documents
Gather everything from the list above for your specific visa type. Double-check your passport validity — a passport expiring within 6 months of your intended stay will create complications.
Step 3: Attend Your Appointment
Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Bring your appointment confirmation (digital or printed). At the counter:
- Submit your documents
- Complete fingerprint registration if required (mandatory for applicants 14 years and older)
- Pay the fee
- Receive your receipt
Step 4: Wait and Collect
Processing time by visa type:
| Visa Category | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| D-series (students, trainees) | 7–21 days |
| E-series (employment) | 14–28 days |
| F-series (residence, family) | 14–30 days |
While waiting: Your old ARC remains valid during processing. Carry it with your application receipt whenever you need to present ID.
Collection options:
- In-person pickup at the immigration office
- Registered mail delivery (등기우편) — available for some visa types; confirm when submitting
Address Changes
If you've moved to a new address, you must register the change within 14 days of moving. This is a separate obligation from ARC renewal.
How to update your address:
- Through HiKorea online (hikorea.go.kr)
- At your local immigration office
- Fee: ₩10,000 for ARC update; if done at the same time as a full renewal, confirm how fees are combined at the counter
Your ARC card itself may or may not need to be physically replaced for an address change — ask the immigration office which applies in your situation.
For full details on address registration obligations, see our ARC Registration Guide
Lost or Damaged ARC
If your ARC is lost:
- Report the loss to the nearest police station and get a loss report (분실신고서)
- Apply for replacement at the immigration office within 14 days
- Bring: passport, police loss report, application form, photo, ₩35,000 fee
If your ARC is damaged:
- Bring the damaged card to the immigration office for replacement
- Same documents as above; the old card will be collected when the new one is issued
While waiting for replacement: Carry your passport and the police loss report as temporary ID. Some services may not accept this — for critical ID requirements, contact the relevant institution in advance.
Mobile ARC — New from January 2025
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NEW in 2025! Mobile ARC vs Physical ARC Card 📱🆚💳 Physical ARC Card (실물 외국인등록증): Mobile ARC (모바일 신분증 App): How to Set It Up: 💡 Important: Always carry your physical ARC as backup — Mobile ARC not yet recognized at airports, small clinics, etc.! |
Since January 10, 2025, Korea has offered a Mobile ARC — a digital version of your ARC stored on your smartphone with the same legal status as the physical card.
Who Can Get It
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| ARC type | Must have the new IC chip-embedded ARC (issued from 2025) |
| Visa type | Long-term visa holders (F-2, F-6, D-2, D-4, and others) |
| Phone | NFC-capable smartphone |
| Verification | Korean phone number (Korean SIM) required for authentication |
| Age | 14 years and older |
Older ARC holders: If you have an older card without an IC chip, visit an immigration office to get a one-time QR code that enables mobile ARC issuance.
How to Set It Up
- Download the "모바일 신분증 (Mobile ID)" app — the official government app from the Ministry of the Interior
- Select "외국인등록증 발급" (Issue Foreigner Registration Card)
- Hold your physical ARC against the back of your phone (NFC tag)
- Enter your information
- Complete phone number verification (Korean SIM required) and facial recognition
- Your Mobile ARC is now active in the app
Where It Works
| Setting | Mobile ARC Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Government offices | ✅ Most cases |
| Major banks | ✅ Most cases |
| Hospitals and clinics | ⚠️ Physical card recommended for small clinics |
| Immigration inspection | ⚠️ Physical card recommended |
| Airport immigration | ⚠️ Always carry physical card |
Important: Always carry your physical ARC as a backup. Mobile ARC acceptance is still rolling out and some smaller institutions may not yet recognize it.
If you change phones:
- NFC version: re-authenticate only
- QR version: requires a new visit to the immigration office
Appointment Booking Tips
Busy periods to avoid:
- March–April: Spring semester start — student visa renewals spike
- September–October: Autumn semester start — similar volume
If you can't get an appointment:
- Keep checking HiKorea — cancellations appear throughout the day
- Consider regional immigration offices outside Seoul/Gyeonggi, which often have more availability
- Call 1345 for guidance on alternative options
Can't attend your appointment?
- Cancel at least 24 hours in advance through HiKorea to avoid a no-show record
- Proxy applications are possible in some cases — confirm with your immigration office whether your visa type allows it
Useful Contacts
| Service | Contact | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HiKorea (appointments + online applications) | hikorea.go.kr | 24 hours |
| 1345 Foreign Residents Hotline | 1345 | Mon–Fri 9AM–10PM, 20 languages |
| Immigration information | immigration.go.kr | — |
FAQ
Q: Is ARC renewal the same as visa extension? Usually done together, but they're technically separate processes applied in one combined application. When you submit your visa extension, you simultaneously request ARC renewal. The result: your visa and ARC both get updated to the new expiry date.
Q: Can I travel outside Korea while my ARC renewal is being processed? Yes, but it requires careful planning. Your existing ARC and visa status remain valid while processing. However, you'll need to confirm your re-entry status before departing — if your current visa has expired and the extension is pending, re-entry can be complicated. Consult 1345 or your immigration office before booking travel during the processing period.
Q: My ARC expired last week and I haven't renewed yet. What do I do? Apply immediately — don't wait. The longer you delay, the larger the potential penalty. Visit your nearest immigration office or call 1345. Overstaying a visa/ARC is a legal violation with financial and future visa implications, but proactive action is treated more favorably than being caught without action.
Q: Do I need to resubmit fingerprints every renewal? Generally no — fingerprints registered during your initial ARC issuance are retained. However, if this is your first ARC application or if there's been a significant gap, fingerprinting may be required at the counter.
Q: Can I use the Mobile ARC instead of the physical card for everything? Not yet. Mobile ARC has the same legal status but isn't yet accepted everywhere in practice. Always carry your physical card, especially for airport immigration, certain banking services, and smaller medical facilities.
Q: The fee listed online says ₩30,000 but I'm seeing ₩35,000 in some places. Which is correct? ₩35,000 is correct as of January 1, 2025. Older guides and some cached websites still show the previous fee of ₩30,000. The increase applies to both renewals and replacements.
Related Posts
- How to Register Your Address in Korea (ARC Guide)
- How to Extend Your Visa in Korea
- Renting a Room in Korea: What Foreigners Need to Know
Bookmark this page before your ARC expiry approaches — the appointment booking timeline is the part most people underestimate.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments — we'll help you figure it out.
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