Stay & Admin
Extension, visa (status) change, re-entry, and ARC — the admin steps to keep your stay legal, all in one place.
Visa extension — when & how?
Urgency by your expiry date plus the step-by-step procedure — no login needed
Moved? Report your new address
Report within 15 days — the easiest way and what to prepare, free
⏰ Visa Expiry D-day
Enter the expiry date on your ARC to see how many days remain. Prepare your extension before it expires.
The remaining days are a simple calculation from the date you entered. Actual extension timing and procedures vary by status — always verify with ☎1345 or Hi Korea.
Residence procedures
Extending Your Stay
You must apply to ‘extend’ before your stay expires to remain legal. If your period lapses, you become an overstayer and may face penalties or departure. You can usually apply from about 4 months before expiry, and registered foreigners can often apply online via Hi Korea e-government.
Changing Your Status (Visa Change)
The process to switch from your current visa to another (e.g., student D-2 → work E-7, E-9 → skilled E-7-4). Once you meet the requirements, you can often apply domestically without leaving Korea. Requirements and documents differ greatly by target status, and you should apply while your current stay is still valid.
Re-entry Permit
A system for registered foreigners to leave Korea and return on the same status. Registered foreigners can usually re-enter without a permit if they return within 1 year of departure (2 years for F-5 permanent residents). But if you plan to stay abroad longer, you must obtain a re-entry permit before leaving to keep your status (it varies by nationality/status, so always check).
Reissuing Your ARC (Lost/Damaged)
Reissue your ARC if it’s lost, damaged, or your details (name, nationality, etc.) change. The ARC is your ID for life in Korea, so handle a loss quickly. For a loss you must apply within 14 days of becoming aware, and missing this can mean a fine. You can apply via Gov24 or Hi Korea.
Inviting Family (Spouse & Children)
Depending on your status, you can invite your spouse and minor children from home to live with you in Korea. The Dependent Family (F-3) status is a common route: usually the inviter in Korea first obtains a Certificate for Visa Issuance, then the family gets a visa abroad and enters. Whether your visa allows accompaniment, and the income requirements, depend on your status and current policy. Recently, apostille/consular verification of relationship documents and household-size-based financial proof have been tightened.
Naturalization (Acquiring Citizenship)
After living in Korea long enough and meeting the requirements, you can acquire Korean nationality through ‘naturalization.’ It splits into general, simplified, and special naturalization, with different requirements by type (residence period, livelihood, conduct, basic knowledge such as Korean/social integration). You typically complete the Social Integration Program (KIIP) or a comprehensive evaluation, and after applying you go through review and an interview. The bar is high, so first confirm your type and prepare well in advance.
This is general information and has no legal force. Residence rules differ by visa, nationality, and situation and change often — always verify with official sources (Immigration Contact Center ☎1345, Hi Korea, an administrative agent).