Residence card, health insurance and change of address

Residence card (ARC, 외국인등록증)

Foreigners staying longer than 90 days must register within 90 days of entering Korea. The card is your ID in Korea and you need it for a phone contract, a bank account and many apps.

1. Ask your university's international office first; many register students as a group.
2. Otherwise book a visit to the immigration office for your address on HiKorea.
3. Bring your passport, the application form, a 3.5 × 4.5 cm photo, a certificate of enrolment, proof of address and the fee; immigration and your university give the full list.

Extending your stay

Your period of stay is on the ARC. D-4 (language training) is usually extended every 6 months, D-2 every 1–2 years. Apply before it ends, through your university, at the immigration office, or by e-Application on HiKorea. Late applications are fined.

National Health Insurance (NHIS)

• D-2 students are enrolled automatically: on a first entry from the day of foreigner registration (ARC), or from the day of entry if they already hold an ARC.
• D-4 language students are enrolled after 6 months; until then most use their school's insurance.
• The 2026 student premium is about ₩79,320 a month, due by the 25th. Unpaid premiums can hold up a visa extension.

Change of address

ARC holders must report a new address within 15 days of moving, even within the same dormitory. Report online (HiKorea → e-Application → Change of address, with your lease and ARC) or at the community centre (주민센터) for your new address or at immigration. Not reporting can be fined.

Part-time work

Student visa holders need permission for part-time work before they start, usually arranged through the international office. Working without it can lead to fines, loss of the visa or deportation.

Sources

• HiKorea: hikorea.go.kr · Immigration contact centre: 1345
• Study in Korea: studyinkorea.go.kr · NHIS: nhis.or.kr/english

Checked in October 2026. Rules, fares and addresses can change; check the official sources before you act.