How to reissue an alien registration card in Korea
“I lost my alien registration card. How can I get one reissued?”
What is an alien registration card?
This is an ID card issued to foreigners who want to stay in Korea for more than 90 days.
To examine the legal regulations in detail, it is necessary to think separately between “foreigner registration” and “issuance of foreign registration certificate.”
1. Registration of foreigners
Foreigners who wish to stay more than 91 days from the date of entry to the Republic of Korea must register as foreigners at their local immigration and foreign affairs offices or branch offices within 90 days of the date of entry, and an alien registration card is issued.
Foreigner registration is basically exempted for the following foreigners, but you can register as a foreigner if you want.
Employees of foreign missions in Korea (including embassies and consulates) and international organizations and their families
A person who enjoys similar privileges and exemptions as a diplomat or consul under an agreement with the Government of the Republic of Korea and his/her family
A person engaged in important affairs for foreign affairs, industry, or national defense, and his/her family or other persons deemed it necessary to exempt him/her from registration as a foreigner
It is mandatory for foreigners who do not meet the above conditions to register as foreigners, and even if they are under the age of 17, they must register as foreigners apart from issuing alien registration cards.
Failure to register as a foreigner will result in up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won, and will be subject to forced eviction. Foreigners under the age of 17 must apply for alien registration by their parents, de facto dependents, siblings, identity guarantors, or other housemates if they do not apply for alien registration, and a fine of up to 2 million won will be imposed.
2. Issuance of alien registration card
The head of the local immigration and foreign affairs office who has received alien registration shall issue an alien registration card to the foreigner. In other words, issuing an alien registration card is the duty of the head of the local immigration and foreign affairs office, not the duty of foreigners.
However, when registering a foreigner, foreigners under the age of 17 who are not subject to mandatory issuance must apply for the issuance of an alien registration card within 90 days of turning 17, which is mandatory. If the obligation is not fulfilled, a fine of up to 500,000 won will be imposed.
If a resident registration card, copy of resident registration, or abstract is required in various procedures and transaction relations stipulated in the Act, it shall be replaced by an alien registration card or proof of fact of alien registration (Article 88-2 (1) of the Immigration Act). That’s why you shouldn’t lend it to others! This is the same as a resident registration card and a driver’s license.
In addition, foreigners are obligated to have an alien registration card or passport in Korea. Don’t just carry your driver’s license because you’ve been issued a driver’s license.It is a violation of the immigration law.
Documents to be prepared
1. Original passport
2. ID photo (one 3.5cm x 4.5cm photo taken in the last 6 months)
3. Consolidated application form
You can download it from hi Korea site in advance and fill it out,
You can fill it out after receiving the site of the local immigration office
4. Fee: 30,000 won (when visiting in person)
Prepare an additional 4,000 won to receive it by mail