English

31-1 · Work, investment & study visas

Residence Status and Visa Applications

A foreign national in Korea who wants to engage in activities different from their current residence status must obtain permission to change residence status in advance under Article 24 of the Immigration Act, and one who wants to stay beyond the permitted period must obtain an extension of the period of stay before it ends under Article 25. A foreign national born in Korea must be granted a residence status within 90 days of birth, and one who loses or renounces Korean nationality while staying in Korea must be granted a residence status within 60 days of that event. Applications are filed with the immigration office having jurisdiction over the place of stay, and the documents required for each residence status are set out in Appended Table 5-2 of the Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act. In practice, extension applications are accepted from 4 months before expiry, and staying past the expiry date makes the stay illegal, which may count against the person in later reviews.

HWANG YUNSANG ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICESONGDO · 37.3892° N / 126.6439° E
#Residence Status and Visa Applications#Official check#31-1
🌐 Preparation of application documents for alien registration and extension of stay
01

When this applies

When this applies

Foreign nationals preparing to extend their period of stay, change status of stay, apply for off-work activities, change or add workplace, or apply for permanent residence.
02

Procedure

Procedure

Procedure type
  • Permit Difficulty High

    A procedure that allows a business, activity or stay that the law generally restricts, after review; licenses fall into this type. The authority reviews facility standards, location and consultation with other agencies, and a permit can be refused if the standards are not met.

  1. 01

    Check the current status and deadline: Check the current residence status and expiry date on the residence card and passport, and whether the intended activity falls within the current status. If it does not, the application is for a change of residence status or permission for activities outside the residence status, not an extension.

  2. 02

    Decide the application type: Apply for an extension of the period of stay to continue the same activity, a change of residence status when the purpose changes, such as from study to employment (e.g., D-2 to E-7), and a grant of residence status for birth in Korea or loss of nationality.

  3. 03

    Check the requirements for the residence status: Check requirements such as education, income, employment contract and family relationships and the required documents in the Hi Korea guidance for each residence status and Appended Table 5-2 of the Enforcement Rule, and see whether documents issued abroad need an apostille or consular legalization and a translation.

  4. 04

    Prepare the documents: Prepare the integrated application form, passport, residence card and photo, together with proof of purpose such as an employment contract, business registration certificate, certificate of enrollment or family documents, and proof of the place of stay such as a lease agreement.

  5. 05

    Submit the application: Apply online through Hi Korea or submit the documents to the immigration office having jurisdiction over the place of stay after booking a visit, and pay the fee. Extension applications must be received before the expiry date.

  6. 06

    Respond to the review and check the result: If supplementary documents are requested, submit them within the deadline; if approved, the permitted period is written on the residence card. If denied, check the reasons and consider whether to correct the issues and reapply.

03

Filing route

Filing route

Hi Korea online application or visit booking / immigration office having jurisdiction over the place of stay

Confirm the current filing office, jurisdiction, and online availability on the official website.

Official check
Actual processing agencyCompetent Immigration Office
Statutory and policy authorityKorea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice
Online routeHiKorea
04

Deadlines & processing notes

Deadlines & processing notes

For extensions of period of stay, eligibility to apply is reviewed from four months before expiration up to the date of expiration. Fees vary by status and application method; extension examples may be guided as KRW 60,000 in person and KRW 50,000 online.Official check
05

Fees & official charges

Fees & official charges

Administrative service fee
  • from KRW 300,000
All administrative service fees exclude 10% VAT.
Government fee / taxImmigration fee varies by status and procedure; check HiKorea before filingOfficial fee source

Included in the basic fee — Initial document review, required-document guidance, basic form preparation, one filing support and responses to up to two supplement requests.

Conditional success fee — For this service, any conditional success fee may be separately agreed within the lawful service scope and stated in a written engagement agreement. No outcome is guaranteed.

Displayed amounts are starting estimates, not statutory or standard rates. The final fee is confirmed after consultation and document review in the engagement agreement. Government fees and actual expenses may change.

Fees & official charges →
06

Basic documents

Basic documents

Basic documents0 / 8

Scope of services

Scope of services

Hwang Yunsang Administrative Agent Office prepares and translates documents for administrative agencies, submits them on your behalf, and guides you through permit, application, and notification procedures. Services that require the principal’s personal appearance, principal’s application, or electronic signature may be limited in delegation.