🛂 Foreigner Registration Certificate of Fact in Korea – A Must-Know Guide for Expats

Korea Expat Essentials

📘 Foreigner Registration Certificate of Fact — Complete Guide

The Foreigner Registration Certificate of Fact is an official Korean government document that proves your registration as a foreign resident according to the immigration database. It contains your legal name, ARC number, visa category, and key registration details used by banks, schools, employers, landlords, and public offices when they need an authoritative verification. This certificate complements your physical ARC and is frequently requested as a downloadable or printable proof for administrative procedures.

✍️ How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Not the ARC card: This certificate is an official statement of what immigration has on file. Many institutions still ask for it even when you physically present your ARC, because they need a stamped or digitally issued record for their compliance process.

---

🧭 Why You Might Need It

Banks, telecom companies, universities, embassies, and employers often require a formal document that matches immigration data precisely. When you extend a visa, open a new bank account, sign a lease, apply for utilities, register a phone plan, or submit paperwork for school or work, presenting this certificate can significantly reduce back-and-forth and prevent delays. It also helps when verifying identity for notarization or translation services related to legal procedures.

• 🔐 Visa extension / change of status — immigration counter or online submission may list it as a required attachment.
• 💳 Banking & financial services — account opening, KYC checks, or higher-limit products sometimes demand immigration-issued proof.
• 📱 Mobile & internet contracts — telecom providers may verify your immigration record before activation.
• 🏠 Lease agreements & utilities — landlords and city offices may request a formal certificate alongside your ARC.
• 🏫 Schools, embassies, employers — standardized document for enrollment, visa letters, or HR onboarding.

💡 How to Apply Online (Free PDF Available)

You can apply through the national portal GOV.KR or the immigration portal HiKorea. In most cases, a PDF copy can be issued immediately at no cost, while printed copies may require a small fee and pickup or mail delivery. Make sure your login method (public certificate / PASS / identity verification) is set up in advance so you can move through the steps without interruption.

1. 🔗 Go to GOV.KR 민원
2. 🔐 Sign in with your verified method (public certificate, mobile verification, or ARC-linked login).
3. 🧭 Search 외국인등록 사실증명 (Certificate of Fact on Alien Registration) in the civil services list.
4. 📝 Fill in your details, confirm your registration information, and choose PDF issuance for instant download.
5. ⬇️ Submit, then download the digitally issued PDF; if you need a physical copy, request print & pickup/mail as guided.

✍️ Apply via GOV.KR (Instant PDF) 🌐 Open HiKorea

Tip: If you cannot find the service by name, try keywords like “사실증명”, “외국인등록”, or navigate by category: 민원신청 → 출입국/외국인 → 사실증명. Keep your ARC number and registered name exactly as recorded.

📎 Requirements, Fees, and Processing Time

Prepare your ARC number, full name as registered, date of birth, and contact email. Ensure that your GOV.KR account is fully verified. Most online PDF issuances complete within a few minutes after submission, assuming your identity verification is successful and your immigration record is synchronized. Printed copies may take longer depending on pickup or mail options offered in your region.

• Requirements: ARC number, registered name, verified GOV.KR login, and a device capable of downloading PDFs.
• Processing: Online PDF usually instant; printed copy timelines vary by office and delivery method.
• Fees: Online PDF is typically free; printed copies can cost around ₩1,000–2,000 (subject to policy changes).

Troubleshooting: If your name does not match exactly, or your ARC has been recently issued or updated, the system may not find your record immediately. Try again after synchronization, or contact immigration support via the portal. Clear browser cache or use a desktop browser if the button appears unresponsive during issuance.

🧩 FAQ

Is this the same as my ARC?

No. It is an immigration-issued statement proving what is in the database. Your physical ARC remains your ID card.

Can I get it in English?

The standard issuance is in Korean. For use abroad, institutions usually accept a Korean original with a certified translation attached.

Do I need to carry a printed copy?

For online submissions, a PDF is enough. For certain counters, a printed copy may be requested. Carry both digital and printed versions when in doubt.

What if my portal login fails?

Complete identity verification on GOV.KR (public certificate/PASS) before applying. If issues persist, try another browser or contact support.

🌿 Final Tip for Expats

Keep your ARC and this Certificate of Fact saved as PDFs on your phone and cloud storage. When a bank officer, HR staff, landlord, or government counter suddenly requests immigration proof, you can share or print it on the spot. Having it ready turns a potentially stressful task into a quick, confident handover.

✍️ Re-Open GOV.KR 🌐 Re-Open HiKorea

Bookmark bitevoyage.com for more practical expat guides in Korea — we keep instructions clear, current, and stress-free.

Previous

Next