Just arrived in Korea on an E-2 visa? One of the first things you need to do is apply for your Korean Residence Card. Many people still call it an ARC, and that term is still commonly used in schools and in everyday conversation.

If you will stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you need to complete foreigner registration and apply for your Residence Card within the required period after arrival. For E-2 teachers, this usually means preparing your immigration documents, booking an appointment, and completing a medical check before visiting immigration.

What Is a Korean Residence Card?

A Korean Residence Card is the official ID card issued to registered foreign residents in Korea. Many schools and teachers still call it an ARC, and both terms are widely used.

You will usually need your Residence Card for banking, mobile phone service, health insurance, and other administrative tasks after arrival.

When to Apply

If you will stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you must apply for foreigner registration and your Residence Card within 90 days of entering Korea.

It is best to prepare your documents early and book your immigration appointment as soon as possible.

How to Book Your Immigration Appointment

Most first-time E-2 teachers apply through an in-person immigration appointment. Reservations can be made through HiKorea.

Official links:
HiKorea Main
HiKorea Visit Reservation
HiKorea Forms

Required Documents

For a first Residence Card application on an E-2 visa, prepare the following documents.

Standard documents

1. Application Form
2. 1 passport-sized photo
3. Original passport and a photocopy (여권 원본 / 사본)
4. Photocopy of the school’s Business Registration Certificate (사업자등록증 / 고유번호증)
5. Photocopy of the housing contract (숙소계약서 사본)
6. Confirmation letter for the accommodation residency (거주/숙소제공확인서)

The housing address shown in the supporting documents should match your actual place of residence in Korea.

Extra Requirement for E-2 Teachers: Medical Check

If you are applying on an E-2 visa, you should expect to complete an employment medical check as part of your Residence Card process.

• Required document: 1 sealed medical test result
• Where to go: Use a medical institution approved for immigration-related E-2 employment checks
• What it usually includes: Drug screening, chest X-ray or tuberculosis screening, and general health items
• Before you go: Some hospitals ask you to fast, so confirm this when booking
• Results: Processing time often takes a few days, so do not leave this too late

If you want a more detailed explanation, see our guide here:
E-2 Visa Health Check Guide

Many schools already know which nearby hospital new teachers usually use, so asking your admin staff first is often the fastest approach.

Current Fees

• Residence Card issuance fee: 35,000 KRW
• Optional shipping / delivery fee: 3,000 KRW

Step-by-Step Process

1. Book your immigration appointment through HiKorea.
2. Prepare the required documents, including your passport, photo, school documents, and housing documents.
3. Complete the medical check and collect the sealed result.
4. Fill out the application form before your appointment if possible.
5. Visit immigration with your full document set.
6. Pay the fee and request shipping if available.
7. Keep your receipt until your card is issued or delivered.

FAQ

Is the Residence Card the same as the ARC?

Yes. Many people still use the term ARC, but Residence Card is now commonly used as well.

Do E-2 teachers need a medical check?

Most E-2 teachers should prepare a sealed medical test result as part of the Residence Card application process.

How many photos do I need?

You should prepare 1 passport-sized photo.

Do I need both the housing contract and the accommodation confirmation letter?

Yes. For this checklist, both documents should be prepared and submitted together.

How much is the fee?

The Residence Card issuance fee is 35,000 KRW. If delivery is available and requested, the shipping fee is 3,000 KRW.

Related pages:
Visa Documents Download Page
E-2 Visa Extension Guide
E-2 Visa Transfer Guide