1) What it is and why you need it

The Residence Card is your official ID in Korea for banking, mobile service, housing, healthcare, and administrative tasks.

2) Deadline to apply

Complete registration within 90 days of entry. Late registration may incur a fine.

3) Book your visit

Make an online reservation via HiKorea and visit the immigration office with jurisdiction over your address.

4) Documents (common)

• Passport (original + copy)
• 1 photo — 3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background
• Integrated Application Form (Download the form)
• Proof of address — lease copy or Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation
• Fee: KRW 35,000

5) E-2 Employment Medical Check (mandatory)

E-2 holders must submit an Employment Medical Check certificate when applying for the Residence Card.

Who / When / Where

• Who: E-2 (Language Instruction)
• When: Within 90 days of entry, submitted together with the RC application
• Where: MOJ-designated medical institutions (Download the list)

Core test items

• Drug screening (4 items): MA (methamphetamine), COC (cocaine), OPI (opiates), THC (cannabis) — immunoassay + GC-MS confirmatory test if positive
• Tuberculosis screening: chest X-ray; sputum test required if symptomatic or if X-ray suggests TB
• Other basics: urine/blood tests, vision, blood pressure (varies by hospital package)
• HIV: not required for immigration (mandatory testing for foreign teachers was scrapped in 2017). Some employers/institutions may still request it.

What to bring & tips

• Passport, photos (for hospital forms), exam fee (cash/card)
• Some hospitals require fasting (about 8 hours) — check in advance
• Results come in a sealed envelope — do not open; submit as-is

Cost & timing

• Cost: Typically KRW 70,000–130,000 (varies by location)
• Turnaround: Usually 3–7 days, valid for 1 month

6) Step-by-step

1. Book online — HiKorea reservation
2. Complete the E-2 medical check at a designated facility
3. File at immigration — biometrics, documents, pay the fee
4. Receive your RC — registered mail or pick-up (typically 2–4 weeks)

7) FAQ

Q1. Missed the 90-day deadline?

A fine may apply; check with your local immigration office.

Q2. Is HIV testing required?

No for immigration (scrapped in 2017). Some employers/institutions may still ask for it; confirm with them.

Q3. Can medications affect drug screening?

Some medications may cause false positives; follow hospital guidance and avoid certain meds before testing.

Quick checklist

• Within 90 days: HiKorea reservation
• If E-2: get the Employment Medical Check (designated facility)
• Bring photo, passport, address proof, KRW 35,000 fee, and the sealed medical report
• Keep receipt → expect 2–4 weeks for RC
• Report address changes within 14 days

This is general guidance. Follow your local immigration office’s instructions.