Most of the problems assignees face after arriving in Korea arise not from missing documents but from miscounting a deadline or taking steps in the wrong order. Getting three clocks right prevents most of them: alien registration within 90 days of entry, 15 days for moves and passport changes, and extension of the period of stay before it expires. Below are eight issues KOCATION sees repeatedly in settlement support, each with its statutory basis. The article is based on the Immigration Act as in force in October 2026 and the Ministry of Justice residence management manual (September 2026 edition).
- The 90 days for alien registration run from the date of entry, not the start date of employment.
- Moves and passport changes must each be reported within 15 days.
- Family members staying beyond 90 days each register.
- A change of workplace requires prior permission in principle.
- Apply to extend the period of stay before it expires.
1. When does the 90-day clock start?
From the date of entry (Immigration Act, Article 31(1)). It is not counted from the start date of employment, the visa issue date or the date the lease was signed. A person who obtains permission to change status of stay in Korea after entry must register when that permission is granted (paragraph (4) of the same Article). The registration procedure is set out in our guide to alien registration after arrival in Korea.
2. Can't we register after finding a home?
Alien registration requires proof of place of stay, while landlords often ask for a residence card to sign a lease. If each waits for the other, the 90 days pass quickly. So right after entry, assemble the other documents first and check with the competent office whether a document proving temporary accommodation will be accepted. After signing the lease, change the address through a report of change of place of stay. Because alien registration and the report of change of place of stay take the place of resident registration and the moving-in report (Article 88-2), this sequence also affects deposit protection. See deposit protection issues for foreign tenants.
3. Banking and mobile service are blocked until the residence card is issued
In practice, many banks and telecom providers process their services based on the residence card. In procedures where a statute requires a resident registration card, the residence card takes its place (Article 88-2(1)). It is realistic to plan the arrival schedule on the assumption of the order alien registration → bank account → mobile phone. Decide before departure which means of payment and communication will be used in between.
4. We moved but did not report it
When a registered foreign national changes their place of stay, they must report it within 15 days from the date of moving in to the si, gun or gu office or the eup, myeon or dong office of the new place of stay, or to the competent immigration office (Article 36(1)). A violation is subject to penalties under Article 98. The first move, from temporary accommodation to permanent housing, is the point most often missed.
5. A new passport was issued and nothing was reported
When the passport number, issue date or expiry date changes, report the change in registered particulars within 15 days (Article 35). A violation is subject to an administrative fine under Article 100(2). For statuses such as intra-company transfer (D-7) through trade management (D-9), a change or addition of affiliated organization and a change of occupation are also reasons for a change report (Enforcement Rule, Article 49-2).
6. Is the family included in the assignee's registration?
No. Family members who stay beyond 90 days each complete alien registration. A residence card may not be issued to a child under 17, but the child must apply for issuance within 90 days of turning 17 (Article 33(1) and (2)). Those aged 17 or over provide biometric information when registering (Article 38).
7. What if the assignee moves to another entity in the same group?
To change or add a workplace within the scope of a status of stay, prior permission is required in principle; only professionals specified by Presidential Decree may instead file a report within 15 days (Article 21(1)). The residence management manual states that a move by a D-7 to D-9 holder within the same group of affiliated companies is handled as a report of change in registered particulars. Which case applies is determined from the secondment order and documents showing the affiliate relationship, so check before the transfer is announced. The company has deadlines too. An employer of a foreign national with employment status must report within 15 days when, for example, the employee resigns or is dismissed or an important term of the employment contract changes (Article 19).
8. We did not notice the period of stay was about to expire
To remain beyond the period of stay, permission to extend must be obtained before the period expires (Article 25). The expiry date can be checked on the residence card and on HiKorea. An extension again requires documents such as a certificate of employment, tax-related documents and proof of place of stay. If a move was never reported, that problem surfaces at this point as well.
How KOCATION helps
KOCATION is the relocation brand of VISION Administrative Office, and as administrative agent work we prepare and file the documents for the procedures above and manage the deadlines (Certified Administrative Agents Act, Article 2). We keep the assignee's own deadlines and the company's reporting deadlines on a single calendar. Filing tax returns and the four social insurances on a client's behalf, and housing brokerage, are the work of certified tax accountants, certified labor consultants and licensed real estate agents respectively, so we work with those qualified professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What if the 90 days have already passed? Apply for registration at the competent immigration office straight away and explain the reason for the delay. Failure to complete alien registration is subject to penalties under Article 95, so do not put it off.
Q. Do I have to return my residence card when leaving Korea temporarily? Not if you return within the scope of the re-entry permit exemption (Article 37(1)). The manual states that re-entry within one year from the date of departure is exempt. Persons subject to entry restrictions are excluded.
Q. Can I leave my residence card at home? No. A foreign national aged 17 or over must carry a passport or residence card at all times (Article 27).
Q. Are there reports the company itself must file? Yes. The employer must report within 15 days when, for example, a foreign national with employment status resigns or is dismissed or an important term of the employment contract changes (Article 19).
Q. How early can an extension be applied for? The law states only "before the period of stay expires" (Article 25). Confirm when applications are accepted and the reservation situation with the competent office, and start preparing documents several weeks before expiry.
Tell us the entry date, status of stay, family composition and accommodation plan, and we will give you a single schedule of registration, reporting and extension deadlines. Fees vary by case, so we explain them during the consultation.
Ask about settlement supportSources
- Korean Law Information Center — Immigration Act, Articles 19, 21, 25, 27, 31, 33, 35 to 38, 88-2, 95, 98 and 100; Enforcement Rule of the same Act, Article 49-2
- HiKorea — Ministry of Justice residence management manual (September 2026), intra-company transfer (D-7) extension of stay and alien registration sections
- Korean Law Information Center — Certified Administrative Agents Act, Article 2