South Korea's Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증, ARC) requires a 30×40mm (3×4cm) photo — smaller than the Korean passport photo (35×45mm). Digital specification is 354×472 pixels at 300 DPI. This is a 3:4 aspect ratio, not the 7:9 ratio used in Korean passport photos.
Korea ARC Photo Specifications (30×40mm)
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Print size | 30×40mm (3×4cm) |
| Digital size | 354×472 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Aspect ratio | 3:4 |
| Background | White (RGB 255,255,255) |
| Glasses | Allowed |
| Smile | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Issued by | Immigration Office (출입국관리사무소) |
| Processing time | 2–3 weeks |
| Fee | ₩30,000 |
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ARC Photo vs Korean Passport Photo
The Alien Registration Card and the Korean passport use different photo dimensions. The difference is meaningful enough that submitting a passport-sized photo for an ARC application will result in rejection.
| Document | Print Size | Digital Size | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) | 30×40mm | 354×472px | 3:4 |
| Korean Passport (여권) | 35×45mm | 413×531px | ~7:9 |
The ARC photo is 5mm narrower and 5mm shorter. That's not subtle. A passport photo cropped for an ARC frame will cut too far into the face on both sides. Bring the correct format.
Many applicants assume the two are interchangeable because both are "ID photos." They are not.
Who Needs a Korean Alien Registration Card (ARC)?
The ARC is required for all foreign nationals residing in South Korea for more than 90 days. This includes:
- Work visa holders (E series, D series)
- Student visa holders (D-2, D-4)
- Family visa holders (F series)
- Long-term residents
Visitors on tourist or short-stay visas (B-1, B-2) do not receive an ARC. Anyone staying beyond 90 days must register within 90 days of arrival — or within 90 days of the date a visa is granted, depending on the visa type.
Registering late carries a fine. The ARC is not something you can defer — it's a legal requirement, and Korean employers, landlords, and financial institutions expect you to have one.
How to Apply for a Korean ARC at the Immigration Office
Applications are submitted at the nearest immigration office (출입국관리사무소). Some larger cities also have immigration offices within government service centres.
What to bring:
- Completed application form (available at the immigration office or downloadable from the Immigration Service website)
- Passport (original, valid)
- Two 30×40mm (3×4cm) photos taken within the past 6 months
- ₩30,000 application fee
- Supporting documents relevant to your visa type (employment contract, enrollment certificate, sponsor letter, etc.)
The immigration officer will process your application on the day, and the physical card arrives by post within 2–3 weeks. You may receive a temporary registration slip to use in the interim.
Some immigration offices experience long queues, particularly in Seoul and other major cities. Booking an appointment online through Hi-Korea (www.hikorea.go.kr) is strongly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices but wait times can exceed 2 hours during peak periods.
Common Korean ARC Photo Mistakes at Immigration
Bringing passport-sized photos (35×45mm instead of 30×40mm). This is the most frequent error at the immigration counter. The staff will turn you away and ask you to return with the correct size. Photo services are available near most immigration offices, but it costs extra time and money.
Photos more than 6 months old. Korean immigration requires photos taken within the past 6 months of submission. An older photo — even technically flawless — will not be accepted.
Off-white or cream background. The background must be pure white. Off-white, grey, or patterned backgrounds are rejected. Studios near immigration offices are familiar with the ARC requirement; they will produce the correct format automatically.
Black-and-white photos. Colour photos only. This seems obvious, but it's occasionally an issue when applicants print from a home printer set to greyscale.
Too few copies. The standard application requires two 30×40mm prints. Bring at least two. Bring a spare copy in case the officer finds a defect in one.
Getting the Right 30×40mm ARC Photo in Korea
Photo studios near immigration offices in Seoul, Busan, and other major cities are very familiar with ARC requirements. Tell the studio you need "외국인등록증 사진" (ARC photo) or "3×4cm 증명사진." They will produce the correct format without further explanation.
Self-service photo booths (사진부스) available at many convenience stores and pharmacies in Korea also offer ARC-sized options. Select the 3×4 option — not the passport option (여권용). The booth will print a strip with multiple copies, giving you the extras you need.
If you're having photos taken abroad before travelling to Korea, specify 30×40mm prints explicitly. Standard ID photo sizes vary by country, and "ID photo" is not specific enough.
Renewing or Replacing Your ARC
The ARC is valid for the duration of your visa status. When you extend your visa, you also renew the ARC.
Renewal follows the same process as initial application: visit the immigration office, bring two 30×40mm photos, submit the renewal form and supporting documents. The fee is ₩30,000.
For a lost or stolen ARC, apply for a replacement within 14 days of discovering the loss. The replacement fee is also ₩30,000.
The Korean Alien Registration Card photo is 30×40mm — not the same as a passport photo, and not a detail to get wrong at the immigration counter. Bring two 3×4cm prints, taken within 6 months.
For the full list of Korean document photo specifications, visit the South Korea country page. If you're also applying for a Korean passport, the dimensions are different — read the South Korea passport photo size guide.
Check your photo before your immigration appointment.
Expression and Appearance Rules for Korean ARC Photos
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smile, no frown
- Eyes open — both eyes fully visible, looking directly at the camera
- Glasses permitted — clear prescription lenses allowed; no tinted, photochromic, or reflective lenses; no heavy frames that obscure the eye area
- Hair away from face — forehead and both eyes clearly visible
- Head coverings — permitted for religious reasons only; full face from chin to forehead must remain visible
- Colour photo only — black-and-white photos are rejected
- Clean, even lighting — no shadows on face or white background
- Recent photo — taken within the last 6 months
South Korean Document Photo Comparison
| Document | Size | Background | Glasses | Smile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) | 30×40mm | White | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Korean Passport (여권) | 35×45mm | White | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Resident Registration Card (주민등록증) | 35×45mm | White | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Driver's License (운전면허증) | 35×45mm | White | Allowed | Not allowed |
The ARC is the only Korean document using 30×40mm — all others use 35×45mm. All Korean identity documents permit glasses with clear lenses and use white backgrounds. When visiting a Korean photo studio, specify "외국인등록증 사진" (ARC photo) or "3×4" — do not ask for "여권용" (passport format).
Quick Checklist for Korea ARC Photo Submission
- Size: 30×40mm (3×4cm) — two identical prints
- Background: white
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- Glasses: clear lenses only, no glare
- Photo taken within 6 months
- Hi-Korea appointment booked (recommended)
- Passport (original) ready
- ₩30,000 fee prepared
- Supporting documents for visa type assembled
