Moving to a new apartment, renewing a passport, or accepting a job offer can all require action from a foreign resident in Korea. The deadline depends on your status of stay and what has changed. For example, most registered foreign residents have 15 days to report a move, while F-4 holders who have filed a domestic residence report have 14 days. A change of workplace raises a different question: do you report it after starting, or do you need permission before your first day?
Korean immigration deadlines at a glance
– Foreign Registration and Residence Report: Within 90 days from the date of entry.
- Extension of Stay: From 4 months before the expiration date until the expiration date.
- Change of Visa Status: Prior approval required.
- Change or Addition of Workplace (Reporting Requirement): Within 15 days from the date of occurrence.
- Change or Addition of Workplace (Approval Requirement): Prior approval required.
- Engaging in Activities Outside Visa Status: Prior approval required.
- Change of Residence, Employment Status, or Registered Information: Within 15 days.
- Residence Relocation Report for Overseas Koreans (F-4 Visa Holders): Within 14 days.
If you are moving, use your move-in date
You might sign a lease several weeks before receiving the keys. For immigration reporting, the date to mark on your calendar is the day you actually move into the new home. You can report the new address to the local government office serving it, such as your neighborhood community service center (주민센터), or to the immigration office with jurisdiction over it. This is particularly useful if you move shortly before your next immigration appointment.
If you are changing jobs, check before your first day
Before agreeing on a start date, confirm which workplace rule applies to your status and proposed role. If you need prior approval, build time for that decision into your plans. Also check whether the move changes any employment information you must report separately. Permission to work at a new location and reporting an updated occupation or income bracket are distinct requirements.
Need help preparing for a move, a new job, or a stay extension? IN&PARK assists international residents in Korea with administrative documentation, certified translation, housing, and U.S. tax matters. When you contact us, let us know your current status of stay, what is changing, and the relevant date so we can help you identify your next step.