Overview
Whether a registered foreign resident needs a re-entry permit turns on the one-year mark from the date of departure.
If less than one year of stay remains, the waiver applies within that remaining period; to re-enter more than one year but within two years after departure, a multiple re-entry permit is required.
Requirements, documents and periods in this article follow the Korea Immigration Service (Ministry of Justice) Foreign Residence Guide Manual (March 2026) and the Immigration Act and its Enforcement Decree/Rules (law.go.kr). The manual is supplementary guidance; approval is decided by the reviewing officer. Always confirm your own case with the competent Immigration Office.
At a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| General waiver | Registered foreign residents re-entering within one year of departure are exempt from the re-entry permit |
| Under one year remaining | Exempt within the remaining period of stay |
| Exception | Persons subject to entry or visa restrictions must visit the competent Immigration Office to obtain a permit |
| Multiple re-entry permit | For re-entry more than one year but within two years after departure, within the period of stay |
| Restricted nationalities | Saudi Arabia, Iran and Libya (except nationals of those countries holding F-6, D-2 or D-4) |
Scope of Activity
- Re-entry after departure by a registered foreign resident
- Re-entry more than one year but within two years, within the period of stay (multiple re-entry permit)
Who Qualifies
- Registered foreign residents planning to depart and re-enter
- Those departing with less than one year of stay remaining
- Those re-entering more than one year but within two years after departure (multiple re-entry permit)
- Persons subject to entry or visa restrictions (excluded from the waiver — must apply in person)
Required Documents
- Application form (Form No. 34)
- Original passport
- Alien Registration Card
- Fee
Application Process
- Check eligibility — confirm your current status, career, degree and contract type match the requirements.
- Prepare documents — foreign public documents need a translator's certification plus an apostille (or consular confirmation for non-member states).
- Book a visit — reserve a slot at your Immigration Office via HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr), or file online where e-Application is available.
- File and pay — submit the Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34) and pay the screening fee.
- Review — respond to any request for supplementary documents within the deadline.
- Result — on approval, the period of stay and status are granted; reissue your ARC if required.
Key Points
- The re-entry permit waiver was introduced by amendment of the Enforcement Rules and remains in operation.
- Nationals of the restricted countries (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Libya) may still obtain a multiple re-entry permit if they hold F-6, D-2 or D-4 status.
- Departing with your period of stay about to expire can leave you without remaining stay on re-entry, so it is safer to check whether an extension is needed before you leave.
- Documents issued in Korea must normally be dated within 3 months unless another validity period applies.
- Documents already on file in your alien registration record need not be resubmitted.
- Health certificates, drug test results and pre-employment medical reports must be submitted sealed by the issuing hospital (do not open).
- You must be in Korea when applying; leaving the country after filing may result in refusal.
- Screening fees are non-refundable once the application is accepted.
- The head of the Immigration Office may add or waive documents where necessary for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I am away for three months on business — do I need a permit?
A. No. Registered foreign residents re-entering within one year of departure are exempt.
Q. I have six months of stay left.
A. Where less than one year remains, the waiver applies within the remaining period of stay.
Q. I need to be away for more than a year.
A. To re-enter more than one year but within two years after departure, you must obtain a multiple re-entry permit.
Q. What is this article based on?
A. Requirements, documents and periods in this article follow the Korea Immigration Service (Ministry of Justice) Foreign Residence Guide Manual (March 2026) and the Immigration Act and its Enforcement Decree/Rules (law.go.kr). The manual is supplementary guidance; approval is decided by the reviewing officer. Always confirm your own case with the competent Immigration Office.