A mobile residence card in Korea gives you the same identification value as your physical Foreigner Registration card, held on the mobile phone that is registered in your own name.
This guide explains who can use this feature, the steps for issuing and reissuing it, and how it connects to the physical Foreigner Registration card you already carry. It also covers what happens if you ever need to reissue your physical card instead, since the two processes are related but follow different rules.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who it applies to | Foreign nationals who already hold a Foreigner Registration card and have a mobile phone registered in their own name |
| What it is | A valid identification card, equal to the physical residence card |
| If you hold an IC residence card | You can issue and reissue it yourself through "IC residence card" on the mobile ID app |
| If you hold a non-IC residence card | You must visit the Immigration Office with jurisdiction over your place of stay and scan a QR code to issue it |
| Reissuing a non-IC mobile card | Make an appointment on HiKorea.go.kr, then revisit the competent Immigration Office |
| Where non-IC holders apply | The Immigration Office with jurisdiction over your place of stay |
| Physical card reissuance fee | KRW 30,000, paid at the local Immigration Office |
| Source last updated | 2024.10.04, per HiKorea |
Who Can Use a Mobile Residence Card in Korea
A mobile residence card in Korea is available to foreign nationals who already hold a Foreigner Registration card, whether that card is an IC residence card or a non-IC residence card. The card must be issued on a mobile phone that is registered in your own name.
Your Foreigner Registration card itself is issued at the Immigration Office under appropriate jurisdiction. Which steps apply to you for the mobile version depends entirely on the type of physical card you already hold. IC residence card holders can complete the whole process from their phone, while non-IC residence card holders must go through the Immigration Office instead.
- A mobile phone registered in your own name
- An existing Foreigner Registration card, issued either as an IC residence card or a non-IC residence card
⚠️ If you are not sure whether your Foreigner Registration card is an IC card, check with the Immigration Office before you start.
Because the exact office, app menu, and required steps can depend on your specific case, treat this guide as a starting point and confirm the details that apply to you on the official HiKorea page.
How the Mobile Card Relates to Your Physical Residence Card
A mobile residence card is a valid identification card, just like the physical one. It is the same Foreigner Registration card, made available on your phone, so it carries the same weight when you need to show identification.
Your physical Foreigner Registration card can also be lost, damaged, or out of date, and in those cases you must apply to have it reissued. The rules for reissuing the physical card are different from the rules for issuing or reissuing the mobile version. A later section in this guide, on reissuing your physical card, explains those rules in full.
⚠️ Reissuing your physical card is a separate process from issuing the mobile version, and it is handled directly at the Immigration Office.
How to Issue a Mobile Residence Card in Korea: Step by Step
The process for issuing a mobile residence card in Korea depends entirely on whether you already hold an IC residence card or not.
If You Hold an IC Residence Card
IC card holders can issue their mobile residence card personally, without a visit to any office. Because everything happens on your phone, you do not need to schedule a visit or an appointment to complete this step.
- Open the mobile ID app on your phone
- Access the "IC residence card" menu inside the app
- Issue your mobile residence card directly through the app
If You Do Not Hold an IC Residence Card
Non-IC card holders cannot complete this from home. They are required to visit the Immigration Office with jurisdiction over their place of stay.
- Visit the Immigration Office with jurisdiction over your place of stay
- Have the QR code scanned at the office
- Your mobile residence card is issued once the QR code has been scanned
How to Reissue a Mobile Residence Card
Reissuance follows the same split between IC and non-IC card holders as the original issuance does.
| Situation | Issuance | Reissuance |
|---|---|---|
| IC residence card holder | Issue personally through "IC residence card" on the mobile ID app | Reissue personally through the mobile ID app |
| Non-IC residence card holder | Visit the Immigration Office with jurisdiction over your place of stay and scan the QR code | Make an appointment on HiKorea.go.kr, then revisit the competent Immigration Office |
⚠️ Non-IC card holders must book an appointment on HiKorea.go.kr before revisiting the office for reissuance, so you cannot simply walk in without one.
Once this card is issued or reissued, it holds the same identification value as your physical Foreigner Registration card.
Reissuing Your Physical Foreigner Registration Card
If your physical Foreigner Registration card itself needs to be replaced, rather than just the mobile version on your phone, a separate set of rules applies. You must apply for reissuance within 14 days of the reason arising.
Reasons for Reissuance
- Lost or stolen registration cards
- Damaged registration cards
- Lack of space for necessary items to be displayed
- Changes in details on the existing card, such as name, sex, birth date, or nationality
Documents and Fee for Reissuance
The documents you need depend on your reason for reissuance, but in general you should be ready with your passport, an application form for re-issuance of the Foreigner Registration card, and, where the card was lost, a document stating the reason for the reissuance application.
- Passport
- Application form for re-issuance of Foreigner Registration card
- Document stating reason for re-issuance application, where the card was lost
- One color photo, sized 3.5cm x 4.5cm, if your existing photo is more than 6 months old
- Your old registration card, if it is rendered useless from wear and tear, lack of space, or a change of details under Article 35 Section 1 of the Act
The process fee for reissuing a physical Foreigner Registration card is KRW 30,000. You apply for this reissuance at the local Immigration Office, not through the mobile ID app.
Separate Issuance for Dependents Turning 17
A related rule applies to foreigners who are listed as accompaniments to their parents or legal guardians on a Foreigner Registration card. Once they reach 17 years of age, or if their parents or guardians depart Korea or there is another such reason, they must receive a separately issued Foreigner Registration card of their own.
Separate applications for issuance of a Foreigner Registration card must be made within 60 days of reaching 17 years of age. The required documents are a passport, 2 color photos sized 3.5cm x 4.5cm, and the existing Foreigner Registration card.
Common Mistakes and What Depends on Your Case
Most delays happen because someone assumes the phone-only process applies to them when it doesn’t. Whether you can skip the Immigration Office depends on whether your existing card is an IC card.
- Trying to issue the card on a phone that is not registered in your own name
- Assuming the app-only process applies to a non-IC residence card
- Showing up at the Immigration Office for reissuance without first booking an appointment on HiKorea.go.kr
- Not confirming which Immigration Office has jurisdiction over your current place of stay before visiting
- Missing the 14-day window to apply for reissuance of a lost, stolen, or damaged physical registration card
- Missing the 60-day window for separate issuance of a Foreigner Registration card after turning 17, if that rule applies to you
Because the correct office, the correct app menu, and the correct steps all depend on your card type and your case, confirm your own situation on the official HiKorea page before you go. If you are ever unsure which rule applies to you, the safest step is to contact the Immigration Office or check HiKorea directly rather than guessing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mobile residence card in Korea?
It is a valid identification card, equal to your physical Foreigner Registration card, issued on a mobile phone that is registered in your own name.
Who can get a mobile residence card?
Foreign nationals who already hold a Foreigner Registration card, either an IC residence card or a non-IC residence card, can have it issued to their own mobile phone.
How do I issue a mobile residence card if I don’t have an IC residence card?
You must visit the Immigration Office with jurisdiction over your place of stay and have the QR code there scanned.
How do I reissue a mobile residence card?
IC card holders reissue it personally through the mobile ID app. Non-IC card holders must book an appointment on HiKorea.go.kr and then revisit the competent Immigration Office.
Does the mobile card replace my physical residence card?
It carries the same identification value as the physical card, but the physical Foreigner Registration card itself is still issued and reissued separately at the Immigration Office, including for reasons like loss, damage, or a change in your details, with a process fee of KRW 30,000 for reissuance.
Confirm which category applies to you, IC or non-IC residence card holder, before you try to issue a mobile residence card in Korea, since the required steps are different for each. If you need to reissue your physical Foreigner Registration card instead, remember the 14-day deadline, the required documents, and the KRW 30,000 fee. Because required documents and deadlines can vary by your individual case, check the official HiKorea page for the current process and fees before you go.
Last checked: September 26, 2026. Rules, fees and required documents in Korea change often, and some depend on your visa type and district office. Always confirm the current details on the official pages below before you go.