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Documents You Need to Live in Korea — 2025 Foreigner’s Checklist
KRPulse
2025. 4. 27. 20:08
Documents You Need to Live in Korea — 2025 Foreigner’s Checklist
Prepare the Right Papers and Avoid Common Mistakes
📑 Introduction: Why Documents Matter in Korea
When I first arrived in Korea, I thought a passport was enough. I was wrong! Having the correct documents will save you time, stress, and money. Here’s the full checklist every expat needs in 2025 to live, study, or work in Korea without hassle.
Table of Contents
🛂 Passport, Visa, and ARC
These are your most important documents in Korea. Your Alien Registration Card (ARC) acts as your ID for almost everything—banking, phone registration, signing leases, and even online logins. Don’t leave home without it!
🏠 Documents Needed for Housing Contracts
- Proof of income: Required for long-term jeonse or monthly rentals.
- Copy of ARC: Landlords almost always ask for this.
🏦 Banking Documents You Must Prepare
- Passport and ARC: Mandatory for opening an account.
- Korean phone number: Needed for mobile banking and app verification.
🩺 Health Insurance Registration Papers
- Proof of residence: Required to sign up for NHIS (National Health Insurance Service).
- Work contract or university letter: Needed if your insurance is employer- or school-based.
✨ Extra Tips for Stress-Free Living
- Keep both digital and printed copies of your key documents.
- Bring at least 4–6 passport photos—they’re needed for ID cards, bank forms, and visa updates.
- Save emergency numbers (e.g., embassy, NHIS, immigration) in your phone and notebook.
✅ Moving to Korea soon? Bookmark this checklist and share it with fellow expats to make their transition easier.
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