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Extending Your Stay: When, How, Documents, and If You Are Late

Last checked: 2026-11-03

This article was translated by AI. If anything differs, the Korean original prevails. Read the Korean original

To stay in Korea after the stay period written on your Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) ends, you must get extension permission before it ends. The immigration office (출입국·외국인관서) reviews and decides whether to permit it. This article explains the application steps and does not promise permission.

When do I apply?

According to official guidance, you can apply from 4 months before your stay period ends.

The deadline is written a little differently in different guides. Online applications in particular can be blocked when the expiry date is near. Do not wait until the last day. Prepare early, from 4 months before.

How do I apply?

  1. Check the expiry date of your stay on your Alien Registration Card.
  2. Find the documents for your visa type in the guide manual by visa type on Hi Korea (하이코리아).
  3. Apply online through the Hi Korea e-civil service. Reception hours are 07:00~22:00 on weekdays, and it is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
  4. If your visa type cannot be done online, make a visit reservation on Hi Korea and go in person to the immigration office in charge of your area.
  5. Check the result. If permitted, the new stay period is marked in your passport or Alien Registration Card.

What do I need?

The fee is generally 60,000 won. The amount may differ for online applications or some visa types, so check when you apply.

Check your taxes and health insurance premiums

When you apply for an extension, the immigration office checks whether you have unpaid taxes or health insurance premiums. If you pay all overdue amounts, your application can be reviewed normally. If you do not pay, the extension is limited, and in principle only up to 6 months is permitted, according to the guidance.

If you are late or not permitted

Staying past your period without permission breaks the law. You can be punished with up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to 30,000,000 won, and you can also be deported.

If the date has already passed, do not leave it as it is. Right away, tell the Foreigner Support Center (외국인종합안내센터) or the immigration office in charge exactly what happened, and ask for advice.

If the extension is not permitted, you may receive a notice that states a deadline to leave Korea. Be sure to check what the notice says.

Where to ask

For the documents you need and whether your visa type can apply online, call the Foreigner Support Center or check the Hi Korea website.

Please check

Staying past your period without permission can lead to punishment or deportation. Check your date now and apply early.

Ask by phone

Foreigner Support Center (외국인종합안내센터)1345

Official sources

This is general information. Your situation may differ, so please confirm with the official agency. Report a mistake

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