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.
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 — if you applied for a multiple re-entry permit, confirm the outcome with the Immigration Office (no separate permit is needed where the waiver applies).
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.