Alien Registration Card (ARC) Photo Requirements

Overview

The Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) is mandatory for all foreigners staying in South Korea for more than 90 days. The Korea Immigration Service requires specific photo standards for ARC applications and renewals.

Photo Specifications

Exact Dimensions

• Size: 30 × 40 mm (width × height)
• Face height: 25–35 mm (from chin to top of head)
• Face-to-photo ratio: 70-80% of total height
• Position: Centered horizontally and vertically

Technical Requirements

• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for printing
• Digital format: High-quality JPEG or PNG
• File size: 100 KB to 1 MB
• Color: Full color required
• Background: Plain white
• Quality: Sharp, clear, and professionally taken

Facial Requirements

• Expression: Neutral, serious expression
• Eyes: Open, looking directly at camera
• Mouth: Closed, no smiling
• Head position: Straight, facing forward
• Recent: Taken within last 6 months

ARC Types and Validity

Long-term Resident (F-5)

• Validity: Permanent (no expiration)
• Eligibility: 5+ years continuous residence
• Benefits: Work freedom, social services access
• Renewal: Card replacement every 10 years

Work Visa Holders (E-1 to E-7)

• Validity: Matches visa period
• Renewal: Required with visa extension
• Employment: Tied to specific employer
• Benefits: Limited to work authorization

Student Visa (D-2)

• Validity: Matches study period
• Renewal: Required each semester/year
• Work: Part-time with permission
• Benefits: Student discounts, services

Marriage Visa (F-6)

• Validity: 1-3 years initially
• Renewal: Based on marriage status
• Work: Unrestricted employment
• Path: Leads to permanent residence

Application Process

Required Documents

• Application form: Completed ARC application
• Photos: Two identical 30×40 mm photos
• Passport: Original and copy
• Visa: Valid Korean visa
• Proof of address: Rental contract or utility bill
• Fee: ₩30,000 application fee

Application Locations

• Immigration offices: Nationwide locations
• HiKorea centers: Major cities
• District offices: Some local services
• Online: Partial services through HiKorea website

Processing Times

• Standard processing: 7-14 business days
• Peak seasons: Up to 21 days
• Renewal: 5-10 business days
• Replacement: 3-7 business days

Photo Guidelines and Standards

Acceptable Requirements

• Natural appearance: No heavy editing or filters
• Clear glasses: Prescription glasses with clear lenses
• Religious headwear: If worn for religious reasons
• Medical devices: Hearing aids, medical patches visible

Prohibited Elements

• Facial expressions: Smiling, frowning, or unusual looks
• Sunglasses: Any tinted or dark glasses
• Hats or caps: Except religious headwear
• Heavy makeup: Dramatic appearance changes
• Digital editing: Filters, beauty apps, retouching

Background Requirements

• Color: Plain white or very light gray
• Uniformity: No patterns, textures, or shadows
• Lighting: Even, professional lighting
• Contrast: Clear distinction from subject

Where to Get ARC Photos in Korea

Near Immigration Offices

• Specialized studios: Photo shops near immigration centers
• Quick service: Usually 10-15 minutes
• Experience: Familiar with ARC requirements
• Cost: ₩8,000-12,000

Professional Photo Studios

• Department stores: Lotte, Shinsegae photo centers
• Camera shops: Professional photography services
• Portrait studios: High-quality professional photos
• Cost: ₩10,000-20,000

Convenient Options

• Photo booths: Subway stations and shopping centers
• Convenience stores: Photo printing services
• Online services: Upload and delivery options
• Cost: ₩5,000-10,000

Recommended Locations by City

Seoul

• Omokgyo Immigration Office area: Multiple photo shops
• Gangnam: Professional studios near COEX
• Myeongdong: Tourist-friendly photo services
• Hongdae: Student-oriented affordable options

Busan

• Busan Immigration Office: Sasang-gu area shops
• Seomyeon: Central business district studios
• Haeundae: Tourist area photo services

Other Major Cities

• Incheon: Near airport and port immigration
• Daegu: Downtown professional studios
• Daejeon: University area photo services

Common Rejection Reasons

Photo Quality Issues

• Wrong dimensions: Not exactly 30×40 mm
• Poor resolution: Blurry or pixelated images
• Incorrect background: Not white or has patterns
• Bad lighting: Shadows, glare, or uneven exposure

Facial Compliance Issues

• Expression problems: Smiling or inappropriate expressions
• Eye issues: Closed eyes, looking away, red-eye
• Hair problems: Covering face or creating shadows
• Accessory issues: Inappropriate glasses or jewelry

Technical Problems

• Old photos: Taken more than 6 months ago
• Digital manipulation: Obvious editing or filters
• Print quality: Poor paper or printing quality
• Size errors: Incorrect cropping or scaling

Special Situations

First-time Applicants

• Mandatory: Must apply within 90 days of arrival
• Documents: Additional visa documentation required
• Appointment: May need scheduled appointment
• Processing: Longer processing time for verification

Renewals and Extensions

• Timing: Apply 30-60 days before expiration
• Documents: Current ARC and updated documents
• Photos: New photos required for each renewal
• Fees: Same application fee applies

Replacement Cards

• Lost cards: Police report required
• Damaged cards: Original card must be surrendered
• Name changes: Marriage certificate or legal documents
• Emergency: Temporary certificates available

Family Applications

• Dependents: Spouse and children applications
• Group processing: Family members processed together
• Documentation: Additional family relationship proof
• Photos: Individual photos required for each person

Fees and Costs (2024)

Government Fees

• ARC application: ₩30,000
• Renewal: ₩30,000
• Replacement: ₩30,000
• Express service: Not available

Photo Costs

• Professional studio: ₩8,000-20,000
• Immigration office area: ₩8,000-12,000
• Photo booth: ₩5,000-8,000
• Additional copies: ₩2,000-5,000

Additional Costs

• Document translation: ₩10,000-30,000 per page
• Notarization: ₩5,000-15,000
• Transportation: Variable by location
• Appointment fees: Some locations charge booking fees

Tips for Success

Before Taking Photos

• Research requirements: Check latest immigration guidelines
• Choose location: Find experienced photo service
• Prepare appearance: Natural makeup, appropriate clothing
• Bring documents: Have ARC requirements ready

During Photo Session

• Follow instructions: Listen to photographer’s guidance
• Check quality: Review photos before finalizing
• Get multiple copies: Order extra copies for future use
• Ask for digital: Request digital copies if available

Application Day

• Arrive early: Immigration offices can be busy
• Bring everything: All required documents and photos
• Check photos: Ensure photos meet current standards
• Be patient: Processing may take time

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