15 Days After Moving: What If You Miss Your Change of Residence Report? 📦

🧭 What exactly are you reporting?

If a foreigner who has completed alien registration changes their place of residence, they must report the new address. The law calls this a 'report of change of residence (move-in report)'.

According to the Immigration Act, this report takes the place of the resident registration move-in report. In other words, once a foreigner makes the change of residence report, they don't need to file a separate move-in report 💡

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Foreign resident

If I make the change of residence report, do I not need to do a separate move-in report at the community center (주민센터)?

Kevi

Article 88-2, Paragraph 2 of the Immigration Act says that alien registration and the change of residence report take the place of resident registration and the move-in report. So the change of residence report is all you need. If you want to know the details of how it is processed, ask 1345.

⏰ By when, and who has to do it?

The deadline is within 15 days of the day you moved in. It applies to foreigners who have completed alien registration.

The move date is the starting point, so it's a good idea to mark the deadline on your calendar as soon as you unpack. 15 days goes by faster than you'd think 😮

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Foreign resident

Do the 15 days count from the day I moved?

Kevi

Yes, both the law and the guidance materials say within 15 days of the day you moved in or moved. If you're unsure how to count the dates, check the original text or call 1345.

🏢 Where can you report?

You can report at the community center (행정복지센터) for your new address, or at the Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청, including branch offices and field offices) with jurisdiction. The original text says you can also report online through HiKorea e-Application. Seoul city materials also mention Government24 (정부24).

However, whether you can report online may differ depending on your visa status and other factors. If online doesn't work, you can simply visit in person 🙂

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Foreign resident

How do I do it online?

Kevi

According to the original text, log in to HiKorea e-Application and enter your new address under the change of residence report menu. Online reporting may not be available depending on your visa status, so if it doesn't work, visit the community center or Immigration.

📄 What should you bring?

According to Seoul city guidance, you need your passport or alien registration card. If needed, you also fill out a change of residence report form. Also bring documents that confirm your new address. Examples given include a lease agreement, a certificate of accommodation, and a dormitory fee receipt.

The law says that if you submit your alien registration card when reporting in person, it will be returned to you with the changes noted. If you have a mobile alien registration card and report through the e-application window, recording the changes on the mobile card can take the place of this ✅

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Foreign resident

Can someone living in a dormitory without a housing contract also report?

Kevi

Seoul city materials list a dormitory fee receipt or a certificate of accommodation as examples of address verification documents. Which documents are accepted may differ by office, so check with 1345 before you visit.

💸 What happens if you're late?

If you don't report within the deadline, a fine may be imposed. The original text also notes that it may count against you when you extend your stay.

It's hard for me to state a specific amount with certainty from the materials I have. According to the reference materials, violations of the change of residence report are set out not in the fine table but in the penalty guidelines of the Enforcement Rules. Check the original text or 1345 for the detailed criteria 😮

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Foreign resident

How much is the fine if I'm a few days late?

Kevi

The materials don't confirm a specific amount. Check the original text or 1345 for the detailed criteria. If the deadline has already passed, it's best to report as soon as possible rather than putting it off.

✅ What to do now, step by step

1. 1Mark the 15-day deadline on your calendar, counting from the day you moved.
2. 2Prepare your passport or alien registration card and a document confirming your new address.
3. 3Enter your new address in the change of residence report on HiKorea e-Application.
4. 4If online is difficult, visit the community center for your new address or the Immigration Office with jurisdiction.
5. 5After reporting, check that the address change appears on your alien registration card or mobile alien registration card.