By when must a foreign child born in Korea get a status of stay?

You must apply for a status of stay within 90 days of the birth date. You usually apply at the immigration office (출입국) that covers your home address.

If even one parent is a Korean citizen, you do not need this process. The child is a Korean citizen from birth, so you only need to do a birth report at the community center (주민센터).

The status the child gets usually depends on the parents' status.

• Child of a permanent resident (F-5) parent → Permanent Resident (F-5)
• Child of a Non-professional Employment (E-9), Seafarer Employment (E-10), or Residence (F-2) parent → Visiting Family (F-1)
• Child of other registered foreigners → usually Dependent Family (F-3)

The fee is 80,000 KRW. You usually need the application form, the child's passport, 1 photo, and family relationship documents such as a birth certificate.

⚠️ Important points

If you apply after 90 days, you will get a fine for violating the Immigration Act. However, if you leave Korea within 90 days of the birth date, you can leave without getting a status of stay.

Prepare the child's passport first, and do it quickly. Check the exact documents again at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.