‹ Korea Visa & Stay Q&A for Foreigners
Can foreigners sign a jeonse lease? What about the fixed date (confirmation date) and the move-in report?
Based on: National Law Information Center, Immigration Act (Act No. 21857, in force 2026.10.2), Articles 36 and 88-2 (checked 2026.10.29) · Seoul Metropolitan Government, My Seoul Plus (Seoul Global Center) topic information, 'Immigration and Stay > Report of Change of Residence' (checked 2026.10.29) · Incheon Metropolitan City, Foreign Resident Life Information, 'Housing' (source: Guidebook for Foreigners Living in Incheon) (checked 2026.10.29) · National Law Information Center, Housing Lease Protection Act (Act No. 21065, in force 2026.1.2), Articles 3, 3-2 and 3-6 (checked 2026.10.29) · Seoul Metropolitan Government, Seoul Housing Portal, guide to 'Jeonse Deposit Return Guarantee' (Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation product guide, checked 2026.10.29)Yes, foreigners can sign a jeonse lease. If you have registered as a foreigner, the report of change of residence takes the place of the move-in report. After that, if you get a fixed date (확정일자), your deposit can be protected.
Move-in report (report of change of residence)
- A registered foreigner who changes residence must report within 15 days of moving in.
- Alien registration and the report of change of residence under the Immigration Act take the place of resident registration and the move-in report. So you do not need to do resident registration separately.
- You can report at the local immigration office (branch or field office) (출입국·외국인청), the community center (행정복지센터) at your new address (주민센터), or Government24 (정부24) (only for eligible cases online).
- You usually need your alien registration card (or passport) and a document that proves your new address, such as the lease contract.
Fixed date (확정일자)
- The fixed date is a date that proves a lease contract exists.
- Bring your alien registration card with the changed address and your lease contract to a community center or similar office.
- If the house is sold at auction, you need the fixed date to get your deposit back with priority.
⚠️ Points to watch
- Legal protection against third parties (대항력) starts the day after you take over the house (move in) and finish the move-in report. Move and report quickly.
- If you pass 15 days, you may have to pay a fine.
- Before signing, check the property registry (등기부등본) for the landlord (owner) and rights such as a mortgage.
- It is safer to send the deposit to the bank account of the landlord who signed the contract.
- Foreigners can also join HUG jeonse deposit return insurance. Having the move-in report and the fixed date is one of the conditions.
Once your move-in date is set, get the report of change of residence and the fixed date together at the community center on the day you move in. Check the exact steps again at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Helpline (1345).
Sources
- 출입국관리법 - 체류지 변경신고(제36조)와 주민등록·전입신고 갈음(제88조의2) › 제36조, 제88조의2The report of change of residence is due within 15 days and takes the place of the move-in report
- 외국인 체류지 변경 신고(이사 후 15일 이내) (서울시) › 신고 기관·준비 서류Report at a community center, immigration office, or Government24; a fine is possible if late
- 외국인 주택 구입·전세/월세·체류지변경신고·확정일자 (인천시) › 확정일자Get the fixed date with your alien registration card and contract, and check the property registry
- 주택임대차보호법 - 대항력(제3조)·보증금 회수/우선변제(제3조의2)·확정일자 부여(제3조의6) › 제3조Protection against third parties starts the day after you move in and finish the move-in report
- HUG 전세보증금반환보증(외국인 임차인 가입 가능) 안내 › 보증조건Foreigners can join; the move-in report and fixed date are needed
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Related questions
Can foreigners buy a house in Korea? How do I report it?Can foreigners also move into public rental housing?Can foreigners also get a fixed date (확정일자) stamp?Can foreigners also sign up for jeonse deposit return guarantee?What should foreigners be careful about when signing a monthly rent (wolse) contract?General guidance prepared by Kevi from Ministry of Justice manuals, laws and official guides. Not legal advice. Please confirm with HiKorea or the Immigration Contact Center (1345).