My stay period has expired. How much is the fine, and what should I do?

Depending on how long you overstayed, the fine ranges from 500,000 KRW to 30,000,000 KRW. Staying past your permitted period violates the Immigration Act (출입국관리법). The later you are, the higher the amount. It can also lead to a departure order or a ban on re-entry. Go to the immigration office (출입국) in person as soon as possible.

Standard amounts by overstay period

• Less than 1 month: 500,000 KRW
• 1 month or more, less than 3 months: 1,000,000 KRW
• 3 months or more, less than 6 months: 2,000,000 KRW
• 6 months or more, less than 1 year: 5,000,000 KRW
• 1 year or more, less than 2 years: 10,000,000 KRW
• 2 years or more, less than 3 years: 15,000,000 KRW
• 3 years or more: 20,000,000 KRW to 30,000,000 KRW (depending on the overstay period)

These amounts are standards. Immigration looks at your age, the reason for the overstay, your ability to pay, and how many times you have broken the rules. Based on this, the fine can be reduced or increased within half of the standard amount. A fine (범칙금) is a measure you pay instead of going through a criminal trial. So it is different from an ordinary administrative fine.

What to do right now

1. Contact or visit the immigration office in charge of your address right away. After your expiry date, applying online is usually difficult.
2. Prepare your passport, your Alien Registration Card, and documents that show why you were late. Documents such as hospital admission records or a medical certificate may help you get a reduction.
3. Get questioned by immigration and receive the fine notice. Pay it within the set period.
4. After that, follow immigration's guidance to decide whether to apply for an extension or another application, or to leave Korea. There is no guarantee that you can keep staying.

What you must avoid

If you avoid immigration or just keep working, you may be caught in a crackdown. This can lead to forced deportation or a longer entry ban. Going in on your own usually leads to a much better result.

Results differ greatly by situation. Before you go to immigration, first get a Kevi administrative agent consultation in the visa service in the app. For final confirmation, use HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Comprehensive Information Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).