Do I need a re-entry permit if I am a registered foreigner who leaves Korea and comes back?

No. A registered foreigner usually does not need a re-entry permit if they return within 1 year from the day they leave. If your remaining period of stay is shorter than 1 year, you must return within that remaining period. This applies to most registered foreigners, such as E-9, E-7, D-2 and F-6.

Remember these periods

• Most registered foreigners: within 1 year from the day you leave (or until the end of your remaining period of stay, if it is shorter)
• Permanent residents (F-5): within 2 years from the day you leave
• Overseas Koreans (F-4): re-enter within your period of stay
• Holders of a refugee travel document: re-enter within the validity period of the document

⚠️ Points to watch

• If you plan to stay abroad for more than 1 year, up to 2 years, you must get a multiple re-entry permit before you leave. The fee is 50,000 KRW.
• You can apply in person at the immigration office or online through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr). You submit your passport, your Alien Registration Card, and the integrated application form.
• If you are subject to entry restrictions or visa issuance restrictions, the exemption may not apply. In this case, you must get a re-entry permit separately from the immigration office (출입국) that covers your place of residence (single 30,000 KRW, multiple 50,000 KRW).
• People who are not registered as foreigners are not eligible for the exemption.

Before you leave, check your status of stay and the expiry date of your period of stay. If you are unsure, check again with HiKorea or the Korea Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).