How to Extend Your Stay in Korea
If your permitted stay in South Korea is about to expire, you may need to apply for an extension. Depending on your immigration status, you can apply online through HiKorea or visit an immigration office.
Official links 5
- Earliest application
- 4 months before expiry
- In-person deadline
- By your expiration date
- Online deadline
- No later than the day before expiry
- Standard fee
- ₩60,000
- Online fee
- ₩48,000
- Where to apply
- HiKorea or immigration office
For eligible applications
Not all immigration statuses qualify for online extensions. Fees also differ for certain applicants.
How to extend your stay
Check your expiration date
Check when your permitted stay ends. Do not rely only on the expiration date printed on your Residence Card.
You can check immigration information through HiKorea.
Start early, especially if you need documents from your employer, university or family sponsor.
Check whether you can apply online
On HiKorea, go to Petition Application → e-Application.
Check whether your immigration status qualifies for online extension. Some statuses, including F-6 marriage migrants, are excluded from the standard online process.
Eligible online applications receive a 20% discount on the standard fee, reducing ₩60,000 to ₩48,000.
Prepare your documents
You will generally need:
- Valid passport
- Residence Card
- Official immigration application form (Integrated Application Form)
- Proof of your current Korean address
- Additional documents required for your immigration status
For example, students may need university documents, while employees may need employment records.
Check the exact requirements for your status before applying.
Submit your application
If applying online, upload your documents and pay through HiKorea. Save your application receipt and check the result through your account.
If applying in person, book an appointment at the immigration office responsible for your address. Bring your documents and pay the applicable fee.
If you are required to report employment information, the Ministry of Justice also provides online reporting during the immigration office reservation process. Check this requirement for your status and work situation.
After approval, check your new permitted expiration date and save the official confirmation.
Important exceptions
F-5 permanent residents
F-5 holders do not need ordinary extensions of their permanent stay. However, the physical Permanent Resident Card has a separate renewal requirement.
F-6 marriage migrants
The standard extension fee is ₩30,000 in person, rather than ₩60,000. F-6 holders generally cannot use the standard online extension process, so do not assume the online discount applies.
Changing your immigration status
If your job, studies or family circumstances have changed, you may need a different immigration procedure instead of a standard extension.
Before you apply
Unpaid taxes or health-insurance premiums
Immigration may check for overdue taxes and national health-insurance contributions. Outstanding debts can limit the period granted, so resolve them before applying.
Passport expiration
A passport that expires soon may limit how long your stay can be extended.