Re-entry Permit

1. What is a Re-entry Permit?

A Re-entry Permit is required for foreign nationals residing in Korea who wish to temporarily leave Korea 

and re-enter with the same status of stay.

If you leave Korea without obtaining a Re-entry Permit, your current status of stay may be automatically

cancelled, and you may be restricted from re-entering Korea or your visa may become invalid.

2. Who Needs to Apply?

A Re-entry Permit is required for the following individuals:

• Foreign nationals holding long-term visas such as D, E, or F series visas

• Individuals temporarily traveling abroad while residing in Korea long-term

• Individuals who need to re-enter Korea with the same status of stay

※ Short-term visas (such as C-3) are generally not eligible for Re-entry Permits.

3. Common Situations Requiring a Re-entry Permit

• Visiting family overseas

• Business trips or overseas assignments

• Visiting your home country

• Emergency situations (medical treatment, funeral, etc.)

• Overseas study or research activities

If you depart without permission, you may not be able to re-enter Korea using your current visa.

4. Disadvantages of Leaving Without a Permit

• Automatic cancellation of your current status of stay

• Requirement to apply for a new visa to re-enter Korea

• Possible entry restrictions due to immigration violations or illegal stay history

• Applies to long-term residents including F-1, F-2, and F-6 visa holders without exception

5. Validity Period

• Generally valid for up to 1 year

• F-5 (Permanent Resident) and F-6 (Marriage Migrant) visa holders may receive up to 2 years

• The validity period may vary depending on your visa type and reason for application

You must re-enter Korea within the permitted period. If you fail to do so, your visa will automatically

become invalid.

6. Application Method

① In-person Application (Immigration Office)

• Passport

• Alien Registration Card (ARC)

• Supporting documents explaining the reason for departure (if required)

② Online Application (Hi Korea)

• Submit an electronic civil application

• Check results online

※ Su Administrative Office provides both online and in-person application assistance.

7. Required Documents (General Requirements)

• Passport

• Alien Registration Card (ARC)

• Proof of maintaining residence in Korea during overseas stay

• Documents supporting the reason for departure (if applicable)

• Application fee

※ Additional documents may be required depending on the case.

8. Processing Time

Processing is usually completed on the same day or within 1–3 business days.

(This may vary depending on the immigration office and application method.)

9. Important Notes After Approval

• You may stay overseas during the approved period

• You must re-enter Korea within the permitted period

• Your existing status of stay will remain valid upon re-entry

Service Information — Su Administrative Office

Su Administrative Office provides fast and accurate assistance with Re-entry Permit applications.

Our services include:

• Online and in-person application assistance

• Guidance and review of required documents

• Emergency departure support

• Explanation of permit validity period and conditions

• Post re-entry support, including stay extension and visa status change

If you plan to continue staying in Korea, you must extend your stay or complete the necessary

procedures before your authorized stay period expires.

※ If your case involves both marriage and residency matters, additional legal review may be required

beyond general stay, status change, and re-entry standards.

Professional consultation is recommended to ensure a safe and proper process.