A residence proof document is an official document that confirms where you are currently living. You must submit one when you first receive a residence status in Korea, when you change your residence status, or when you extend your period of stay. The required documents vary slightly depending on your situation, so please read through the information below carefully.

Step-by-Step Overview

  1. 1. Check your situation

    Determine whether your home is owned by you, rented by you, or provided by someone else.

  2. 2. Prepare the relevant documents

    Gather the documents that match your situation, such as a real estate registry certificate, a lease agreement, or a Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation.

  3. 3. Obtain the accommodation provider's signature

    If someone else is providing your accommodation, print the Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation form and have the accommodation provider sign and stamp it in person.

  4. 4. Submit to the relevant office

    Submit the documents together with your residence application, either by visiting the Korea Immigration Service in person or by using the HiKorea (하이코리아) online civil service portal.

  5. 5. Check the result

    You can track the progress of your application on the HiKorea My Page under [Online Application Status].

Which Documents Do I Need to Submit?

Case 1: You own the property yourself

Submit a real estate registry certificate (부동산 등기부 등본).

Case 2: You are renting the property (monthly rent or lump-sum deposit lease)

Submit a lease agreement (임대차 계약서). A written contract between you and the landlord is sufficient.

Case 3: Someone else is providing you with accommodation

This is the situation that causes the most confusion. The documents you need depend on whether the accommodation address matches or differs from the address on the accommodation provider’s ID.

Option A: The accommodation address matches the address on the accommodation provider’s ID

Submit both of the following:

  • Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation (see download instructions below)
  • A copy of the accommodation provider’s ID (both front and back must be included; the person’s name, address, and other personal details, as well as the most current address, must be clearly visible)

Option B: The accommodation address does NOT match the address on the accommodation provider’s ID

Submit all three of the following:

  • Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation
  • A copy of the accommodation provider’s ID (both front and back)
  • A document proving that the accommodation provider owns or has legally rented the property in question (for example, a real estate registry certificate or a lease agreement)

Where Can I Get the Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation Form?

You can download it for free from the HiKorea Civil Service Forms List.

On the HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) homepage, click “News & Notices” in the upper right corner, then click “Civil Service Forms” from the submenu, and search for “거주숙소제공확인서” (Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation).

  • Forms are available in Korean, English (Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation), and Chinese.
  • After printing the form, the accommodation provider must sign and stamp it in person.
  • Printed copies of the form are also available at all Korea Immigration Service offices, branch offices, and contact points nationwide.

Important Warning: Never Submit False Documents

Some people take advantage of foreigners who are struggling to gather documents by offering to write a false Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation in exchange for money. Please never accept such an offer.

If a factual investigation by the Korea Immigration Service reveals that a document is false, your residence status may be cancelled. In addition, if you fail to report a change of residence address within the required period (within 15 days of moving in), you may be subject to a fine of up to 1,000,000 Korean won under Article 98 of the Immigration Act. Please check the latest requirements with the Immigration Contact Center (1345, which provides multilingual telephone support) or your local Korea Immigration Service office before submitting your application.

If you are genuinely struggling to prepare your documents, please first reach out to a nearby migrant support organization or contact the Immigration Contact Center ( 1345) for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it acceptable if I am living in a goshiwon (a small single-occupancy rental room) or a shelter? Yes, it is. For a goshiwon or shelter, the manager or operator becomes the accommodation provider and must complete the confirmation form. In the case of a goshiwon, you may additionally be asked to provide documents confirming that you actually live at that address, such as receipts for accommodation fees paid. Please check the exact document requirements with your local Korea Immigration Service office.

Q. What if the address is not visible on the copy of the ID? You must photocopy both the front and back of an ID that shows the most current address, such as a driver’s license or resident registration card. The address is often printed on the back, so make sure to copy both sides.

Q. Can I also apply online through HiKorea? Yes. You can report a change of residence address yourself online through HiKorea Online Civil Services. For detailed instructions on how to apply, please refer to How to Report a Change of Foreigner Residence Address Online via HiKorea. If someone else is applying on your behalf, a letter of authorization, the representative’s ID, and documents confirming the relationship are also required.

Q. How do I fill in the integrated application form? For guidance on completing the integrated application form (통합신청서/신고서) that must be submitted alongside immigration civil service applications, please see How to Complete and Submit the Integrated Application Form for Foreigner Residence Civil Services.

Specific requirements such as figures and deadlines are subject to change. Before submitting your application, please always confirm the latest information with the Immigration Contact Center ( 1345) or your local Korea Immigration Service office.