Korean Embassy Registration System for Overseas Citizens

Key summary

The Korean government operates a mandatory registration system for its citizens residing or staying abroad for more than 90 days in a specific foreign location. This system, established under the Overseas Citizen Registration Act, aims to facilitate overseas citizen activities, ensure proper administrative processing, and support protection policies. Registration is not retroactive for past residences where the individual is no longer present. The registration serves as proof of residence status for disaster relief, permanent resident card issuance in foreign countries, property acquisition in Korea, and tax reductions. Eligible individuals include Korean nationals excluding those who have lost citizenship. Changes to personal details such as name, passport number, address, or employment require a change report under Article 8 of the Act. Moving to a different jurisdiction requires an immigration report within 90 days of the move under Article 9.