Useful Info

The Ministry of Justice announced that it will begin issuing mobile foreigner registration cards (including permanent residency cards and residence report cards) to registered foreigners residing in Korea starting from January 10, 2025.
The mobile foreigner registration card can be obtained by installing the 'Mobile ID App' from the 'National Mobile ID Integrated Platform' built by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on a smartphone registered in one's own name. To enhance convenience for issuing mobile foreigner registration cards, the Ministry of Justice has been issuing new-type foreigner registration cards embedded with an electronic chip (IC) that stores a personal identification number (PIN) since January 2025. The mobile foreigner registration card can be issued to all registered foreigners aged 14 and above who possess a smartphone in their own name, and it has the same legal effect as the physical ID card.
Those holding the new-type foreigner registration card with an embedded electronic chip can easily obtain the mobile foreigner registration card using the Mobile ID App. However, holders of existing foreigner registration cards must visit an immigration and foreigner affairs office and scan the identity verification QR code with their smartphone to obtain it.
Even if the smartphone is changed or the mobile foreigner registration card app is deleted, holders of the new-type foreigner registration card with an embedded electronic chip can easily reissue it using the foreigner registration card. However, holders of existing foreigner registration cards must visit an immigration and foreigner affairs office and scan the QR code again to reissue it.
The mobile foreigner registration card can only be issued on one smartphone registered in one's own name, and upon reporting a lost smartphone, it is automatically locked, preventing personal information theft or leakage. It applies advanced security technologies such as blockchain and encryption, ensuring a high level of security as an ID that can be used in place of the existing foreigner registration card at public institutions, financial institutions, convenience stores, hospitals, and various other places.
The Ministry of Justice stated that it will continuously strive to prevent digital discrimination against resident foreigners and to provide a more convenient living environment.
Information provided by / Ministry of Justice, Immigration and Foreigner Policy Bureau