Mobile Foreign Registration Certificate Now Available for Foreign Residents in Korea
Hello! Starting from January 10, 2025, foreign residents in South Korea can now obtain and use a mobile foreign registration certificate. This means that with just your smartphone, you can conveniently present your identification. This digital certificate carries the same legal weight as the physical one, while significantly enhancing both security and convenience.
What is a Mobile Foreign Registration Certificate?
The mobile foreign registration certificate is a digital ID that you can receive on your own smartphone. It holds the same validity as a physical certificate, allowing you to verify your identity anytime, anywhere, directly from your device.
Who Can Get It and What Are the Requirements?
Eligibility: Foreign residents aged 14 and above can apply for the certificate.
Ineligibility: Unfortunately, those under 14 years of age cannot obtain the certificate due to policy restrictions.
Essential Condition: You must have a smartphone registered in your name to apply.
How to Obtain Your Mobile Certificate
- For Holders of an IC Foreign Registration Certificate:
If you already possess a new IC chip-enabled foreign registration certificate, follow these steps:
- Download and install the ‘Mobile ID App’ from the Google Play Store or App Store.
- Open the app and tap your IC foreign registration certificate against your smartphone to verify your identity.
- Once identity verification is complete, your mobile foreign registration certificate will be automatically issued.
- For Holders of Existing Foreign Registration Certificates:
If you have an older registration certificate, you will need to visit the immigration office to scan a QR code and undergo identity verification.
Changing Phones and Reissuing Certificates
Holders of the new IC foreign registration certificate can easily reissue their certificate within the app. However, those with existing foreign registration certificates will need to return to the immigration office to complete the reissuance process.
Security and Usability
The mobile foreign registration certificate is fortified with blockchain and encryption technologies, making it highly secure. The certificate can only be issued on your personal smartphone, and if your phone is lost, it will automatically lock to prevent identity theft.
Where Can You Use It?
You can use your mobile foreign registration certificate in various essential locations, including:
- Government institutions
- Financial institutions
- Hospitals
- Convenience stores and other daily necessities.
Expected Benefits
The introduction of the mobile foreign registration certificate aims to enhance the ease of foreign resident management in our digital age, promoting a service environment free of discrimination. We anticipate that life for foreigners in Korea will become even more convenient moving forward.
This information is accurate as of the time of writing and is subject to change based on government policy. For further assistance, please visit our 1:1 Consultation Board.