Beginning January 2025, South Korea will offer a digital version of the foreigner residence card, providing a more convenient and secure way for registered foreign nationals to prove their identity.

This new mobile residence card can be stored on a smartphone and used just like the physical card, both online and offline, at government offices, banks, convenience stores, and other institutions that require ID verification.

Who is Eligible

Foreign nationals aged 14 or older who hold either a permanent residence card or an overseas Korean residence card are eligible to apply.

How to Apply

There are two application paths depending on the type of residence card you have:

1. For new IC cardholders (cards issued after January 1, 2025):

1. Visit the Immigration Office and complete the application form.
2. Receive your IC residence card (within 2 weeks).
3. Download the Mobile ID app from Google Play or the App Store.
4. Use the app to scan the chip on your physical residence card.
5. Complete facial recognition through the app.
6. The digital residence card will be issued to your smartphone.

2. For holders of cards issued before 2025:

1. Visit the Immigration Office and complete the application.
2. Download the Mobile ID app.
3. Use the app to scan the QR code provided at the issuance window.
4. Complete facial recognition.
5. Your mobile residence card will be issued.

Where You Can Use It

The mobile card can be used anywhere the physical card is accepted, including:

1. Immigration offices and government institutions
2. Banks and financial services
3. Convenience stores for age verification
4. Hospitals and public service counters

The range of uses is expected to expand in the future.

Device and Carrier Requirements

To get a mobile residence card, you must have:

1. A smartphone registered under your name (Android 8.0+ or iPhone iOS 16+ with NFC)
2. Mobile ID app installed

Not supported:

1. Corporate or anonymous prepaid phones
2. Certain mobile carriers such as Tplus on non-LGU+ networks
3. Blackberry or unsupported older devices

Additional Information

1. The digital card has the same legal effect as the physical card.
2. On-site issuance is free of charge.
3. Reissuance is possible if the phone is lost or changed.
4. Service will also be available in the future through platforms like Naver, Kakao, and major banks.

For questions, contact the Ministry of Justice Foreigner Information Center at 1345 or visit www.mobileid.go.kr