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S. Korea to issue resident registration cards to Korean nationals living overseas

January 8, 2015

According to the Korean Ministry of Justice Wednesday, domestic residence reports will be replaced by the issuance of resident registration cards like this one.

In an attempt to provide convenience to all Korean nationals living overseas, the South Korean government will issue resident registration cards in place of residence report forms, and open a safety information center for emergencies abroad.

According to the Korean Ministry of Justice Wednesday, domestic residence report forms will be replaced by the issuance of resident registration cards specific to overseas nationals over the age of 17 beginning Jan. 22.

That means that, for Koreans with permanent residency in the U.S. who visit Korea for more than 30 days, it’s no longer necessary to fill out residence report forms.

South Korea requires overseas Korean nationals visiting Korea to file a domestic residence report, which enables convenience in departure and entry, real estate and financial transactions and medical insurance.

Under the new system, resident registration cards will not be issued through consulates but through local offices in Korea, which overseas Korean nationals will need to visit.

Koreans who receive permanent residency in other countries and who are planning to leave Korea will also now be able to keep their resident registration cards, making it easier for them to maintain real estate and financial transactions.

Overseas Korean nationals must file residence reports to receive their registration cards between Jan. 22, 2015 to June 30, 2016. Otherwise, residence reports will become invalid after July 1, 2016, the ministry said.