How to extend your stay in Korea (체류기간 연장): 2026 document checklist
A step-by-step guide to extending your period of stay — required documents by visa type, fees, and where to apply.
Foreign nationals who wish to remain in Korea beyond their current period of stay must obtain an extension of stay (체류기간 연장허가) before their status of stay expires. The procedure is handled by the local immigration office (지방출입국·외국인관서) for your registered address.
This page summarizes the required documents by visa type, the application steps, the fee, and where to submit, based on official information from HiKorea and the Korean Immigration Act (출입국관리법). Requirements can vary by office, so verify with HiKorea or call the 1345 hotline before you file. Filing on time matters: an application submitted after your status of stay has already expired can result in a fine under 출입국관리법 제25조, so plan ahead and prepare your documents early. Most applicants only need the core document group plus a small set of visa-specific evidence, but it is always worth confirming the exact list for your situation, because immigration offices may ask for additional proof of residence, income, or relationship depending on your visa category and personal circumstances.
Steps
1Prepare documents for your visa type
Assemble the core document group (통합신청서, 여권, 외국인등록증, a photo, 체류지 입증서류, and the fee) together with the evidence required for your specific visa type. Download the application form (통합신청서, 별지 제34호서식) for free from hikorea.go.kr under "민원서식".
2Book a HiKorea appointment or apply online
If applying in person, book an appointment in advance through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr → "방문예약"). Some visa types allow online filing via "전자민원" → "체류기간연장"; this requires a HiKorea account and identity verification.
3Submit before your status expires
Apply within the window from four months before your status-of-stay expiry date up to the expiry date itself. Submitting after the expiry date may result in a fine under 출입국관리법 제25조.
4Pay the fee
Pay the extension review fee. The standard fee is ₩60,000; the marriage-migrant category (F-6) is ₩30,000; certain special cases are exempt.
5Receive the result
Processing usually takes about 10 business days, and may take up to 60 days if further investigation is required. The result is recorded in your status of stay and on your alien registration card (외국인등록증).
Documents to prepare
Core documents — required for every visa type
- 통합신청서(신고서) — 별지 제34호서식 — Integrated application form (extension)Original, fully completed; free download from hikorea.go.kr
- 여권 — Valid passportOriginal; bring it when you apply
- 외국인등록증 — Alien Registration Card (ARC)Original, if you are registered
- 사진 (3.5 × 4.5 cm) — ID photoOne photo, white background, taken recently
- 체류지 입증서류 — Proof of residenceE.g. 임대차계약서 or 주민등록등본; the exact list varies by office — confirm via 1345
- 수수료 — Government fee₩60,000 (standard); see Fees section
Visa-specific supporting documents (examples)
- 재학증명서 — Certificate of enrollment (D-2 study)Original
- 고용계약서 / 재직증명서 — Employment contract / certificate of employment (E-1–E-7)Depends on the work category
- 사업자등록증 — Business registration (D-8 investment)Plus proof of capital / investment
- 혼인관계증명서 / 주민등록등본 — Marriage certificate & spouse's resident registration (F-6)Plus the sponsor's income documents
- 가족관계증명서 — Certificate of family relationship (F-1 / F-3)With the sponsor or principal visa holder
- 표준근로계약서 — Standard labor contract (E-9)Plus 고용허가서 (employment permit)
Fees
- Extension of stay (체류기간 연장허가) — standard₩60,000
- Marriage migrant (F-6, 결혼이민)₩30,000
- Exempt in special cases (e.g. no means of departure)Free
Where & how to submit
Apply at the local immigration office (지방출입국·외국인관서: 출입국·외국인청 / 사무소 / 출장소) for your registered address. In-person applications require an advance appointment booked through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr → "방문예약"). Some visa types can be filed online via "전자민원" → "체류기간연장" (a HiKorea account and identity verification are required). For any questions, call the 1345 hotline.
Prepare your extension documents faster
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Get the free checklistFrequently asked questions
When should I file the extension?
You can apply from four months before your status-of-stay expiry date up to the expiry date itself. Filing early helps you avoid the risk of running late.
What happens if I file after my status expires?
Applying after your status of stay has expired may result in a fine under 출입국관리법 제25조. Always file before the expiry date.
Can I apply online?
Some visa types can be filed through HiKorea "전자민원" → "체류기간연장". This requires a HiKorea account and identity verification. Check which visa types are eligible for online filing at hikorea.go.kr.
What if my passport is about to expire?
Renew or reissue your passport first. A valid passport (여권) is a required document when you apply.
How long does processing take?
It usually takes about 10 business days; if further investigation is needed, it can take up to 60 days.
What if my application is refused?
If you receive a notice of refusal (체류기간 연장 불허결정 통지서), you are generally required to leave within 14 days of receiving it.