How to Register Your Address in Korea After Moving In: A Guide for Foreign Renters

Moving into a new apartment in Korea is only half the job. Within 14 days of getting the keys, there are two things you must do to legally protect your deposit: register your new address (체류지변경신고) and get a date confirmation stamp on your lease (확정일자).

This guide explains both steps, exactly how to complete them, and why skipping them puts your deposit at risk.

Why This Matters: Your Deposit Is Not Protected Until You Do This

Signing a lease and paying a deposit is not enough to legally protect your money in Korea. Under the Housing Lease Protection Act (주택임대차보호법), your deposit only gets legal priority — meaning it's protected if the landlord defaults or the property is sold — after you complete two steps:

1. 체류지변경신고 — registering your new address
2. 확정일자 — getting an official date confirmation stamp on your lease

Why 대항력 matters : If you have 대항력, you can legally demand your deposit back exactly as written in your contract, even if the building changes hands or goes into foreclosure. Without it, your contract is still valid between you and the landlord — but you have no legal standing to enforce it against anyone else.

Why 확정일자 matters: If something goes wrong with your landlord — they default on a loan, go bankrupt, or can't return deposits to all tenants at once — deposits are returned in order of who received 확정일자 first. The earlier your date, the stronger your legal claim. Without 확정일자, you go to the back of the queue and may not recover your deposit at all.

These are two separate steps. Completing one does not substitute for the other. Both need to be done as soon as possible after moving in.

Your Situation — Two Cases

Case 1: Already Have ARC + Moving to a New Place

If you already have your Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) and you're moving to a new address, here's what you need to do:

Step 1 — 체류지변경신고 (within 14 days of moving in)

Go to the district office (동 주민센터) or immigration office with jurisdiction over your new address. Bring:

• Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증)
• Lease agreement (임대차계약서, original or copy)
• Passport (may be requested)

Complete the 체류지변경신고 form on the spot. This registers your new address.

Step 2 — 확정일자 (same day, same place)

After completing 체류지변경신고, request 확정일자 at the same counter. Bring your lease agreement. The office places an official stamp on your contract recording the date — this is what gives your deposit legal priority. Fee: ₩600.

You can also apply for 확정일자 online via the Court Registry (인터넷등기소) at www.iros.go.kr — processing is same-day during business hours.

💡 Do both steps in one visit. 체류지변경신고 and 확정일자 at the same district office counter takes under 30 minutes and costs ₩600.

Case 2: Just Arrived in Korea + No ARC Yet

If you've recently moved in but haven't yet received your ARC, the process is slightly different.

You cannot complete 체류지변경신고 without an ARC. But you're not without options.

What to do:

1. Sign your lease and keep the contract — this is your proof of residence
2. Apply for your ARC at the immigration office within 90 days of entry (required for anyone staying more than 90 days)
3. When submitting your ARC application, provide your lease agreement as proof of address — this initial address registration counts as your first 체류지 registration. As long as you stay in the same place, you don't need to file a separate 체류지변경신고
4. After receiving your ARC, apply for 확정일자 separately — at the district office or via 인터넷등기소 (www.iros.go.kr). Bring your lease agreement and ARC

⚠️ 확정일자 is completely separate from your ARC or 체류지 registration. Registering your address does not automatically protect your deposit — you must apply for 확정일자 additionally. This is the step most foreign renters miss.

If you later move to a different address, file 체류지변경신고 within 14 days of the move.

Where to Complete Each Step

체류지변경신고

확정일자

Key Facts

These two steps take under 30 minutes at your local district office and cost ₩600. Skipping them means your deposit — potentially millions of won — has no legal protection. Complete them on move-in day if possible, and no later than 14 days after getting the keys.

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