Korea Immigration Office Visa Fee Payment: Step-by-Step…

What Are the Korea Visa Issuance Fees in 2026?

Korea visa issuance fees are administrative charges set by the Ministry of Justice for processing visa applications, extensions, and status changes. According to the Korea Immigration Service, the fees vary by visa type, duration, and entry frequency. Most fees range between KRW 30,000 and KRW 130,000. Payment is mandatory before your visa or Alien Registration Card (ARC) is issued.

Standard Fee Structure

The Ministry of Justice publishes the official fee table on the HiKorea portal. Here is a summary of the most common categories:

Fees may be revised annually. Always confirm the current rate on HiKorea before your appointment. korea immigration visa extension required documents

Which Payment Methods Does the Immigration Office Accept?

Korea Immigration Offices accept four main payment methods: domestic credit or debit card, on-site bank transfer, revenue stamp (sooib-inji, 수입인지), and HiKorea online card payment. Foreign-issued cards are sometimes accepted at major offices but availability varies. Cash is generally not accepted directly at the counter.

1. Credit or Debit Card (Most Common)

Most Immigration Offices have card terminals at the payment counter. Korean-issued cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Samsung Card, Shinhan Card) work without issue. Foreign-issued international cards may be accepted at the Seoul Immigration Office and other major branches, but smaller regional offices may decline them. Bring backup payment options.

2. Revenue Stamp (Sooib-inji)

The revenue stamp is a government-issued paper stamp purchased at a bank or post office near the Immigration Office. You buy the stamp matching your fee amount, then attach it to your application form. This method is required for some specific services and is fully accepted everywhere.

“Revenue stamps (수입인지) may be purchased at banks designated by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, including KEB Hana Bank branches near Immigration Offices.” - Ministry of Government Legislation, Stamp Tax Act

3. Bank Transfer at the Counter

Some offices have a designated Woori Bank or KEB Hana Bank desk inside the building. You receive a payment slip from the immigration officer, pay at the bank window, and return with the receipt. This method is reliable but adds 15-30 minutes to your visit. hikorea account setup foreigner registration

4. HiKorea Online Payment

For extension applications and certain status changes filed through the HiKorea portal, you can pay by Korean-issued card during the online submission. This is the fastest option, but only available for services that allow online filing.

How Do You Pay the Visa Fee at the Immigration Office Step-by-Step?

To pay your visa issuance fee, first complete the application form, then proceed to the designated payment counter or partner bank within the Immigration Office. Present your ARC or passport, choose your payment method, and receive an official receipt to submit with your application documents.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Book an appointment on the HiKorea portal at https://www.hikorea.go.kr. Walk-ins are generally not accepted at major offices.
2. Prepare documents: passport, current ARC (if held), application form (Form 34), one passport photo, and supporting documents specific to your visa type.
3. Check in at the reception desk and take a number ticket for your visa category.
4. Submit application to the immigration officer for initial review.
5. Receive payment slip indicating the exact fee amount and acceptable methods.
6. Pay at the cashier counter by card, or proceed to the partner bank desk for transfer or revenue stamp purchase.
7. Return with the receipt to the immigration officer. Your application is then formally accepted.
8. Collect your visa or ARC on the date specified - usually within 2 to 6 weeks depending on the service.

Documents to Bring for Payment

• Passport (original)
• ARC if you are already registered
• Completed Form 34 (Integrated Application Form)
• One color passport photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
• Payment method (card recommended for speed)

Per the Korea Immigration Service, application forms are downloadable in English on HiKorea. korea immigration office arc process

What Are the Fees by Visa Type?

Korea visa fees vary significantly by category. Student visas (D-2), work visas (E-7), residence visas (F-2), and marriage visas (F-6) each have distinct fee structures based on the duration and complexity of the application. Multi-year residence visas cost more than short-term work visas.

Common Visa Category Fees

Status changes (for example, D-2 to E-7) cost KRW 130,000 regardless of the original or new category. The Korea Immigration Service publishes the complete fee schedule, updated periodically by Ministerial Notice.

Additional Fees You May Encounter

• Translation/notarization: KRW 30,000-100,000 per document (private service)
• Photo service: KRW 10,000-20,000 at studios near Immigration Offices
• Tuberculosis test certificate (for E-9, F-6, and others): KRW 50,000-80,000 at designated hospitals via NHIS partner clinics
• Criminal record check apostille: Varies by home country

Where Can You Pay - Office Locations and Online Options

Visa fees are payable at any of the 39 Immigration Offices nationwide or online through HiKorea for eligible services. Major branches include the Seoul Immigration Office, Suwon Office, Busan Office, and Incheon Airport Office. Each accepts card and revenue stamp payments.

Major Immigration Office Locations

• Seoul Immigration Office (Yangcheon-gu): Highest foot traffic, longest waits, accepts foreign cards
• Seoul Southern Office (Mok-dong): Less crowded, serves southern Seoul districts
• Suwon Immigration Office: Serves Gyeonggi-do residents
• Incheon Immigration Office: Serves Incheon and airport-area residents
• Busan Immigration Office: Main southern Korea hub
• Daegu Immigration Office: Central Korea coverage

For a full list, visit the Korea Immigration Service directory.

HiKorea Online Payment Services

The HiKorea portal accepts online card payments for:

• Period of stay extension (most visa categories)
• Re-entry permit application
• Address change reporting (often free)
• Some workplace change reports

Per Government24, integrated foreigner services are increasingly available digitally. However, ARC issuance and status changes still require in-person visits. hikorea reentry permit application

Bank Holidays and Office Hours

Immigration Offices operate Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed 12:00-1:00 PM for lunch). Payment counters and partner banks close at 4:00 PM. Plan your visit accordingly, as late arrivals may not be processed.

What If Your Payment Fails or You Need a Refund?

If your card is declined, switch to revenue stamp or bank transfer at the on-site partner bank. Refunds are possible if your application is withdrawn before processing or rejected before issuance - submit a refund request form within 30 days. Approved visas are non-refundable.

Handling Declined Cards

Foreign-issued cards sometimes fail due to international transaction blocks or daily limit issues. Solutions:

1. Call your card issuer to authorize the transaction
2. Use a Korean-issued card if available
3. Switch to revenue stamp purchased at the in-building bank
4. Ask a Korean friend or sponsor to pay on your behalf (with proper documentation)

Refund Process

Per Article 75 of the Immigration Control Act, fee refunds are processed when:

• The application is withdrawn before review begins
• The Ministry of Justice rejects the application before issuing the visa
• An administrative error occurred in fee calculation

Approved visas, even if unused, are non-refundable. Submit Form 47 (Fee Refund Application) with the original receipt to your processing office within 30 days. Processing takes 4-6 weeks via bank transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions