My baby was born in Korea. When should I apply for the baby’s visa?
If a baby is born to foreign parents in South Korea, you must apply for the baby’s “Status of Sojourn” (Visa) within 90 days of the date of birth. Under Article 25 of the Immigration Act, failure to register the newborn within this 90-day window can result in a fine. You must first obtain a passport for the baby from your home country’s embassy before applying at the Immigration Office.
1. The “90-Day Rule” (Article 25)
According to the Immigration Act, a foreigner born in South Korea who intends to stay for more than 90 days must obtain a status of sojourn.
- Deadline: Within 90 days from the date of birth.
- Penalty for Delay: If you miss this deadline, you will be required to pay a fine for violating the Immigration Act. The fine amount increases based on the length of the delay.
2. Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Obtain a Birth Certificate
- Get the official birth certificate (출생증명서) from the hospital where the baby was born.
Step 2: Register with Your Embassy & Get a Passport
- This is the most time-consuming part. Visit your home country’s embassy in Seoul to report the birth and apply for the baby’s passport.
- Tip: If the passport issuance is delayed, you can sometimes apply for the visa first with a “Passport Application Receipt,” but check with 1345 first.
Step 3: Apply for Status of Sojourn at Immigration
- Once you have the passport (or receipt), visit your local immigration office or apply via HiKorea to grant the baby a visa.
- Common Visa Type: Usually, the baby receives the same visa status as the parents (e.g., F-3 for dependents, F-2-R for regional residents).
3. Required Documents Checklist
- [ ] Application Form (Integrated Form)
- [ ] Baby’s Original Passport
- [ ] Birth Certificate (issued by a Korean hospital)
- [ ] Parents’ Alien Registration Cards (ARC)
- [ ] Lease Contract (Proof of Residency)
- [ ] Fee (Check if your specific visa type is exempt from certain fees)
4. Important Note for 2026
With the increase in Regional Specific Visas (F-2-R), the government is encouraging family settlement. If you are an F-2-R holder, your newborn is eligible for the same benefits, including employment permits for the spouse and social welfare support in certain regions.
🔗 Official Resource: HiKorea Law Link
Refer to the official guidelines for “Granting Status of Sojourn” here: