This page is a translation. The Korean page is the reference text; if they differ, the Korean version prevails. Korean reference
Before you leave Korea for good2026
Things to sort out before leaving Korea for good. Procedures differ by agency, so confirm with each one.
How it works
Set your departure date before your stay expires.
What to do with your residence card (e.g. returning it) depends on whether you plan to come back; follow 1345 or departure-control guidance (needs checking).
Check severance pay, the national-pension lump-sum refund and health-insurance settlement with your employer and the agencies (NPS, NHIS, etc.) — needs checking.
Close your phone, bank and utilities, and check for unpaid fines.
At a glance
- Registered foreigners who return within 1 year of departure are exempt from a re-entry permit; if less than a year of stay remains, only until that date. Confirmed by official source
- Overstaying or working without permission violates the Immigration Control Act and can lead to fines, departure orders or deportation and later entry bans; employers can be punished too. Sources give different maximum penalties, so we do not list a figure. Needs checking (확인 필요) Sources differ
Document checklist
- Passport
- Residence (alien registration) card
Typical documents only. They vary by sub-type and office — check HiKorea's status manuals and the office (needs checking).
Where to apply
Common mistakes
- Leaving after your stay has already expired
FAQ
Can I get my national pension contributions back?
It depends on your nationality and status; ask the National Pension Service directly (needs checking).
Facts and sources on this page
Anything we could not compare directly with an official page is marked "Needs checking". Always verify on the government websites below before applying.
Registered foreigners who return within 1 year of departure are exempt from a re-entry permit; if less than a year of stay remains, only until that date.
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 시행규칙 제44조의2 원문 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)Overstaying or working without permission violates the Immigration Control Act and can lead to fines, departure orders or deportation and later entry bans; employers can be punished too. Sources give different maximum penalties, so we do not list a figure.
Needs checking (확인 필요) Sources differ · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 대륜 이민센터 「불법체류처벌 절차와 출입국관리법 위반 대응」 (2026-05-14), 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 (국가법령정보센터)