Everything you need to know about South Korea Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증 / ARC) photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | South Korea (한국) |
| Document Type | Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증 / ARC) |
| Photo Size | 30 × 40 mm (3.0 × 4.0 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 25–35 mm from chin to top of head (70–80% of photo) |
| Background Color | White |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Digital for Online Submission | Yes |
| Digital Photo Size | 709 × 945 pixels minimum (at 600 DPI) |
| Photo Paper Type | Matte or glossy |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Number of Photos | 2 identical photos |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
The Korea Immigration Service has specific requirements for Alien Registration Card photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Clear prescription glasses are allowed, but tinted glasses and sunglasses are strictly prohibited. Ensure there is no glare or reflections on the lenses that obscure your eyes. If possible, removing glasses is recommended for the best result.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant South Korea ARC photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking an ARC-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
Stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile. Your expression should be calm and natural.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable ARC photos
A South Korea Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증 / ARC) photo must be exactly 30×40 mm (3.0×4.0 cm). Note that this is different from the 35×45 mm used for Korean passports and visas.
Clear prescription glasses are allowed, but tinted glasses and sunglasses are strictly prohibited. Ensure there is no glare or reflections on the lenses. Removing glasses is recommended for the best result.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.
Yes! You can take your ARC photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official South Korea ARC photo requirements.
The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
The Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) is mandatory for all foreign nationals staying in South Korea for more than 90 days. You must register at a local immigration office within 90 days of arrival in Korea.
Yes. The ARC uses a unique 30×40 mm photo size, which is different from the 35×45 mm used for Korean passports, visas, and ID cards. This is a common mistake — make sure you use the correct 30×40 mm size for your ARC application.
You need to submit 2 identical photos with your Alien Registration Card application.
