South Korea · Photo requirements
South Korea ARC Photo Requirements 2026
The Korean Alien Registration Card (ARC) uses a smaller 30×40 mm photo specification — different from the 35×45 mm Korean passport size. Required for foreign residents in South Korea staying longer than 90 days. The photo is captured on-site at the immigration office, but you should bring printed copies.
Quick specs
Photo size
30 × 40 mm
1.18 × 1.57 inches
Head height
Centered
chin to crown
Background
Plain white only.
Authority
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Korea)
Key details
- ARC uses 30×40 mm — smaller than the Korean passport.
- Required for foreign residents staying longer than 90 days.
- No glasses, no retouching.
Shared rules with the country overview
These apply to every document this country issues — see the full breakdown on the country page.
Background
Plain white only. Korean photo offices are strict about white background uniformity.
Expression and eyes
Strictly neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. No smiling.
Glasses
Glasses are not allowed in Korean biometric photos. Remove them.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months.
Frequently asked questions
What size for a South Korean ARC photo? +
30×40 mm — smaller than the 35×45 mm used for the Korean passport.
Can I use a passport photo for the ARC? +
No — the sizes are different. ARC requires the smaller 30×40 mm format.
Are glasses allowed in an ARC photo? +
No — same rule as the Korean passport.
How long is the ARC valid? +
ARC validity depends on your visa category — typically 1 to 3 years.
Other documents in this country
Take a photo that passes — automatically.
Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.