S. Korea launches digital ID cards for foreign residents

Lee Jung-joo 2025. 1. 10. 12:55
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A sample image of a digital residence card issued to foreign nationals in South Korea (Ministry of Interior and Safety)

Foreign nationals residing in South Korea will be able to apply for digital residence cards from Friday, according to the Ministry of Interior and Safety.

Foreign nationals aged 14 and above are eligible to use their smartphone to have their mobile identification cards issued.

The digital ID carries the same legal validity as a physical card. According to the Interior Ministry, the digital copies of residence cards can be used in public institutions, hospitals and convenience stores. The government is also working to collaborate with major banks and related agencies to allow mobile residence cards to be used for identity verification purposes in digital financial services.

The digital residence cards would be available on both iPhone and Android devices.

The ministry that there are two options to apply for a mobile residence card.

Those holding physical residence cards issued before 2025 must visit an immigration office to scan QR codes to receive their digital versions. While this option allows for immediate issuance, reissuing the ID on a new phone will require one to make another visit to the immigration center.

Cards issued after Jan. 1 this year will be embedded with an integrated circuit chip, so those who hold cards issued after Jan. 1 will be able to issue their mobile residence card without visiting an immigration office. By tapping the residence card embedded with an IC chip on their smartphone, a digital version will be able to be downloaded immediately through the mobile application.

To protect personal information and prevent misuse, the government also plans to implement advanced security technologies like blockchain and encryption. Each mobile ID will also only be tied to a single device registered under the individual’s name.

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