Submitting the proper photo is absolutely necessary if you are applying for a South Korea Alien Registration Card (ARC). Official ARC application size is 3x4 cm (30x40 mm); failure to meet these criteria could cause rejection or delays.
Automatically resizes your photo to fit the specified measurements of 3x4 cm.
Removes shadows and provides a clear white or light-gray backdrop
For professional clarity, changes in brightness, sharpness, and contrast
Satisfies South Korean Immigration Service criteria for Alien Registration
Your Alien Registration Card (ARC) photo must to follow the approved technical and visual criteria. The following are the thorough requirements you have to follow
Dimensions | 3 x 4 cm (30 x 40 mm) |
Resolution | Minimum 300 DPI |
Image Format | JPEG or PNG |
File Size | less than 1 MB |
Print-friendly | Indeed |
Digital Entry | Approved by South Korean visa offices and Immigration Service |
Technical requirements if you are going to process the photo yourself through Photoshop or other services:
Neutral: no smiling or frowning, mouth closed
Looking directly at the camera, fully open
Straight and centered, not slanted
Dark solid hues are ideal; stay away from white tops.
Not permitted unless medically required
Soft and even, free of shadows or reflections
Except for religious or medical grounds, without concealing facial characteristics
Choose the Document Type
From our document list on PhotoGov.net, select "South Korea Alien Registration - 3x4 cm."
Snap Your Picture
Your smartphone or digital camera will do. Under gentle lighting, stand 1.5–2 meters away from a plain white or light-colored backdrop.
Send Your Picture
Post your photo on PhotoGov. Make sure the face is plainly seen and neutral.
Resize & Optimize Automatically
Our technology will automatically clear the background, crop the image to 3x4 cm, and improve the image quality.
Download and Send in
Obtain your ready-to-use digital file or print it for your Alien Registration application.
If you don’t want to go through the trouble and expense of locating and hiring a professional photographer to take your picture, you can simply take your own from home. So long as you follow the below instructions carefully, you can capture the perfect employment authorization photo yourself:
Open up the PhotoGov.net photo service and take your picture. Make sure you’re not wearing any headcovers or glasses, do not wear a uniform, and keep your expression neutral. Ensure that the area is well-lit and that you are standing against a neutral background.
Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)
Next, upload your image and process it through our site.
Finally, you can download your ID photo. These images can be printed off, or you can simply use them as digital photos.
To reduce shadows, use gentle artificial lighting or natural light.
Your background should be solid white or light grey free of patterns.
Positioning: Your head should be straight and centered; your face should fill roughly 70–80% of the height of the picture.
For contrast with the backdrop, wear dark, solid-color apparel.
For correct framing, skip selfies and either use a tripod or have someone to photograph you.
Using wrong size images (e.g., 2x2 inches instead of 3x4 cm)
Grinning or tilting your head
Wearing glasses or unapproved headgear
Uneven illumination, reflections, or shadows
Photos that are low-quality or overexposed
Selfies shot too near or with distortion
PhotoGov fixes these mistakes automatically in photo processing.
When taking pictures of babies and children for employment authorization, many of the same rules apply; for example, they must still adhere to the dress code, and the photograph must be high-quality and well-lit. With that being said, the State Department is generally more forgiving when it comes to the neutral expression requirement.
For slightly older babies:
A employment authorization photo must include the individual’s upper body, with their head and hair being fully visible for ease of identification. To achieve this, place your camera around 5-7 feet (1.5-2 meters) away. We recommend taking a few pictures at varying distances to find one that works.
While a employment authorization picture is only a headshot, your posture still plays an important role in the final product. Be sure to stand as straight as possible while also remaining relaxed. Look straight ahead into the camera, allowing it to have as clear a view of your face as possible.
Your photograph should be well-lit and free of shadows. This is important as it helps to make sure your features can be made out clearly. Try to ensure that you have an equal amount of light from either side, as well as in front and behind you.
For In-Person Submission: Print your photo on premium matte or glossy photo paper at the precise 3x4 cm dimensions.
Before submitting via the Immigration Service portal, make sure the file is JPEG or PNG format and under 1 MB.
How big should a South Korea Alien Registration photo be?
May I use my phone to take my ARC photo?
May I wear glasses in the ARC picture?
How lately should the picture be?
What occurs should my photo be turned down?
May I wear religious headgear?
Other documents for the Republic of Korea
Republic of Korea
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