Buying property in Korea as a foreigner?

A foreign national buying property in Korea can't register the title in their own name with just a passport — Korea's registry system requires a separate real estate registration number (부동산등기용등록번호), issued by the immigration office, before the sale can be registered at all.

Why this number exists

Korea's real estate registry (등기소) identifies every property owner by a fixed registration number, the way Korean citizens use their resident registration number. Foreign nationals don't have one of those, so the immigration office issues a purpose-specific substitute for registry use — without it, the registry office simply has no way to record a foreign buyer as the legal owner, even with a fully signed and paid-for contract.

What the application involves

• Immigration office application for the registration number
• Supporting documents: passport, and depending on your current visa or residency status, additional identity verification
• Timing coordination with your property contract and the registry filing, since closing can't complete without the number in hand

Who typically needs this

Any foreign national buying real estate in Korea in their own name — including overseas Koreans, long-term residents, and foreign nationals purchasing remotely — regardless of whether they already hold an alien registration card.

How to apply for the registration number

1. We confirm your current visa or residency status and exactly which documents the immigration office will require.
2. We file the application at the immigration office on your behalf, so you don't need to navigate the process yourself.
3. Once issued, the number is used directly in your property registry filing — coordinate this with your realtor or SeoulHomes listing agent so closing isn't delayed.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until the closing date is near to start the application, when it should begin as soon as a contract is signed or seriously under negotiation
• Assuming a long-term alien registration card is required — it isn't; this is a separate, purpose-specific number
• Not coordinating the timing with your Korean bank account setup, since both are usually needed around the same point in the purchase

How long the application takes

Typically a few business days to 2 weeks depending on the immigration office's caseload — start this as early as possible in your purchase process, since registry filing can't complete without it.