Voluntary departure
If your stay has expired, there is a path other than waiting to be caught.
What it is
A scheme where someone who has overstayed reports to immigration themselves and leaves within a set period. Compared with being caught in an enforcement operation, the entry ban may be shorter or waived, and penalties may be reduced.
Conditions and benefits change with policy. Always confirm the current rules with 1345 or an immigration office.
Steps
- Call 1345 and explain your situation. Interpretation is available.
- Visit an immigration office or file online.
- Prepare your departure date and flight ticket.
- Leave within the set period.
- Complete the confirmation process at airport immigration on departure.
What you need
- Passport
- Flight ticket
- Alien Registration Card, if you have one
- Documents about your residence
Where to go
- 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (20 languages)
- HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr
- Your local immigration office
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline
Questions people ask
I'm owed wages — must I still leave? Consult 1350 (Ministry of Employment and Labour) first. There may be room to consult separately while a wage claim is pending. Don't give up the money and leave.
Can I come back to Korea? It depends on policy and your circumstances. Voluntary departure is often more favourable than being caught. Check with 1345.
My family is in Korea. Where family ties exist there may be separate procedures or relief. Always consult 1345 or a migrant support organisation first.
If I report myself, will I be detained straight away? The scheme is designed for people who come forward. However frightening, call 1345 first and check the procedure.
Take care
Don't decide alone — get advice first. Brokers who say "pay me and I'll fix it" are almost always running a scam. Advice from 1345 is free.
Related
overstay-consequences · unpaid-wages · immigration-1345 · reentry-permit
Source
Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08