Apostille
Korean Marriage Certificate Apostille (혼인관계증명서)
A Korean marriage certificate (혼인관계증명서) needs an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before a foreign authority will treat it as valid proof of marriage. The apostille verifies the seal of the Korean registry that issued it. Your chosen agent secures a current certificate, obtains the MOFA apostille, and delivers a submission-ready original — certified translation, which most authorities also require, can be added to the same request.
When This Service Is Relevant
- Applying for a spouse visa abroad (US K-1/K-3, Canadian spousal sponsorship, UK spouse visa)
- Registering a Korean marriage at a foreign civil registry or embassy
- Updating marital status with a foreign agency (USCIS, IRCC, UKVI)
- Completing foreign pension, insurance, or inheritance claims requiring proof of marriage
- Enrolling a spouse on a foreign health plan or as a tax dependent
What to Prepare
- Original 혼인관계증명서 (marriage certificate) — 상세 (detailed) version, issued within the last 3 months
- Passport copies for both spouses (photo page)
- Destination country and receiving authority's name
- Submission deadline if applicable — MOFA apostille typically takes 3–5 business days
Process Notes
- The apostille certifies authenticity only; a certified translation is almost always required in addition.
- The 상세증명서 (detailed) type is required by most foreign authorities; the 일반 (standard) type is often rejected.
- If the marriage involved a name change, some authorities also require a 기본증명서 (basic certificate) showing it.
- For countries outside the Hague Convention, consular legalization replaces the apostille.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a translation as well as the apostille?
Almost always, yes. The apostille only confirms the document is genuine; the receiving authority still needs to read it in their language. Your agent can provide certified translation alongside the apostille in one request.
What is the difference between 일반 and 상세 marriage certificates?
The 상세 (detailed) version includes full registration details and any prior marriage records, which most foreign authorities require. The 일반 (standard) version shows only the current marriage and is often insufficient.
How recent must the certificate be?
Most authorities require issuance within the last 3–6 months, and the apostille should be applied to that fresh copy. Your agent can issue a current certificate before stamping.
Can you send the apostilled document directly to an embassy?
Yes. Your agent can courier the finished document to the receiving embassy or authority — provide the address and any cover-letter instructions when you place your request.
Related Documents
Need This Document Apostilled?
Share your document and destination country. We'll connect you with an agent who handles issuance, the MOFA apostille stamp, and delivery — certified translation can be added too.