Authentication
Chinese Documents for Use in Korea — Apostille Now Replaces Consular Legalization
If you have a document issued in China that needs to be submitted to a Korean authority, you may still be picturing the old process — Chinese government certification followed by embassy legalization. That changed on November 7, 2023: China joined the Hague Apostille Convention, so a Chinese-issued document apostilled in China can now be used directly in Korea, without the old consular legalization chain. Here's what changed and how to prepare.
When This Service Is Relevant
- Submitting a Chinese marriage, birth, or family record to a Korean authority (district office, court, immigration, etc.)
- Using a Chinese degree or professional qualification for Korean employment or a visa application
- Using a Chinese corporate document or power of attorney in Korea
- A Korean filing or registration involving a Chinese spouse or family member requires a Chinese document
- You were told the old consular-legalization rule still applies and want to confirm the current process
What to Prepare
- The original Chinese document and the issuing authority
- When the document was issued (post-November 7, 2023 process applies)
- The receiving Korean authority
- Whether a certified Korean translation is needed (usually yes)
Process Notes
- The Apostille Convention entered into force between China and Korea on November 7, 2023. Since then, a Chinese public document apostilled by the Chinese authority can be used directly in Korea, without consular legalization.
- Previously, Chinese certification had to be followed by embassy legalization — that extra step no longer applies.
- The apostille is issued through the Chinese issuing authority's own process. It cannot be issued in Korea for a Chinese document.
- A certified Korean translation is usually required for use in Korea. Your agent handles verifying the apostille, the translation, and submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an apostille now enough for Chinese documents?
Yes. Since November 7, 2023, China is a party to the Apostille Convention, so a Chinese apostille alone is accepted in Korea — the old consular legalization route is no longer required.
Do I need to redo documents that already went through consular legalization?
No, a document that was already validly completed doesn't need to be redone. Any newly issued document should go through the apostille route instead.
Where do I get the apostille?
Through the Chinese issuing authority's own process. It cannot be obtained in Korea — your agent guides you to the correct application channel.
Do I need a translation too?
Most Korean authorities require a certified Korean translation. Your agent handles verifying the apostille and the translation together.
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