Criminal Record
Korean Criminal Record (범죄경력증명서) — Certified Translation
A Korean criminal background check — issued by the National Police Agency as either the 범죄경력회보서 (overseas use) or 범죄경력증명서 (domestic use) — is required by foreign employers, teaching programs, immigration authorities, and professional licensing bodies as part of a visa or clearance application. Whether it needs a translation, an apostille, or both is set by the receiving authority: immigration authorities often ask only for a translation in a set form, and a record issued in English may need no translation at all. An apostille is for an authority that states it, such as the Czech Interior Ministry, or for a licensing body or employer that asks for authentication. Seoul Apostille first confirms what your receiving authority asked for, then secures the correct police record, provides the certified translation, and obtains the apostille when it is needed, in a single coordinated request.
When This Guide Is Relevant
- Applying for an overseas work visa that requires a police clearance certificate (including English-teaching positions)
- Permanent residency or immigration applications that mandate a Korean criminal history check
- Professional licensing or registration abroad (medical, legal, financial, childcare fields)
- Adoption or fostering applications requiring a background check
- Government or security-sensitive employment in a foreign country
What to Prepare
- Korean criminal background check (범죄경력회보서 for overseas use, or 범죄경력증명서) — we confirm which version the receiving authority accepts
- Passport copy and Korean ID or Alien Registration Card of the applicant
- Receiving authority and country name — some authorities require a specific 'purpose of use' on the police record
- Submission deadline — background checks often have a 3–6 month validity window
Process Notes
- The 범죄경력회보서 (overseas version) is issued specifically for use abroad and is the version most foreign immigration and licensing bodies require; the domestic 범죄경력증명서 is often rejected
- The record is issued by the Korean National Police Agency (경찰청); when the receiving authority asks for an apostille, the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA) issues it after the record is issued — we manage both steps
- The apostille certifies the document's authenticity; the translation renders it readable to the receiving authority — which of the two is needed, and the form of the translation, are set by that authority (Immigration New Zealand, for example, asks that the translation of a Korean criminal record be certified by a notary who is not connected to the visa application)
- If the record must state a specific purpose (e.g., 'overseas employment' or 'immigration to Australia'), this must be noted at issuance — not added later
- Processing time: record issuance 1–2 days + the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA) apostille 3–5 days + certified translation 1–2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 범죄경력회보서 and 범죄경력증명서?
The 범죄경력회보서 is the overseas-use version issued with an English header and is accepted by most foreign authorities. The 범죄경력증명서 is a domestic certificate not intended for international use and is often rejected. We confirm which version your authority requires before issuance.
Does the apostille cover the translation, or are they separate?
The apostille is attached to the original Korean police record and certifies that it is genuine. The certified translation is a separate document accompanying the apostilled original. Both travel together as a package to the receiving authority.
Can someone obtain the background check on my behalf if I am currently abroad?
In many cases, yes — a designated representative can obtain the record with a power of attorney or specific authorization. Requirements vary by police station. Contact us with your situation and we will advise on the exact documents needed.
How long is the apostilled and translated criminal record valid?
Validity is determined by the receiving authority — commonly 3–6 months from the date of issuance. We recommend completing the apostille and translation as close to your submission date as feasible.
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