Korean Documents for China

Mainland China is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so Korean documents cannot be apostilled for use in China. Instead, they require a two-step legalization process: authentication by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA — 외교부 확인), followed by legalization by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Korea (领事认证 / 영사 확인). A certified Simplified Chinese (简体字) translation is also required by most Chinese authorities. China has one of the world's largest Korean expatriate communities, with major concentrations in Shanghai, Beijing, Qingdao, Weihai, and the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture. Korean documents are commonly needed for Z work visa applications, WFOE and joint venture business registration with SAMR, marriage registration at civil affairs bureaus (民政局), student visa (X) applications, and property purchases.

Requirements & key facts

China is NOT a Hague Convention member — apostille is NOT valid for documents used in mainland China

Correct process: MOFA authentication (외교부 확인) → Chinese Embassy/Consulate in Korea legalization (领事认证) → certified Simplified Chinese translation

Z work visa applicants must submit authenticated and legalized Korean academic credentials with Simplified Chinese translation to the Chinese employer's local bureau

WFOE (wholly foreign-owned enterprise) and JV registration with SAMR requires authenticated and legalized Korean corporate documents

Marriage registration at a Chinese civil affairs bureau (民政局) requires authenticated and legalized Korean civil status documents

Some Chinese local authorities additionally require Korean documents to be notarized (공증) before MOFA authentication — confirm requirements with the receiving authority

Processing time: MOFA authentication 3–7 business days; Chinese Embassy/Consulate legalization adds 3–7 business days

Important: Hong Kong uses apostille (since 2023); Macau has its own consular legalization requirements — mainland China rules do not apply to HK or Macau

Apostille guides by document type

Step-by-step instructions for each Korean document you need apostilled for China.

Birth Certificate Diploma Academic Transcript Marriage Certificate Criminal Background Check Power of Attorney Family Register Corporate Registration

Available services for China

Embassy Legalization Certified Translation Notarization

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apostille my Korean documents for use in China?

No. Mainland China is not a Hague Convention member and does not recognize apostille. Korean documents must be authenticated by MOFA (외교부 확인) and then legalized by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Korea (领事认证). Apostilled documents will be rejected by Chinese authorities.

Do my Korean documents need to be notarized before MOFA authentication for China?

It depends on the document type and the receiving Chinese authority. Korean government-issued documents (birth certificates, academic certificates from official institutions) typically go directly to MOFA authentication and then Chinese Embassy legalization. Privately executed documents (contracts, powers of attorney) usually require Korean notarization (공증) first. Confirm with the receiving Chinese bureau before processing.

What Korean documents are needed for a China Z work visa?

Chinese Z work visa applications require authenticated and legalized Korean degree certificates (학위증) and, in regulated industries, criminal background checks (범죄경력조회서), all with certified Simplified Chinese translation. The Chinese employer typically sponsors the visa and submits documents to the local human resources bureau.

What is the difference between China legalization and Hong Kong apostille?

Mainland China does not accept apostille — it requires MOFA authentication followed by Chinese Embassy/Consulate legalization. Hong Kong, however, joined the Hague Apostille Convention in June 2023 and now accepts MOFA apostille directly. If your documents are for use in Hong Kong, apostille is the correct certification.