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China

Destination Guide

Korean Documents for China

China is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (in force for China since November 7, 2023), so Korean documents for use in mainland China are authenticated with an apostille instead of legalization by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Korea. Government and local-authority documents are apostilled by the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA); notarized private documents by the Ministry of Justice. Translation requirements are set by the Chinese receiving authority. To work in China, the employer first applies to the local foreigners' work administration for a Foreigner's Work Permit; every non-Chinese document for that permit needs a Chinese translation, and a translation stamped by the employer is sufficient. For business registration, marriage, study or property purchases, check document requirements with the receiving authority.

Requirements & key facts

China is a Hague Convention member (in force since November 7, 2023) — Korean documents are authenticated by apostille, not by Chinese Embassy or Consulate legalization
The process is: obtain the document → notarization (private documents only) → apostille → Chinese translation and a check with the receiving authority. OKA apostilles government and local-authority documents; the Ministry of Justice apostilles notarized private documents
The employer applies for the Foreigner's Work Permit at the local foreigners' work administration (foreign experts affairs); the Z visa follows
The work permit normally requires the highest degree certificate and a criminal record certificate issued within 6 months; Korean documents are apostilled
Every non-Chinese document for the work permit needs a Chinese translation, and a translation stamped by the employer is sufficient
For business registration, marriage and other purposes, check document requirements with the receiving authority
Translation requirements and any additional formalities in China are set by the receiving authority — confirm with it before submitting
Important: Hong Kong and Macau are separate jurisdictions from the mainland — confirm requirements with the receiving authority for each

Apostille guides by document type

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

Birth CertificateDiplomaAcademic TranscriptMarriage CertificateCriminal Background CheckPower of AttorneyFamily RegisterCorporate Registration

Available services for China

ApostilleCertified TranslationNotarization

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apostille my Korean documents for use in China?

Yes. China is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so Korean documents are authenticated by apostille instead of legalization at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Korea. OKA issues apostilles for government and local-authority documents, and the Ministry of Justice for notarized private documents. Confirm translation requirements and any extra formalities with the Chinese receiving authority.

Do my Korean documents need to be notarized before the apostille for China?

It depends on the document type. Korean government-issued documents (birth certificates, academic certificates from official institutions) go directly to OKA for the apostille. Privately executed documents (contracts, powers of attorney) are notarized first and then apostilled by the Ministry of Justice. Confirm with the receiving Chinese bureau before processing.

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

To work in China, the employer first applies to the local foreigners' work administration (foreign experts affairs) for a Foreigner's Work Permit, and the Z visa follows. The permit normally requires the highest degree certificate and a criminal record certificate issued within 6 months, both apostilled. Every non-Chinese document needs a Chinese translation, and a translation stamped by the employer is sufficient.

Is the process for China the same as for Hong Kong?

Hong Kong and Macau are separate jurisdictions from the mainland, so requirements can differ. Translation requirements (for example Simplified versus Traditional Chinese) and local formalities vary by receiving authority, so check with the authority you are submitting to and prepare each document set accordingly.

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