Document Legalization Experts
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China
Destination Guide
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.
Step-by-step instructions for each Korean document you need apostilled for China.
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.
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