Korean Documents for Hong Kong

Can I use an apostilled Korean document in Hong Kong? Is consular legalization still required?

The Hague Apostille Convention applies in Hong Kong, so when a Hong Kong body asks for a Korean document to be authenticated, the method is a Korean apostille, not consular legalization. The Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA) issues apostilles on public documents and the Ministry of Justice on notarized private documents. However, the Immigration Department (ImmD)'s guidance on employment visas, dependant visas and marriage registration, and the Companies Registry's guidance on registering a non-Hong Kong company, do not state an apostille requirement, so first check whether the receiving body has asked for one.

What is the difference between documents for Hong Kong vs. mainland China?

Hong Kong and mainland China are separate jurisdictions for document authentication. The Apostille Convention applies in both, but it began to apply at different times and the receiving authorities differ, so do not assume a document prepared to one side's standard will pass on the other. ImmD and the Companies Registry in Hong Kong accept a Chinese or English translation; translation requirements on the mainland are set by the mainland receiving authority. If you need the same document for both, confirm the requirements with each receiving body and prepare separate sets. In the reverse direction, an apostille on a document issued in Hong Kong for use in Korea is issued not by a mainland authority but by the Apostille Service Office of the High Court Registry (Hong Kong Judiciary).

What Korean documents are needed for the Hong Kong Employment Visa?

ImmD's General Employment Policy (GEP) guidance asks the applicant for proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience. A document that is not in Chinese or English must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation certified as a true translation by a sworn translator, court translator, authorised public translator, certified translator, expert translator or official translator. The guidance does not mention an apostille and has no police certificate in its document list. A clear criminal record is a general requirement, though, and ImmD may ask for further documents. Whether a Korean notarized translation (번역공증) or translator's certificate meets this translator requirement has not been confirmed, so ask your Hong Kong employer or ImmD first.

What Korean documents are needed for the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)?

CIES has its own document list and eligibility criteria, so follow the documents and form set out in the scheme's official guidance. Check the current official guidance for the investment threshold as well. The same goes for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) and the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). Get an apostille on a Korean document when the scheme's document list or a request from the authority says so; where authentication is asked for, the method is an apostille, not consular legalization.