Korean Documents for Japan

Japan is the closest major destination for Korean nationals seeking work visas, residence cards, marriage registration, and long-term residency. Korean documents submitted to Japanese municipal offices (市区町村), the Ministry of Justice (入管局), or employers must be apostilled by MOFA and accompanied by a certified Japanese translation. Our specialists handle the full process for all document types commonly required in Japan.

Requirements & key facts

Japan is a Hague Convention member — MOFA apostille is the correct certification for Korean documents submitted to Japanese authorities

Japanese municipal offices and immigration authorities require certified Japanese translations for all Korean documents

Marriage registration at a Japanese city office (市区町村) requires an apostilled Korean birth certificate and family register with certified Japanese translation

Work visa and residence card applications may require apostilled Korean diplomas, transcripts, and criminal background checks

Corporate registration documents for Korean companies expanding to Japan must be apostilled and translated into Japanese

MOFA apostille: 3–10 business days standard; express available

Apostille guides by document type

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

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

Available services for Japan

Apostille Certified Translation Notarization

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an apostille for Korean documents used in Japan?

Yes. Japan has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1970 — one of the earliest adopters. Apostille has always been the correct authentication for Korean documents used in Japan. No embassy legalization is required.

I am registering my marriage in Japan with a Korean partner. What documents are needed?

Marriage registration at a Japanese city office requires the Korean partner's apostilled birth certificate and family register (가족관계증명서), both with certified Japanese translations. The exact requirements may vary slightly by municipality.

What Korean documents do I need apostilled for a Japanese work visa?

Depending on the visa category, you may need apostilled Korean diplomas, academic transcripts, and a criminal background check, all with certified Japanese translations. Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa applicants typically need full academic credential documentation.