Criminal Background Check Apostille for Germany

A Korean criminal record check (범죄경력회보서) — also known as a police clearance certificate or criminal background check — apostilled for Germany is required for long-stay visas, work and skilled-worker visas, and certain professional licensing applications. German authorities require the criminal record to be apostilled by MOFA and accompanied by a certified German translation by a vereidigte Übersetzer.

How to apostille a Korean criminal background check for Germany

1Korean criminal background check from the National Police Agency
2MOFA apostille
3Certified German translation by a vereidigte Übersetzer
4Submit to the German embassy, Ausländerbehörde, or professional licensing body

Requirements for Germany

Criminal background check issued by the Korean National Police Agency
MOFA apostille
Certified German translation by vereidigte Übersetzer
Document must typically be issued within 3–6 months of submission — German authorities specify validity period

What to look for in a specialist

German skilled worker visa background check documentation experience

Access to vereidigte Übersetzer for Korean-German criminal record translation

Knowledge of German authority validity period requirements

Clarity on which Korean record type (범죄경력 vs 범죄·수사경력) the German authority expects

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Korean criminal background check valid for German visa applications?

German authorities typically require the background check to have been issued within 3–6 months of the visa application. Our experts confirm the validity period requirement for your specific German authority.

Which Korean criminal record should I request for a German skilled worker visa?

Korea issues two records: the 범죄경력회보서 (convictions only) and the more comprehensive 범죄·수사경력회보서 (convictions plus investigation history). German skilled-worker and residence applications usually accept the standard police clearance, but we confirm the exact type your Ausländerbehörde or embassy expects before issuing the apostille.

Can I get the Korean police check apostilled while I'm already in Germany?

Yes. The certificate can be requested via the Korean police online portal or obtained in Korea on your behalf with a power of attorney, then apostilled by MOFA and translated by a vereidigte Übersetzer — so you do not need to fly back to Korea.