Criminal Background Check Apostille for Spain

A Korean criminal record check — also called a police clearance certificate or criminal background check (범죄경력회보서) — apostilled for Spain is required for long-term residency applications (arraigo), work permits, professional licensing, and adoption proceedings. The Korean National Police Agency criminal record must be apostilled by MOFA and translated via traducción jurada.

How to apostille a Korean criminal background check for Spain

1Obtain the criminal background check from the Korean National Police Agency (경찰청)
2MOFA apostille
3Traducción jurada into Spanish
4Submit to the Spanish immigration authority (Oficina de Extranjería) or relevant licensing body

Requirements for Spain

Korean National Police Agency certificate (범죄경력조회서 or 범죄수사경력조회서)
MOFA apostille
Traducción jurada into Spanish
Document must typically be issued within 3–6 months of submission

What to look for in a specialist

Experience with Spanish Oficina de Extranjería documentation for Korean applicants

Access to certified Spanish translators for police clearance documents

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an apostilled Korean police clearance for a Spanish residency permit?

Yes. Spain's immigration authorities typically require an apostilled Korean police clearance certificate with traducción jurada for residency and work permit applications from Korean nationals.

Does the traducción jurada need to cover the MOFA apostille too?

Spanish authorities generally expect the traductor jurado to translate both the Korean police certificate and the apostille stamp. We brief the sworn translator to include the apostille so the Oficina de Extranjería accepts the file in one pass.

Can I obtain the Korean police clearance while living in Spain?

Yes. It can be requested through the Korean police online portal or collected in Korea on your behalf with a power of attorney, then apostilled by MOFA and translated by a traductor jurado — without returning to Korea.