After study, a working holiday, or long-term stay in Australia, various procedures — a visa, permanent residence, employment — require an AFP National Police Check and an apostille to formally prove your time in Australia. Australia and Korea are both Hague members, so the apostille alone makes it an official document in Korea without separate embassy legalization. Apostille Korea handles AFP issuance through apostille and certified translation remotely, in one stop.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is an international certification under the Hague Convention that lets a document's official effect be recognized simply between member states. Australia and Korea are both Hague members, so an apostilled AFP check is recognized in Korea without separate embassy legalization. A criminal record certificate is the issuing country's official confirmation of your criminal history during residence; where there is no record, the state certifies 'no record', making it a trusted identity document.
When do you need it?
- F-4 (overseas Korean) residence card application and renewal
- Identity verification in permanent residence and visa screening
- Native-instructor registration with an education office
- A work visa or employment at a foreign-affiliated company
- Foreign-executive registration with a Korean company
- International marriage — criminal-history check for a spouse visa
Key documents
| Document | Main use |
|---|---|
| AFP National Police Check (criminal record certificate) | Visa, employment, immigration identity proof |
| Certified Korean translation | Required for submission to Korean bodies |
| Apostille certificate | Cross-border effect between member states |
Australia-specific notes
Australia acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention with effect from 16 March 1995, so a Korean apostilled document is recognised there without separate legalisation. In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is the sole authority that issues apostilles, handled through the passport offices in each state and territory capital. When submitting an Australian Federal Police (AFP) national police check in Korea, confirm whether the receiving body also requires a notarised Korean translation.
The apostille process, step by step
- Local issuance support in AustraliaApostille Korea requests the criminal record from the Australia authority on your behalf.
- ApostilleThe Australia competent authority affixes the apostille to the issued original.
- Certified Korean translationThe original is translated into Korean and notarized.
- Final submissionThe certified, apostilled document is submitted to the Korean receiving body.
How to apply with Apostille Korea
Apostille Korea handles Australia criminal-record issuance support, the apostille, and certified Korean translation in one stop, entirely online.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Australia criminal record certificate?
It is the Australia state's official confirmation of your criminal history during residence; where there is no record, it certifies 'no record'. Locally it is known as the AFP National Police Check issued by the Australian Federal Police.
Why is an apostille needed?
Australia and Korea are both members, so an apostilled Australia criminal record is recognized in Korea without separate embassy legalization.
Can it be processed without going to Australia?
Yes. Apostille Korea handles local issuance support and the apostille remotely.
Is certified Korean translation required?
Yes. Korean bodies require a notarized Korean translation alongside the apostilled original.
How long does it take?
It varies by document, but typically about 5 to 15 business days. Contact us for urgent handling.
Why Apostille Korea
- Specialist team — apostille, certified translation, and embassy legalization handled directly by experts.
- One-stop service — from issuance support to the finished certification, resolved together.
- Fully remote — apply online from anywhere and receive your documents — no in-person visit.
- Fast handling — urgent cases processed quickly with real-time status updates.
- Accurate guidance — tailored advice analyzing each country's and document's requirements.