A marriage certificate officially proves marriage, divorce status and spousal relationship, and is required for visas, international marriage, employment, financial transactions and more. The issue format (general, detailed, specific) changes what's listed, and for overseas submission you'll need an apostille or embassy legalization depending on the country. Here's how Apostille Korea handles it all — issuance, authentication and notarized translation — remotely in one stop.
What is a marriage certificate?
A marriage certificate officially proves the marriage recorded in the family relation register. It comes in three formats, and since each receiving body requires a different one, confirm in advance.
- General — lists only the currently valid marriage; divorce/remarriage history is not shown
- Detailed — includes all marriage history such as divorce and remarriage; often required for immigration, visas and legal procedures
- Specific — issues only a chosen period or items, for tailored submission to a particular body
When do you need it?
- Proving marriage for an overseas visa or immigration application
- International marriage — F-6 spouse visa for a foreign spouse
- Proving spousal relationship to register a health-insurance dependent
- Legal procedures — real estate, finance, inheritance
- Spouse-accompanying visa for overseas employment
- Administrative procedures that require checking divorce status
The three formats
| Format | Contents | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| General | Currently valid marriage | General administrative procedures |
| Detailed | All marriage history | Visa, immigration, legal procedures |
| Specific | Selected period / items | Tailored submission to a specific body |
The process
- Confirm the formatCheck which format (general, detailed, specific) the receiving body requires.
- Issue the certificateVia Gov24 online, a community center, or Apostille Korea's issuance agency.
- Apostille or embassy legalizationFor overseas submission, an apostille (Hague countries) or embassy legalization (non-members), depending on the country.
- Notarized translationTranslate into the required language and complete notarized translation for the foreign body.
- SubmitSubmit the finished documents to the relevant body.
How to apply
From issuance to apostille or embassy legalization and notarized translation, we handle it in one stop — convenient if you live abroad, can't visit in person, or need authentication and notarized translation at the same time.
FAQ
How do general, detailed and specific differ?
General lists only the currently valid marriage; detailed includes all history such as divorce and remarriage; specific issues only a chosen period or items. Confirm the required format in advance.
Can I get a marriage certificate online?
Residents in Korea can use Gov24 (gov.kr) or a nearby community center. If you live abroad or can't visit, Apostille Korea offers an issuance-agency service.
When is an issuance agent useful?
When you live abroad, can't stay in Korea, need apostille / embassy legalization / notarized translation at once, or need a family member to act on your behalf.
What authentication is needed for overseas submission?
If the destination is a Hague member (e.g., the U.S., most of Europe, Canada, Australia), you need an apostille; for non-members (e.g., China, Thailand, Vietnam), embassy legalization.
How long does it take?
Issuance only: 1–3 business days. With apostille: 3–7 business days. Including embassy legalization: 7–15 business days.
Why Apostille Korea
- Format-matched guidance — we identify exactly which format and type the receiving body requires.
- One-stop service — issuance, apostille or embassy legalization, and notarized translation in one flow.
- 100% remote — overseas residents can apply online and receive the finished documents.
- Country-specific authentication — we correctly distinguish apostille vs embassy legalization by destination.
- Fast handling — expedited to meet visa and marriage-registration timelines.