When you wrap up study or life in Sweden and head home, or prepare an F-4 or work visa, you are often asked to submit a Swedish Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). Korea and Sweden are both apostille member states, so the document's effect is recognized by the apostille alone — no consular legalization needed. Apostille Korea handles issuance, translation, notarization, apostille, and delivery in one online flow.
What is a Sweden Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?
A Swedish PCC is a document in which a Swedish government authority officially certifies whether the applicant has any criminal history in Sweden. Locally it is known as a Criminal Record or Police Clearance Certificate, and it plays a central role in proving your standing and eligibility internationally.
It is available not only to Swedish nationals but to any foreign national who held valid residence status and lived in Sweden for a meaningful period. Where there is no record, the state authority formally certifies the absence of a record itself — a decisive step in identity verification for a fresh start abroad.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Criminal Record / Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) |
| Issuing body | Swedish Police Authority (Polisen) |
| Eligibility | Swedish nationals and foreign nationals with valid residence |
| Apostille status | Both Korea and Sweden are members — apostille alone suffices |
When do you need it?
| Situation | Details |
|---|---|
| F-4 visa (overseas Korean residence card) | Submitted by overseas Koreans who previously lived in Sweden |
| Work visa / native-instructor registration | Used as identity evidence for overseas work or instructor registration |
| Marriage visa | Submitted during spouse-visa screening for international marriage |
| Permanent residence / long-stay screening | Required by screening bodies to confirm home-country history |
| Foreign executive registration with a Korean company | Identity confirmation for executives who lived in Sweden |
Key documents
| Document | Note |
|---|---|
| Sweden PCC | Original issued by the Swedish Police Authority |
| Korean translation | A notarized translation prepared where required |
| Certified translation | Notarization decided by the receiving body's requirements |
| Apostille certificate | Document confirming cross-border effect between members |
The apostille process, step by step
- Online intakeSubmit your application and documents via the Apostille Korea website or chat channel.
- Sweden PCC issuanceA specialist requests the PCC from the Swedish Police Authority and secures the original.
- Translation and certified translationPrepare a notarized Korean translation to match the receiving body.
- ApostilleAs both countries are members, the apostille alone establishes the document's effect.
- DeliveryThe completed package is delivered domestically or overseas, with real-time status tracking.
How to apply with Apostille Korea
Apostille Korea handles the whole journey — from issuing the Swedish PCC to the apostille — online, in one go, so there is no need to contact Swedish authorities yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Sweden PCC from Korea?
Yes. Apply online through Apostille Korea from within Korea. There is no need to visit Sweden or contact local authorities — a dedicated specialist handles the entire process for you.
Are Sweden and Korea apostille members?
Yes, both are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, so the document's effect is recognized by the apostille alone, without consular or embassy legalization.
Is a Sweden PCC mandatory for an F-4 visa?
Overseas Koreans who lived in Sweden for a meaningful period may be asked to submit a PCC for an F-4 application. Confirm exact requirements with the immigration authority.
How long does it take?
The full timeline for issuance, translation and notarization, and apostille varies by case. Your specialist provides an accurate estimate after you apply.
Why is certified translation needed?
For bodies that require Korean, the Swedish-language original must be accompanied by a notarized Korean translation. Requirements vary by receiving body, so confirm in advance.
Can it be used beyond work or marriage visas?
Yes — it is used in permanent residence screening, native-instructor registration, foreign-executive corporate registration, and other identity checks.
Why Apostille Korea
- 180+ countries — global document capability covering Sweden and beyond.
- 300,000+ cases — deep hands-on experience and fast turnaround.
- One-stop processing — issuance, translation, notarization, apostille, and delivery in one place.
- Real-time tracking — check your progress online after applying.