More and more people who studied or worked in the UK are asked for a UK apostille when applying for jobs or visas in Korea — for diplomas, criminal-record (DBS) certificates, marriage certificates and more. The UK is a Hague Convention member, so once a document is apostilled it can be submitted officially to Korean institutions with no separate embassy legalization. Apostille Korea handles everything end-to-end, from confirming the issuing body to the notarization order, processing time and return shipping.
What is a UK apostille?
A UK apostille is an international certification that officially confirms a UK-issued public document — or a notarized document — is genuine. It is issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Among Hague members, an apostille alone establishes authenticity. Korea is also a member, so a UK document with an apostille can be submitted as an original to Korean institutions. Submit it without one and it may not be accepted — so plan ahead.
When do you need a UK apostille?
- Submitting documents for a job or immigration in Korea after studying in the UK
- Attaching UK-issued documents to a visa application for another country
- International marriage and legal document submissions
- Submitting a UK degree or diploma to a Korean employer
- Attaching a UK criminal-record certificate (DBS) to a visa application
Which documents need notarization first?
| Document | Type | Authentication |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma / degree | Private document | Notarize, then apostille |
| Criminal record (DBS) | Public document | Apply for apostille directly |
| Birth certificate | Public document | Apply for apostille directly |
| Marriage certificate | Public document | Apply for apostille directly |
Private documents issued by an educational institution — such as diplomas and transcripts — must first be notarized by a UK Notary Public or Solicitor before applying to the FCDO for an apostille. Applying without notarization can lead to rejection.
The UK apostille process
- Check document type & consultWe determine whether each document is public or private, and whether notarization is required.
- UK notarization (for private documents)Private documents like diplomas are first notarized by a UK Notary Public or Solicitor.
- Apply for the FCDO apostilleThe FCDO verifies signatures and seals against its records and issues the apostille — in paper or e-Apostille form, depending on the receiving body.
- Translation (if required)If a Korean institution needs a translation, we provide a notarized translation alongside.
- Return & delivery to KoreaThe apostilled documents are returned to Korea for you to receive.
How to apply
You can handle the whole thing remotely through Apostille Korea — no trip to the UK required. We connect every step: confirming whether notarization is needed, arranging UK notarization, filing the FCDO apostille, translation, and return shipping to Korea. If you have a filing deadline, start with plenty of lead time.
FAQ
Can UK degrees and diplomas be apostilled?
Yes, but documents issued by a university are private documents, so they must first be notarized by a UK Notary Public or Solicitor before applying to the FCDO. Applying without notarization results in rejection.
Can I get the apostille without traveling to the UK?
Yes. Through a professional service like Apostille Korea, everything from UK notarization to the FCDO apostille and return to Korea can be handled remotely.
Do birth or marriage certificates need notarization too?
No. Public documents issued by a government body (birth, marriage, etc.) can go straight to the FCDO for an apostille without separate notarization.
How long does it take?
Because documents are sent to the UK, apostilled, and returned to Korea, it takes some time. If you have a deadline, start with plenty of margin.
Can I submit UK documents to a Korean body without an apostille?
They may not be accepted. Even if the receiving body doesn't explicitly require it, it's safest to obtain it in advance.
Why Apostille Korea
- Seoul-recognized brand — a credible provider you can trust even on your first time.
- Current on FCDO rules — we track the latest requirements so you start in the right direction.
- One-stop handling — notarization check, UK notarization, FCDO apostille, translation and return to Korea, in one team.
- No lost documents or errors — consistent management start to finish, with no gaps from switching providers mid-way.
- Fully remote — complete every step from Korea, with no trip to the UK.