When you submit a French-issued document to an institution in Korea or a third country, it needs official authentication to be recognized across borders. France is a Hague Convention member, so an apostille gives a document public legal effect abroad — with no separate embassy step. Apostille Korea handles the whole chain, from translation and notarization to apostille and, where needed, embassy legalization.
What is a French apostille?
An apostille is a simplified international authentication adopted under the 1961 Hague Convention. Once an apostille certificate is attached to a document issued by a French government body, it is recognized in more than 130 member countries immediately — without separate embassy legalization.
When do you need a French apostille?
- Applying to a French university or graduate program
- Applying for a French work visa or working-holiday permit
- Signing contracts or banking with a company in France
- International marriage and spouse-visa applications
- French real-estate transactions or residency applications
Documents commonly apostilled for France
France-specific notes
France has belonged to the Hague Apostille Convention since it entered into force there on 24 January 1965. Documents issued in France are apostilled by the public prosecutor's office (parquet général) at the relevant Court of Appeal (Cour d'appel) — there is no single central apostille body. French receiving bodies frequently require a sworn translation (traduction assermentée) by a translator approved by a French court, so confirm the translation requirement with the receiving body in advance.
The France apostille process
- Prepare documents & consultGet the originals ready and submit them to Apostille Korea online or by chat.
- Translation & notarized translationA professional translator renders the document into the target language, then a notary certifies the translation.
- Apply for the apostilleWe file with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille office and obtain the certificate for use in France.
- Dispatch & deliveryThe finished, authenticated documents are shipped securely to your address.
How to apply
Applying is simple and fully online. Upload your documents through the request form, or send photos by chat, and a coordinator guides you right away. The service is available remotely from anywhere, and finished documents are delivered to your address.
FAQ
How long does a French apostille take?
Typically 3–7 business days after we receive your documents. Let us know at consultation if you need expedited handling.
Can I get the apostille myself?
Yes — you can apply in person at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or online. But because steps like notarized translation come first, a professional service usually saves time and cost.
Does an apostille expire?
The apostille itself has no expiry, but the receiving body often requires submission within a set window (commonly 3–6 months) from the original's issue date.
Can the same apostille be used in other countries?
Yes — Hague member countries recognize each other's apostilles, so the same apostilled document can be used in other member states.
Can I get just the apostille without a notarized translation?
If the original is in a foreign language, notarized translation is needed. A Korean-language original can be apostilled without translation, though the receiving body may still require one.
Why Apostille Korea
- One-stop service — translation, notarization, apostille and embassy legalization handled in one place.
- 40+ languages — professional translation across more than 40 world languages.
- Translated by specialists — professional translators using CAT tools like Trados ensure consistency and accuracy.
- Fast turnaround — expedited handling meets tight deadlines.
- Simple remote application — apply from anywhere by chat or web form.