With Canada's accession to the Hague Apostille Convention effective in 2024, Canadian public documents submitted in other member states — including Korea — are now authenticated by a single apostille rather than consular legalization. Apostille Korea explains what changed.
- Canada's accession to the Apostille Convention became effective in 2024
- Canadian public documents are now authenticated by apostille instead of consular legalization
- The apostille is issued by a competent authority in Canada, where the document originates
- A certified translation is usually attached for use in Korea
What changed for Canadian documents
Before Canada joined the Apostille Convention, a Canadian public document submitted abroad generally required consular legalization, in which the document was certified in Canada and then confirmed again by the destination country's embassy or consulate. With Canada's accession effective in 2024, a document covered by the Convention is now authenticated with a single apostille issued by a competent authority in Canada — the country where the document originates — and the separate embassy step is no longer required for member states such as Korea. This shortens the authentication chain for diplomas, civil records and commercial documents alike.
How to use a Canadian document in Korea
A foreign-issued document is certified in the country that issued it, so a Canadian record is apostilled in Canada before it is submitted in Korea. A certified Korean translation is usually attached so the receiving institution can read it, and notarization may be required depending on the institution's standard. Apostille Korea advises confirming the receiving body's exact requirement in advance, since standards can vary by institution, and supports issuance, translation and certification so Canadian documents can be prepared for submission without unnecessary delay.
Frequently asked questions
When did Canada's apostille take effect?
Canada's accession to the Hague Apostille Convention became effective in 2024. Since then, Canadian public documents submitted in other member states are authenticated by apostille rather than consular legalization.
Where is a Canadian document apostilled?
In Canada. A foreign-issued document is certified in the country that issued it, so a Canadian record is apostilled by a competent authority in Canada before it is submitted in Korea.
Is a translation needed for use in Korea?
Usually yes. A certified Korean translation is attached so the receiving institution can read the document, and notarization may be required depending on the institution's standard.
Source: 패션비즈 (fashionbiz.co.kr) ↗