Document translation and notarisation

Some places accept a translation alone; others require notarised translation.

Three approaches

1. Plain translation — attaching the translation only. Accepted where requirements are lighter.
2. Notarised translation — a notary's office certifies the accuracy of the translation.
3. Consular verification — verification by an embassy or consulate.

The receiving body decides which is needed. Always ask first.

The process

1. Confirm the requirements with the receiving body (translation only? notarisation? original attached?).
2. Prepare the original document. If needed, start with the apostille or legalisation. See apostille-documents.
3. Translate it. If notarisation is planned, follow the method the notary accepts.
4. Have it notarised at a notary's office.
5. Submit the original, translation and notarial certificate together.

What you need

• The original document
• ID (passport, alien registration card)
• The translation
• Fees

Where to go

• A notary's office (attached to a law firm) — available in each area.
• The body requesting the document (confirm requirements)
• Your embassy — where consular verification is needed. See embassy-contacts.
• 1345 interpretation and guidance
• Local foreign residents' support centres — some run translation support. See interpretation-service.

Questions people ask

Can I translate it myself? It depends on the body. If notarisation is required, you must follow the notary's procedure. Check first.

The cost is a burden. Look into translation support at family centres and foreign residents' support centres — sometimes free or cheap.

What if there's a translation error? The document can be rejected. Names, dates and institution names must be exact.

How should my name be written in Korean? The rule is exactly as on your passport and residence card. Discrepancies between documents cause problems.

Take care

If the name differs from your passport and residence card, they can't confirm it's you and it gets rejected. Keep spelling and transliteration consistent across every document. Rushing into a poor translation doubles the time it takes.

Related

apostille-documents · criminal-record-certificate · interpretation-service · embassy-contacts · marriage-registration

Source

Ministry of Justice www.moj.go.kr / As of 2026-08