Guide · Translation
Certified Translation for Korea Immigration
Foreign documents — birth certificates, degrees, marriage certificates, police records — often must be translated before Korean immigration, universities, or government offices accept them. Understanding what "certified" means in Korea saves time and rejected applications.
Updated 2026-07-04 8 min read
When do you need certified translation?
Typically required when:
- Submitting foreign documents for visa or ARC applications
- Presenting degrees or transcripts from non-Korean institutions for employment visas
- Registering marriage or birth events from abroad
- Responding to immigration requests for official letters in foreign languages
Certified vs notarized translation
In Korea, a certified translation is typically prepared by a qualified translator or licensed administrative agent (번역 행정사) who attests that the translation is accurate. A notarized translation adds a notary's verification of the translator's identity and signature.
Many immigration offices accept a Certificate of Translation from a licensed administrative agent in lieu of separate notary steps — this can be faster and less expensive than using a translation agency plus a law office for notarization separately.
Apostille and legalization
Some documents need apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or embassy legalization before translation — especially civil documents like marriage or birth certificates used abroad or foreign documents used in formal legal contexts.
Expanded apostille and legalization services are coming to HezoKorea once our attorney partnership is finalized. Contact us for current availability on your document type.
How to prepare your documents
- Scan or photograph the original clearly — all pages, including stamps and signatures
- Email info@hezokorea.com with document type and purpose (visa, ARC, university, etc.)
- We confirm whether certified translation, notarization, or apostille is needed
- Receive translated documents in the format your office accepts
See our translation service page for pricing overview.
Frequently asked questions
Can I translate documents myself?
How long does translation take?
Continue reading
Related services
Ready to get started?
Email info@hezokorea.com or submit a request on our homepage — we reply by email within 24 hours.
Contact HezoKorea