Guide · Translation

Certified Translation for Korea Immigration

Business documents and laptop on a desk for official translation

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.

HezoKorea coordinates certified and notarized translation (quote via inquiry). We review your document type first and confirm what your receiving office requires.

Apostille and legalization

Some documents need apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or embassy legalization before or after translation, especially civil documents like marriage or birth certificates used abroad, or foreign documents used in formal legal contexts.

HezoKorea coordinates apostille Korea and consular legalization guidance alongside certified translation and notarized translation. Always verify the current official apostille/legalization route and what your receiving authority accepts, requirements change.

How to prepare your documents

  1. Scan or photograph the original clearly, all pages, including stamps and signatures
  2. Email info@hezokorea.com with document type and purpose (visa, ARC, university, etc.)
  3. We confirm whether certified translation, notarization, or apostille is needed
  4. 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?
Self-translated documents are generally not accepted for official immigration purposes. Use a certified translator or authorized agent.
How long does translation take?
Standard documents typically take a few business days depending on length and certification level. Rush requests may be available, ask when submitting.

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Ready to get started?

Email info@hezokorea.com or submit a request on our homepage, we reply by email within 24 hours on business days.

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