Apostille and Notarization Requirements for Foreign Investors in Korea: Complete 2026 Guide

One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of establishing a business in South Korea as a foreign investor is the documentation requirement. Specifically, many investors struggle with apostille and notarization requirements for corporate documents from their home countries.

This comprehensive 2026 guide demystifies the entire process, providing clear instructions on which documents need apostille certification, how to obtain them, and how to avoid common delays that can set your Korea business formation back by weeks or even months.

Table of Contents

Understanding Apostille vs. Notarization

Many foreign investors confuse apostille with notarization, but they are distinct legal processes.

Notarization

Notarization is the process where a licensed notary public:

• Verifies the identity of document signers
• Witnesses the signing of documents
• Certifies that signatures are genuine
• Affixes their official seal and signature

Notarization is a domestic process that validates documents within a country but does not, by itself, make documents valid for international use.

Apostille

Apostille is an international certification that:

• Authenticates the origin of a public document
• Verifies the capacity of the signer
• Confirms the identity of any seal or stamp on the document
• Makes documents valid in all Hague Convention member countries

Apostille is issued by designated government authorities, not notaries.

The Relationship

For Korea company formation:

1. First: Document is notarized (domestic validation)
2. Then: Notarized document receives apostille (international validation)

The apostille certifies the notary’s authority, creating a chain of authentication.

Why Korea Requires Apostilled Documents

South Korea is a signatory to the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. This treaty simplifies the process of accepting foreign documents by:

• Eliminating the need for embassy/consulate legalization
• Providing a standardized apostille certificate
• Reducing processing time and cost
• Creating mutual recognition among member countries

For Korea’s Ministry of Justice and other government agencies, apostille certification provides confidence that foreign corporate documents are authentic and legally binding in the investor’s home jurisdiction.

Which Documents Require Apostille for Korea Company Formation

Essential Documents for All Foreign Investors

*Required for certain industries or large investments

Individual Foreign Investors

For individual investors (not investing through a corporation):

Corporate Foreign Investors

For corporate investors (company investing in Korea):

Required from home country:

1. Certificate of Incorporation - Must be apostilled
2. Good Standing Certificate (issued within 3 months) - Must be apostilled
3. Articles of Incorporation - Must be apostilled
4. Board Resolution authorizing Korea investment - Must be apostilled and notarized
5. Director appointment documents - Must be apostilled and notarized
6. Power of Attorney (if using local representative) - Must be apostilled and notarized

Shareholder Documentation

If the foreign investor is a corporate shareholder:

• Shareholder register extract - Apostilled
• Organizational chart - Notarized (apostille sometimes required)
• Ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) declaration - Notarized

The Apostille Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Obtain Original Documents

Secure original or certified copies of required documents from:

• Your state/provincial government (Certificate of Incorporation)
• Corporate registry (Good Standing)
• Your company’s corporate secretary (Board resolutions, Articles)

Important: Some documents must be original or certified true copies to be eligible for apostille.

Step 2: Notarization (If Required)

Certain documents need notarization before apostille:

1. Board resolutions - Must be signed before a notary
2. Powers of attorney - Must be notarized
3. Appointment acceptance letters - Must be notarized
4. Certified copies - Notary certifies copies match originals

Find a licensed notary public in your jurisdiction and bring:

• Valid photo ID
• Original documents or certified copies
• Signers who will appear in person

Step 3: Obtain Apostille

For US investors:

• Contact your Secretary of State office (state-level)
• Submit notarized documents with apostille request form
• Pay apostille fee (typically $10-30 USD per document)
• Processing time: 1-10 business days (varies by state)

For UK investors:

• Use the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office
• Submit via post or online
• Fee: £30 per document (2026)
• Processing time: Standard (10 working days) or Premium (1 working day)

For EU investors:

• Contact your country’s designated competent authority (varies by country)
• Requirements and fees vary by member state
• Processing time: 3-15 business days typically

For Australian investors:

• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
• Submit in person (Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne) or by post
• Fee: AUD $85 per document (2026)
• Processing time: 10 business days (standard)

Step 4: Verify Apostille Certificate

Check that your apostille certificate contains:

✅ Title “Apostille (Convention de La Haye du 5 octobre 1961)”
✅ Country issuing the apostille
✅ Name and capacity of signer
✅ Seal of issuing authority
✅ Place and date of issue
✅ Unique identification number

Step 5: Translation to Korean

All apostilled documents must be translated into Korean by a certified translator in Korea.

Do not translate before apostille - the apostille must be on the original language document.

Country-Specific Apostille Procedures

United States

Apostille Authority: Secretary of State (state level for state documents) or US Department of State (federal documents)

Common Documents:

• Certificate of Incorporation → State Secretary of State
• Board Resolution (notarized) → State Secretary of State
• Power of Attorney (notarized) → State Secretary of State

Process:

1. Notarize documents (if required)
2. Submit to appropriate Secretary of State
3. Include apostille request form and fee
4. Receive apostilled documents by mail or in person

Expedited Options: Many states offer rush processing (24-48 hours) for additional fee

Pro Tip: California, Delaware, and Nevada have particularly fast apostille services

United Kingdom

Apostille Authority: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office

Process:

1. Obtain certified copies from Companies House (for incorporation docs)
2. Have personal documents notarized by UK notary public
3. Submit to FCDO Legalisation Office
4. Choose standard or premium service

Online Submission: Available at www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised

Timeline: Premium (24h) or Standard (10 working days)

European Union Countries

Each EU member state has its own competent authority:

Important: Check your specific country’s requirements

Singapore

Apostille Authority: Singapore Academy of Law (SAL)

Process:

1. Notarize documents with Singapore notary public
2. Submit to SAL for apostille
3. Fee: SGD 60 per document (2026)
4. Processing: 3-4 working days

Hong Kong

Apostille Authority: High Court of Hong Kong

Process:

1. Certify documents through Hong Kong notary public
2. Submit to High Court for apostille
3. Fee: HKD 680 per document (2026)
4. Processing: 4-6 working days

Translation Requirements in Korea

Who Can Translate?

Korean government agencies require translations by:

1. Certified Korean translators - Licensed translators in Korea
2. Notary public offices in Korea - Provide certified translation services
3. Professional translation agencies - Registered with Korean government

Important: Do NOT use overseas translation services for Korean government submissions. Translations must be certified in Korea.

Translation Process

1. Bring apostilled original documents to Korean translator
2. Translator produces Korean translation
3. Translator certifies the translation (seal and signature)
4. Submit both original and translation to Korean authorities

Cost

• Typical cost: ₩30,000 - ₩100,000 per document (2026 rates)
• Depends on document length and complexity
• Notary public offices may charge higher rates

Timeline

• Simple documents (1-2 pages): 1-2 business days
• Complex documents (10+ pages): 3-5 business days
• Rush services available for premium fee

Special Cases: Non-Hague Convention Countries

Some countries are not parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. For investors from these countries, a different process called legalization is required.

Non-Hague Convention Countries (Partial List)

• China (but Hong Kong and Macau are members)
• Canada (legalization required)*
• United Arab Emirates (legalization required)
• Taiwan
• Vietnam
• Thailand

*Canada: Uses Authentication and Legalization process through Global Affairs Canada

Legalization Process (for non-Hague countries)

1. Notarize documents in home country
2. Authenticate at national government level (e.g., Global Affairs Canada)
3. Legalize at Korean embassy/consulate in home country

This process is more complex and time-consuming than apostille (typically 4-8 weeks vs. 1-2 weeks).

Canadian Investors: Special Considerations

For Canadian companies investing in Korea:

1. Notarize documents with Canadian notary public
2. Authentication through Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa
3. Legalization at Korean Consulate in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal)

Cost: CAD $50 authentication + consular fees
Timeline: 20-30 business days minimum

Pro Tip: Use an authentication service company to expedite (available in major Canadian cities)

Timeline and Cost Considerations

Typical Timeline for Apostille Documents (Hague Convention Countries)

Cost Breakdown (USD Estimates for 2026)

Expedited Options

Most countries offer rush apostille services:

• US states: 24-48 hour service ($50-$100 extra per document)
• UK: Premium 24-hour service (£30 extra per document)
• Most other countries: 1-3 day expedited available

Is it worth it?

• If you have tight deadlines: Yes
• If you’re already waiting on other documents: Probably not
• Balance cost vs. time value for your situation

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1: Translating Before Apostille

❌ Wrong: Translate documents, then try to apostille the translation
✅ Right: Apostille original language documents, then translate in Korea

Why: Apostille validates the original document in its original language. Translation comes after.

Mistake #2: Using Wrong Level of Government

❌ Wrong: US investor seeks federal apostille for state incorporation documents
✅ Right: State-issued documents require state-level apostille

Why: Only the issuing authority’s corresponding government level can apostille.

Mistake #3: Expired Documents

❌ Wrong: Using a Good Standing certificate from 6 months ago
✅ Right: Obtain Good Standing issued within 3 months

Why: Korean authorities require recent proof of active corporate status.

Mistake #4: Incomplete Notarization

❌ Wrong: Board resolution signed and scanned, then printed for notary
✅ Right: Original signing in person before notary

Why: Notary must witness the actual signing, not certify a pre-signed document.

Mistake #5: Notarized Copy Instead of Certified Copy

❌ Wrong: Photocopy notarized by notary public
✅ Right: Certified true copy from issuing authority

Why: For certain documents (especially government-issued), you need certified copies from the source, not just notarized photocopies.

Mistake #6: Wrong Type of Notarization

❌ Wrong: Simple acknowledgment instead of jurat
✅ Right: Confirm with your Korea legal advisor which type is required

Why: Different notarial acts serve different purposes. Korea may require specific types.

Mistake #7: Assuming All Documents Need Apostille

❌ Wrong: Apostilling passport copies, bank statements, etc.
✅ Right: Only apostille documents specifically required by Korean authorities

Why: Saves time and money. Not every document requires apostille.

Digital Apostille: The 2026 Innovation

The e-Apostille Revolution

Many Hague Convention countries are implementing electronic apostille (e-Apostille) systems in 2026:

Countries with e-Apostille (2026):

• United States (expanding state by state)
• United Kingdom (fully implemented)
• Australia
• Netherlands
• France
• Spain
• Germany

How e-Apostille Works

1. Submit documents electronically to apostille authority
2. Receive digital apostille (with QR code or digital signature)
3. Print apostilled document or submit electronically

Advantages

✅ Faster processing (often 24-48 hours)
✅ Lower cost (reduced handling fees)
✅ Easier verification (QR codes link to government databases)
✅ No postal delays (entirely digital)

Korea’s Acceptance of e-Apostille

As of 2026, Korean government agencies are increasingly accepting e-Apostille documents from countries with compatible systems. However:

⚠️ Check current status with your legal advisor or Korean government office
⚠️ Some offices may still require traditional apostille during transition period
⚠️ Have backup physical apostille if submitting critical applications

How to Obtain e-Apostille (UK Example)

1. Visit www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised
2. Create account and upload scanned documents
3. Pay online (credit/debit card)
4. Receive digital apostille within 24 hours (premium) or 10 days (standard)
5. Download apostilled document with QR code
6. Print and submit to Korean authorities (verify QR code)

Practical Action Plan for Foreign Investors

6-8 Weeks Before Company Formation

Week 1-2: Document Preparation

• Identify all required documents for your structure
• Request Certificate of Incorporation, Good Standing, Articles from corporate registry
• Prepare Board Resolution authorizing Korea investment
• Draft Power of Attorney (if needed)

Week 3-4: Notarization

• Schedule appointments with notary public
• Notarize Board Resolution, POA, and other required documents
• Verify all signatures, seals, and notarial certificates are complete

Week 5: Apostille

• Submit notarized documents to appropriate apostille authority
• Pay fees and request expedited processing if needed
• Confirm receipt and track processing

Week 6: Delivery to Korea

• Ship apostilled documents to Korea (express service recommended)
• Confirm receipt by your Korea representative or legal counsel

Week 7: Translation

• Deliver apostilled originals to certified Korean translator
• Review translated documents for accuracy
• Receive certified Korean translations

Week 8: Submission

• Submit complete documentation package to Korean authorities
• Proceed with company registration and FDI reporting

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Success

Apostille and notarization requirements are among the most time-consuming aspects of Korea company formation for foreign investors, but they don’t have to derail your timeline. With proper planning, clear understanding of requirements, and professional assistance, you can navigate this process smoothly.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Apostille ≠ Notarization - Understand the difference and which you need
✅ Allow 2-6 weeks for the complete apostille and translation process
✅ Use correct government authority for apostille based on document origin
✅ Translate in Korea with certified translators, not overseas
✅ Consider e-Apostille if available in your country for faster processing
✅ Work with experienced legal counsel to avoid costly mistakes

Starting your Korea business journey with properly authenticated documents sets a foundation for smooth operations and regulatory compliance.

Need Help with Apostille and Korea Company Formation?

SMA Lawfirm provides end-to-end support for foreign investors establishing businesses in Korea, including:

✅ Document checklist customized to your investment structure
✅ Coordination with apostille service providers worldwide
✅ Certified Korean translation services
✅ Complete company formation and FDI reporting
✅ Ongoing compliance support

📩 Contact us at sma@saemunan.com to discuss your Korea company formation needs.

Let our experienced team handle the complexities while you focus on your business strategy. We’ve helped hundreds of foreign investors successfully establish companies in Korea - we can help you too.