Overseas Korean Registration is effectively the only proof of having lived abroad Koreans staying abroad for more than 90 days must register, and without that registration no stay record exists, which makes the certificate impossible to issue.

Apostille Korea describes the Overseas Korean Registration certificate as one of the civil documents that is most complicated and slowest to obtain. The structure places a burden both on applicants who are still abroad and on those who need the document at short notice.

What the certificate is

Overseas Korean Registration applies the domestic resident registration system to citizens living abroad. Through it, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs protects citizens residing or staying in foreign countries, improves the convenience of their activities at home and abroad, and formulates and implements protection policies for Koreans overseas. The certificate that carries the registration records basic personal details along with the address in the country of stay, the purpose and status of the stay, and the date of first entry, making it effectively the only document that proves residence abroad. It covers every Korean national staying in a foreign area with the intention of residing or remaining there for 90 days or more, excluding those holding foreign citizenship. New registration must be filed within 30 days and any change within 14 days.

Where the process breaks down

The most common problem is failing to register while abroad. One applicant who completed elementary, middle and high school overseas and enquired about special admission to a Korean university was told to submit the certificate to the education office within three days, but because no registration had been filed, the certificate could not be issued and registering locally now would not restore any record of the earlier stay. Even for those who did register, a second hurdle is the complexity of the application. A permanent resident abroad who was nearing discharge from military service and had three days to submit the certificate found that his family and acquaintances were all overseas, leaving no one to act as proxy, while in-person issuance required a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Even once filed, issuance takes four days or more, which is a heavy burden when the document is needed urgently. Apostille Korea notes that in cases involving special university admission, entry and exit matters or visas, the document also has to be translated, notarised and legalised, so professional assistance is worth considering.

Frequently asked questions

Source: 데일리그리드 · 2017-03-10