Title
Apostille Korea obtains Korean criminal record certificates for citizens staying abroad Online issuance requires security software and a digital certificate, and from abroad the applicant also had to appoint a proxy and see the legalisation steps through personally.
- Связанные страны
- 호주
Content
Apostille Korea said it has built a system to obtain criminal record certificates on behalf of citizens staying abroad. The company said demand for the document has grown along with international travel and employment at foreign companies, but that the issuing process is demanding because the record counts as the most sensitive category of personal data. Until now, a considerable number of Koreans abroad returned to the country simply to collect this single document.
- Korean criminal record documents are divided into a certificate and a notification depending on whether expunged sentences are included.
- The notification form contains all expunged sentences and is in principle used only for the holder's own verification.
- Online issuance requires installing several security modules and registering a digital certificate.
- From abroad, proof of the stay and an appointed proxy are needed, and depending on the destination country the document must also pass through ministry certification, apostille or consular legalisation.
A single document that stalled in Australia
A man surnamed Park, staying long term in Australia on a working holiday visa, applied recently to a franchise company there. The list of documents supplied by the company included the Korean criminal record certificate. He contacted the consulate to obtain it in Australia and was told that it could be issued online, and that if that did not work he would have to travel to Korea and collect it in person. He attempted the online route but could not proceed because of a software compatibility problem, and was left without a way forward. The criminal record certificate is a required document for handling matters connected with overseas employment, entry and residence, so when issuance stalls the entire process stops with it. Situations of this kind are not unusual for citizens living abroad.
Why the procedure is so demanding
A criminal record document sets out the applicant's own record and is divided into a certificate and a notification depending on whether expunged sentences are included. The notification form carries all of the holder's expunged sentences, so in principle it is used only for the holder's own verification, and it is released only within the minimum scope required for the purpose of the enquiry, where it is needed for a foreign national's residence permit or where the law provides a specific ground. Because it carries such sensitive personal data, obtaining it is not simple. Online issuance requires installing several security module programs and registering a digital certificate, and anyone who cannot obtain that certificate or cannot meet the technical requirements has to apply in person. Residents in Korea are expected to collect the document themselves, while those staying abroad may appoint a proxy, but they must also supply proof of the overseas stay and, depending on the country, personally see the document through ministry certification, apostille or consular legalisation. Apostille Korea said that because the document contains highly sensitive personal information, it is preferable to obtain it through a fast and secure specialist office.
Frequently asked questions
Can I obtain the criminal record certificate while I am abroad?
The options are to attempt online issuance or to appoint a proxy in Korea. Online issuance requires security module software and a digital certificate, while the proxy route also calls for proof of the overseas stay and the legalisation steps. Apostille Korea handles the procedure on the applicant's behalf.
What is the difference between the certificate and the notification?
They differ in whether expunged sentences are included. The notification contains all expunged sentences and is in principle used only for the holder's own verification.
Are extra steps needed to submit the document abroad?
Depending on the destination country, ministry certification, an apostille or consular legalisation is required. Which route applies depends on the requirements of the body receiving the document.
Source: 통일신문 · 2017-04-27