Frequently asked questions

A normal translation is just the translated text. For a notarised (certified) translation the translator declares before a notary that the translation matches the original, and the notary certifies this. Most foreign authorities, embassies and universities require the notarised version.

It depends on the language pair, length, subject matter, whether notarisation or an apostille is needed and the deadline. Send us a photo or scan and we will reply with a free, exact quote.

It depends on the country and the receiving office. German authorities, for example, often refuse Korean notarised translations. Tell us who will receive the document and we will recommend the safest route.

Most sworn translators can work from a high-quality scan; some countries require sight of the original. We tell you in advance.

Countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Non-member states such as Vietnam, Thailand or the UAE require consular confirmation followed by embassy legalisation instead. See our country pages or ask us.

Depending on the receiving office, the apostille goes on the original, on the notarised translation, or on both. We check the requirements so you don't pay for steps you don't need.

An apostille is a single certificate valid between Convention members. Consular legalisation is required for non-members and adds a Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmation plus legalisation by the destination country's embassy.

Processing times vary greatly between embassies – typically one to three weeks. We give you an estimated timeline with your quote.

Most embassies only legalise documents that already carry the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmation. We check the required sequence for each country.

Yes. Business registrations, corporate registry extracts, articles of incorporation, powers of attorney and certificates of origin can be notarised, confirmed by MOFA and then legalised by the embassy.

Documents that certify your signature (powers of attorney, affidavits) generally require you to attend with ID. Notarised translations and certified copies can usually be handled without you.

Yes – with a passport or residence card. If you don't speak Korean we provide an interpreter.

Yes – the notary must see the original to compare it. It is returned to you immediately afterwards.

Yes. A notarised copy is eligible for an apostille, so we can prepare it for use abroad in one order.

If the receiving office has its own form we use it; otherwise we draft a bilingual power of attorney for your specific purpose.

Either have the power of attorney certified at the Korean embassy/consulate, or notarised locally and apostilled. We advise which route suits your country and purpose.

No. Family relation register certificates can be requested with a power of attorney, but some documents – such as the criminal record check – must be applied for in person or through a Korean embassy. We explain the options for each document.

Yes, by international courier (EMS, DHL, etc.) to any country.

Usually half a day (4 hours) or a full day; short accompanied or remote assignments can be shorter. Send us your schedule for a tailored quote.

3–5 days for standard interpreting, 2–3 weeks for simultaneous or rare languages. We can often help at short notice – just ask.