China Marriage Visa Document Guide
The Apostille Convention applies to China from 2023/11/7. Chinese documents notarized at a Chinese notary office can be submitted in Korea with an apostille (no consular legalization at the embassy needed).
📋 Required Documents
结婚公证书 (Notarized Marriage Certificate)
Apostille required
Criminal record certificate
Issued by the Public Security Bureau + certification
Copy of household register (hukou)
If applicable
Passport copy
Copy of all pages
Photo (3.5×4.5cm)
Taken within the last 6 months
📄 Marriage Record
结婚公证书 (Notarized Marriage Certificate)
The Apostille Convention applies to China from 2023/11/7. Chinese documents notarized at a Chinese notary office can be submitted in Korea with an apostille (no consular legalization at the embassy needed).
⚠️ Important Notes
The notarized marriage certificate is issued by the notary office (公证处)
Apostille issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) or the provincial Foreign Affairs Office
For documents issued or certified before 2023/11/7, or if the receiving office asks for something else, check first
Additional documents may be requested for ethnic Koreans (Joseonjok)
🗓️ Process Steps
- 1
Register Marriage
Register the marriage with the local authority in China and obtain a marriage certificate
- 2
Obtain Apostille
Obtain an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or an authorized provincial Foreign Affairs Office
- 3
Korean Translation & Notarization
Translation by a certified translator, followed by notarization at a notary office in Korea
- 4
Prepare Visa Application Documents
Prepare additional documents such as a criminal record certificate, passport copy, and photos
- 5
Embassy or Immigration Submission
Processing time varies depending on the competent authority and the time of filing, so it must be confirmed individually.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can an apostille be used instead?
A. Yes. The Apostille Convention applies to China from 2023/11/7. Chinese documents notarized at a Chinese notary office can be submitted in Korea with an apostille (no consular legalization at the embassy needed). For documents issued or certified before that date, or if the receiving office asks for something else, check with the office where you submit.
Q. Does the notarized marriage certificate have a validity period?
A. It is recommended to use it within 6 months of the issue date. If the validity period has passed, it must be reissued.
China Marriage Visa Document Guide
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