비전 아포코리아Vision ApoKorea
EN
Home / Country Guide / the Philippines
the Philippines flag Apostille Convention Member (Effective 2019-05-14)

the Philippines Document Authentication Guide

Submitting Korean documents to the Philippines?
Check documents/issuing agencies, the translation/notarization/apostille process, and the Philippines official information.

Quick Summary — Convention took effect in May 2019 → documents can be submitted with an apostille alone (no consular confirmation needed). Private documents require notarization first.

HCCH official status — Accession deposited 2018-09-12 · entry into force 2019-05-14 · Applies with Korea: yes (no objection by Korea). HCCH Apostille Convention status table (checked 2026-10-03)

the Philippines — Which Documents Are You Submitting?

Click a document to check the issuing agency, online-issuance availability, and authentication notes. Official links are official sites of government, courts, or public institutions.

Personal & Family

Family Relation Certificate · Basic Certificate · Marriage Relation Certificate

Issuing Agency — Korean courts (city/district/town offices handling family register administration)

Online Issuance — Available. Requires identity verification such as a joint certificate.

Family Register e-System (Official) ・ Gov24 (Official)

This document is very commonly required for international marriage registration submissions in the Philippines.

Employment & Business

The specific list of documents for employment or business purposes varies by employer and visa type and could not be confirmed from official sources. The list below is for reference only and should be treated as "needs confirmation."
Business Registration Certificate · Certificate of Corporate Registration

Issuing Agency — National Tax Service (Business Registration Certificate), court registry office (Certificate of Corporate Registration)

Online Issuance — Available

National Tax Service Hometax (Official) ・ Korea Internet Registry Office (Official)

Official names/URLs are current as of the check date and may change. Please reconfirm the latest information on the relevant agency's site.

Philippines Authentication Process

How do you prepare Korean documents for submission to the Philippines? The basic flow is as follows:

① Issue Document→ ② Notarize (if a private document)→ ③ Confirm whether an English translation is required→ ④ Apostille→ ⑤ Submit to the receiving institution in the Philippines
Since the Convention took effect on May 14, 2019, the Philippines uses a single apostille procedure. No separate consular authentication or embassy legalization is required. English is a widely used official language in the Philippines, so English-language documents are often accepted without separate translation, but this should be confirmed with the receiving institution.

Guide by Purpose of Submission to the Philippines

Required documents vary by receiving institution and situation — the list below is for reference only and is not a definitive guide.

International Marriage (Marriage Registration)

Marriage Relation Certificate and Family Relation Certificate are mainly used, and this is a very common case where the Philippine side often also requires a CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record).

Employment

Career and employment certificates may be required, but the exact required documents need confirmation.

Business & Investment

Certificate of Corporate Registration, Business Registration Certificate, powers of attorney, and similar documents may be used; the exact list needs confirmation.

Study Abroad

Graduation and transcript certificates may be used, but the exact frequency and requirements need confirmation with the school applied to.

We do not assert that submission to the Philippines definitively requires every listed document. The exact required documents vary by receiving institution, so please confirm with that institution directly.

Documents Issued in the Philippines for Submission in Korea

If you are submitting a document issued in the Philippines to Korea, it must first go through the Philippine apostille-issuing agency.

Documents Issued by Philippine Government Agencies

The Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) under the Department of Foreign Affairs issues apostilles. It is processed at the main office and satellite offices.

Civil Registry Documents Issued by the PSA

Birth, marriage, and death certificates and other documents issued by the PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) also go through the DFA-OCA apostille process.

The DFA apostille application and pickup methods (online booking, satellite offices, etc.) may change, so please reconfirm the latest guidance.

the Philippines Official

The links below are for the Philippines government and related official guidance. Please check the latest information before actual submission.

Embassy of the Philippines in Seoulphilembassy-seoul.com
Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Apostille Guideapostille.gov.ph
HCCH (Hague Conference on Private International Law) Status TableOfficial Guide

Please double-check the exact submission method, required documents, and fees on the official sites above.

How Vision ApoKorea Can Help

Finding it difficult to handle on your own? From document issuance to translation, notarization, and apostille — Vision ApoKorea can help you check and complete every required step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do documents submitted to the Philippines require an apostille?

The Apostille Convention took effect for the Philippines on May 14, 2019, so public documents that meet the Convention's issuance requirements can be submitted with an apostille only, with no consular authentication needed.

How do I submit a document issued in the Philippines to Korea?

You must obtain an apostille from the Office of Consular Affairs (DFA) under the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. Birth, marriage, and death certificates issued by the PSA also go through this process.

Is an English translation required?

English is widely used in the Philippines, so English-language documents are often accepted without separate translation, but this can vary by receiving institution and needs confirmation.

What documents should I prepare for marriage registration?

A Marriage Relation Certificate and Family Relation Certificate are generally used, and the Philippine side often also requires a CENOMAR. Please confirm the exact required documents with the receiving institution.

How long does processing take?

Processing time varies by document type, whether translation is needed, and quantity, so it's difficult to give a fixed timeframe. We'll provide individual guidance after reviewing your documents.

How much does it cost?

Government fees, translation fees, notarization fees, and service fees are all separate and vary by document and quantity. Get a Quote.

Can I submit multiple documents at once?

Yes, you can submit multiple documents together. Get a Quote.

Check authentication requirements for other countries

See all countries →