Key Summary
- Direct OKIf one or two documents do not require notarization and the submission requirements are clear, it is sufficient to process them yourself.
- Agency glassIf there are multiple documents or translations and notarizations are involved, if you have to go to the embassy because the country is not a member country, or if the deadline is tight, it is advantageous to use an agency.
- Judgment criteriaThe number of documents, the steps in the process, and how much leeway you can afford when they are rejected.
There are frequently asked questions. “Do I really have to leave this to you? Can’t I go there myself?”
To be honest, there are definitely cases where you can do it yourself. Agency is not always the answer. However, in some cases, you may end up spending more time and money doing it yourself. In this article, we will summarize the criteria for judging which is better. If you read it and feel it would be better to do it yourself, you can do so.
When it is enough to do it yourself
If the following applies, you do not need to hire an agent.
First, there are one or two documents and they are official documents issued by a government agency. If you are in a situation where you only need to receive an Apostille for a document that can be obtained directly from Government 24 or a community center, such as a family relationship certificate or basic certificate, all you have to do is receive the document from the issuing agency and submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since there is no notarization step, there is only one place to go.
The second case is when the submission destination requirements are clear. If the other organization clearly tells you in writing which documents require which certification, all you have to do is do so. Since there is no need for judgment, there is less room for error.
The third is when there is enough time. If the submission deadline is more than a month away, you can reapply even if it is rejected once. It's not a bad idea to learn the process by trying it yourself.
The fourth is when the submitting country is a signatory to the Apostille Convention. The process is simple because you only need to go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs without having to visit a separate embassy.
When it is better to consider agency
Conversely, in the following situations, doing it yourself may be more burdensome.
This is a case where there are multiple documents and the types are mixed. Some documents require notarization, some do not, some can be apostilled right away, and some cannot. It takes more time than you think to proceed with judging each document. In particular, corporate documents often require contracts, power of attorney, certified copies of registers, and financial statements all at once, but the procedures for each are different.
This also applies to translation cases. When you translate, you must verify that the translation is accurate, and you must also check whether the original and the translated version require certification. Companions often arise in this area.
The burden is also high if the submitting country is not a party to the Apostille Convention. After receiving consular authentication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you must go to the embassy of the relevant country, but each embassy has different application requirements and operating methods, so you may not be able to pass through it all at once. Some countries, such as the UAE, require additional authentication upon arrival.
Lastly, there is a tight deadline. If you are rejected, you have to step on it again, but if you can't afford to do so, it is safer to pass it through at once.
Frequently blocked points when doing it yourself
If you decide to proceed on your own, there are some things that are good to know in advance.
The most common case is when it is difficult to determine whether notarization is necessary or not. Official documents issued by government agencies can usually receive an Apostille right away, but documents written by companies or individuals must be notarized first. This includes things like power of attorney, contracts, and articles of incorporation.
The second is translation authentication. There are cases where only the translation is notarized and certified, but it is rejected on the grounds that the authenticity of the original cannot be confirmed locally. You should check in advance whether the submission site requires authentication of the original and translation.
The third is a case in which it is incorrectly known whether the submitting country has joined the convention. The status of membership in the agreement changes. China joined in 2023 and Vietnam joined in September 2026. If you prepare for embassy certification by relying only on past experience, you may end up in vain.
You don’t have to judge just by looking at the cost.
There are many people who do it themselves because they think the cost of an agency is a waste, but when you actually calculate it, your judgment may change.
If you do it yourself, you can save on agency fees, but it costs travel time and waiting time. You must travel to and from the notary office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the embassy, and must adhere to the operating hours of each institution. If you are an office worker who has difficulty finding time on weekdays, you may need to use annual leave. If it is rejected here, you will have to repeat the process again.
Conversely, if the documents are simple and you have time, it is reasonable to do it yourself. The point is not to just look at the cost, but also consider the complexity of the documents and your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. It is just one document. Should I entrust it to an agent?
If you are submitting an official document to a country that has signed the convention, it is sufficient to do so yourself. All you have to do is receive it and submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, if translation or notarization is required, judgment is required.
Q. How long does it take to do it yourself?
Varies depending on document type and agency processing status. If it is a simple case that does not require notarization, it will be completed briefly, but if notarization and embassy steps are involved, you will have to travel to multiple institutions over several days.
Q. What should I do if I don’t know what the submission site is requesting?
It is most accurate to check with the submission source first. If you proceed with unclear requirements, there is a risk of rejection in either case. If you have difficulty checking, please let us know the type of document and country of submission and we will guide you through the general requirements.
Q. Can I do corporate documents myself?
It is possible. However, since many types of corporate documents are required at once and each document has different procedures, it is often burdensome for the person in charge to process it while performing other tasks at the same time.
Q. If I get stuck while doing it myself, can I leave it to you from the middle?
It is possible. Please let us know what step you have reached and we will continue with the remaining steps.
Conclusion
Apostille is a procedure that can be done yourself if the documents are simple and you have time. On the other hand, if there are multiple documents or translation and notarization are involved, if you have to go to the embassy because the country is not a member country, or if the deadline is tight, an agency service is advantageous. I'm not telling you to leave it to me unconditionally, but I hope it helps you make a decision that suits your situation.
Nanum Global will look at the documents and let you know which steps are necessary and whether you can do it yourself. If you feel it would be better to do it yourself, we will guide you accordingly. If you have difficulty deciding, please let us know the type of document, country of submission, and deadline. We will reply with a summary of the procedures and expected requirements.
Are you worried about whether to do the Apostille yourself or have it done by an agent?
If you let us know the type of document, country of submission, and deadline, we will guide you directly to see if it is possible and outline the necessary procedures.
