o The Korean National Police Agency issues "Criminal Background Checks" for foreign nationals who have
previously lived in the Republic of Korea and have requested it through the following procedure:
o Required Documents
a. Application for Criminal Background Check
b. A recent passport size colour photo
c. A valid passport
d. A passport you used in Korea (if not same as the valid passport)
e. A copy of your Foreign Registraion card or a copy of your Korean visa
o How to Apply
a. Application for Criminal Background Check: Apply at a Korean Consulate. The information on the
application must be legible and it should be hand written.
b. Present the required documents at a Korean consulate. You must obtain an official approval/stamp that
the individual requesting the background check was present in person and that your purpose for the
request is valid.
c. After your application is received by the consulate, your criminal background check will be completed
within 1 week.
d. The individual requesting the background check may pick up the document in person at the consulate
after being informed through phone call.
o If you cannot come in person to apply, please contact the National Police Agency in Korea and apply
through them directly. This process would take about 30 days or more.
o All materials received by the Police Department cannot be returned. We recommend that you keep