You must request a Police Clearance Certificate through the South African police services in Pretoria.

The following are the procedures for obtaining the required criminal background check needed for applying for an E2 visa in Korea. Please read the instructions carefully and thoroughly. In any case, we recommend calling your local Korean Embassy or Consulate to double check on the current procedure for this. This requirement is new and is subject to change without notice so if you happen to find new information on the subject, we would appreciate it if you'd let us know so we can confirm the information and update our files. To notify us of any changes, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

A Criminal background check can be done by the South African Police Services in Pretoria, SA. This check MUST be authenticated with an apostille.

* We have been told that it is currently taking longer than expected to process a criminal background check. We highly recommend that even if you are still job searching, you should get started on this right away. Korean Immigration accepts the CBC for up to 6 months from the date of issue so having it, and your other documents, ready in advance is a definite advantage to you. The entire process for obtaining an E2 visa takes about a month to complete and any delays could result in lost job opportunities and extra expenses for both you and your potential employer. 

You must request a Criminal Background Report (Police Clearance Certificate) through the South African Police Services in Pretoria, SA.  

If you are IN SOUTH AFRICA

You must apply in person. The complete process takes about 4-6 weeks.

You will need:

• One (1) Form “Request for National Police Certificate” completed in English
• A copy of your passport (photo and info pages), another peice of ID (driver's licence, birth certificate)
• The fee (R59-00)

1. Bring ID, the completed request form, your passport, and the fee to the South African Police Services in Pretoria, SA. We recommend that you call them first to make an appointment. The process takes approximately 28 business days.
2. Once you have recieved your police certificate, it must be sent to the following address for an apostille certification. Attention of Ms Harris,  Legalisation Section, Department of Foreign Affairs, Tulbach Park, Church Street, Pretoria 0002. There is no fee for this service. * We recommend sending documents via priority post services (DHL, Fed Ex). Include a postage paid, self-addressed, return envelope with your package to ensure a swifter return of your documents. 

If you are OUTSIDE SOUTH AFRICA

You must make an appointment to have your fingerprints taken at the South African Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. They will guide you through the process from there.