You can request a Police Certificate of Character from your local police or federal police.

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 your local or federal police department. This check MUST first be notarised by a notary public and then 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. 

Criminal Background Check Information

You must request a Police Certificate of Character from your local or federal police department. You must request that they include a "Vulnerable Sector Search" or "Sex-offender Registry Search" in the check.

All Irish citizens can contact the Korean Embassy directly and they will guide you through the criminal background check and other visa processes. http://irl.mofat.go.kr/eng/index.jsp

The Korean Embassy in Dublin is available to process visas for all Irish residents. It is open Monday to Friday from 9am - 5pm and is closed for all Irish and Korean national holidays. 

Email for visa and immigration requests 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

Apostille Information

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland authenticates documents executed in Ireland that are to be used in other countries.

* NOTE: All documents to be processed or authenticated MUST first have a signature, seal or stamp from a Notary Public.