Applying to teach in Korea requires certain official documents, such as your apostilled Criminal Record Check and your notarized and apostilled Bachelor’s Degree. These steps verify that your documents are authentic and accepted by Korean schools and immigration authorities.
In this guide, we break down the process to get your documents in New Zealand.
Steps to Get an Apostilled Garda Síochána Police Certificate
A Criminal Record Check is issued by the Ministry of Justice. Once issued, the certificate must be apostilled by the Department of Internal Affairs Authentication Unit (Apostille service).
To obtain an apostilled Criminal Record Check, there are three main steps:
- Prepare Documents for Your Criminal Record Check
- Obtain Your Criminal Record Check
- Apostille Your Criminal Record Check
1. Prepare Documents for Your Criminal Record Check
Required Documents
- Copy of a valid form of Your Identification (ID)
- New Zealand Driver's License, Passport
- Signed and dated "Authority to Release Information Form"
2. Obtain Your Criminal Record Check
Make the application online on the official Ministry of Justice site. Submit the required documents.
Cost: Free
Processing Time: Within 20 working days (90% within a week)
3. Apostille Your Criminal Record Check
Once your Criminal Record Check is issued, it must be apostilled by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Authentication Unit.
Cost (Apostille): 32 NZD
Processing Time: 15 working days
The Authentication Unit will accept your Criminal Record Check as long as it appears on the Ministry of Justice’s blue letterhead. For a paper apostille, the DIA attaches an apostille certificate to your document. The documents are then bound together with a ribbon and stamped with an official embossed seal.
Option 1: Submit in Person
Public offices around New Zealand are by appointment only.
- Locations: Auckland, Manukau, Wellington, and Christchurch
Option 2: Submit by Mail (Postal Service)
Post to:
Authentication Unit
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Option 3: Submit by Courier
Post to:
Authentication Unit
Department of Internal Affairs
Level 2
7 Waterloo Quay
Wellington
New Zealand
Steps to Get a Notarized and Apostilled Bachelor's Degree
You must have a notarized copy of your Bachelor’s degree before it can be apostilled from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Authentication Unit.
To obtain a notarized and apostilled Bachelor's degree, there are two main steps:
- Get a Certified Copy of Your Degree Certificate
- My eQuals
- Apostille a Copy of Your Diploma
1. Get a Certified Copy of Your Degree Certificate
New Zealand universities provide a certified digital certificate (testamur) for free through My eQuals. Digital documents issued on the My eQuals platform come directly from the universities and carry the same legal status as traditional hard-copy certificates.
2. Apostille a Copy of Your Degree Certificate
Once you receive your certified degree certificate, it must be apostilled by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Authentication Unit.
Cost (Apostille): 32 NZD
Processing Time: 15 working days
Option 1: Submit in Person
Public offices around New Zealand are by appointment only.
- Locations: Auckland, Manukau, Wellington, and Christchurch
Option 2: Submit by Mail (Postal Service)
Post to:
Authentication Unit
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Option 3: Submit by Courier
Post to:
Authentication Unit
Department of Internal Affairs
Level 2
7 Waterloo Quay
Wellington
New Zealand
FAQ
Q: How long does the entire process take?
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Generally, the overall timeline is:
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Q: Can I send the original diploma?
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In theory, you can, but we do not recommend it. You will not receive the diploma back once you send it to your school. Always use a copy of your Degree Certificate (Bachelor's degree). |
Q: I graduated from a New Zealand university but am not a New Zealand citizen. Do I need to notarize and apostille my diploma in New Zealand?
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Yes. Even if you are not a New Zealand citizen, documents issued by a New Zealand school must be notarized and apostilled in New Zealand to be recognized abroad. |
Q: I have a Master's degree. Do I also need to get it notarized and apostilled?
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Unless requested by the school, you do not have to get your Master's degree notarized and apostilled. A Bachelor's degree will suffice if it was issued within one of the seven designated native English-speaking countries (the U.S., U.K., Canada, South Africa, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand). |
Q: I have a teaching certificate (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, etc.). Do I also need to get it notarized and apostilled?
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Unless requested by the school, you do not. For an E-2-1 visa, a teaching certificate is not required. |
Not from New Zealand? Find out how to apostille and notarize your documents
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As former native English teachers in Korea, we know exactly what it’s like to navigate teaching abroad. That’s why we’re committed to increasing transparency in schools and improving Korea’s ESL teaching industry. At Embark Recruiting, we provide full support to help you succeed. Our blogs offer guidance, tips, and insider knowledge for teaching in Korea.