If you are currently outside Korea and need a Certificate of Entry and Departure, the process can feel confusing.
Especially when you cannot visit Korea in person or do not have anyone to help locally, obtaining this document becomes difficult.
Hello, this is Korean Licensed Administrative Agent Yeonju Kim(행정사).
In this guide, I will explain how to obtain a Certificate of Entry and Departure in Korea, including overseas applications, proxy issuance, required documents, and processing time.
What is a Certificate of Entry and Departure in Korea?
The Certificate of Entry and Departure is an official document that verifies your immigration records in and out of Korea.
It is commonly required for the following purposes:
- Real estate transactions and inheritance procedures
- Submission to financial institutions
- Visa and immigration-related applications
Can You Get It from Overseas?
Yes, it is possible to obtain the certificate while staying overseas.
However, you cannot apply directly in most cases and must proceed through a proxy.
- Ask a family member or acquaintance in Korea
- Use an administrative attorney (proxy service)
Proxy Application Process (Step-by-Step)
The certificate can be issued through a representative with proper authorization.
- Prepare a signed authorization letter (Power of Attorney)
- Provide a copy of your ID or passport
- The proxy visits a local community center or immigration office
- The certificate is issued on the same day
Processing Time
Within Korea, the certificate is usually issued on the same day.
For overseas requests, processing time depends on several factors:
- Delivery of documents (email or international mail)
- Completeness of submitted documents
- Proxy availability
In most cases, it takes 1–3 business days.
Required Documents
- Signed Power of Attorney
- Copy of passport or ID
- Proxy’s ID
- Purpose of issuance
Important Notes
You must specify the purpose when requesting the certificate.
- Submission to financial institutions
- Submission to government agencies
- Other purposes
Different institutions may require different formats, so it is important to confirm in advance.
Real Case: Overseas Client Without a Local Contact
Recently, a client living abroad contacted us because they needed this certificate but had no one in Korea to assist them.
We guided them through the authorization process and completed the issuance through proxy service.
This case shows that even simple documents can become complicated when you are overseas.
FAQ
Can I apply online from overseas?
In theory, you can use the Korean government portal, but identity verification is often difficult from outside Korea.
Can foreigners obtain this certificate?
Yes, foreigners can obtain it using their passport or alien registration number, depending on their status.
Is a Power of Attorney required?
Yes, a signed authorization document is mandatory for proxy applications.
Conclusion
The Certificate of Entry and Departure is simple to obtain within Korea but can become complicated when you are abroad.
If you do not have someone to assist you or need urgent processing, using a professional proxy service can be a practical solution.
Since requirements may vary depending on your situation, it is recommended to seek professional guidance if needed.