APOSTILLE FOR CHINA
Apostille Services for China
Since November 7, 2023, U.S. documents for mainland China need an apostille instead of Chinese embassy legalization. That makes the process faster and simpler, and we take care of it from start to finish.
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CHINA AT A GLANCE
Hague Convention member since Nov 2023
No more Chinese consulate legalization.
- Business and corporate documents
- Work and residence permits
- Marriage and family documents
- Diplomas and transcripts
What changed for China
Documents we prepare for China
- Certificates of good standing, articles of organization and corporate resolutions
- Powers of attorney for business or property
- FBI background checks for work and residence permits
- Diplomas and transcripts for work permits
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Single status affidavits for marriage in China
- FDA and other federal certificates
What China usually requires
| Document | Where the apostille comes from | What else to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate documents | Secretary of the Commonwealth or the issuing state | Certified copies or notarization first |
| FBI background check | U.S. Department of State | Usually must be recent; Chinese translation in China |
| Diploma or transcript | Secretary of the Commonwealth, through your school | Often for a work permit |
| Birth or marriage certificate | Secretary of the Commonwealth or issuing state | Certified copy |
| FDA or federal certificate | U.S. Department of State | See our life sciences page |
Requirements change and can differ by consulate, city and purpose. Always confirm the exact requirements with the office receiving your documents. We're happy to review what they sent you.
How we handle it
- 1
Tell us what the recipient asked for
Send us the list or the email from the consulate, school, employer or attorney. We review it and confirm exactly what each document needs.
- 2
We prepare each document
Certified copies, notarization by appointment, or retrieval of records you don't have yet.
- 3
Apostilles from the right offices
Massachusetts documents go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, other states' documents to that state, and federal documents, like FBI checks, to the U.S. Department of State.
- 4
Translation and shipping
We arrange certified translation when it's needed, then ship everything back with tracking, to you or directly abroad.
Good to know
Old instructions may be outdated
Instructions written before November 2023 may still describe embassy legalization. You now need an apostille instead.
Translation in China
Chinese offices often have the translation done in China by a qualified agency. Ask the receiving office.
Businesses
We regularly prepare corporate documents for clients doing business abroad. See Law Firm & Corporate Services and Life Sciences.
Taiwan is different
Taiwan uses a separate authentication process. See Taiwan TECO.
Common reasons clients need documents for China
Work permits
Apostilled degrees and background checks for Chinese employers.
Family and residence
Birth and marriage certificates for family visas and residence.
Business
Corporate documents for subsidiaries, partners and registrations.
Property and inheritance
Powers of attorney and death certificates.
Mistakes that delay files for China
- Getting embassy legalization. Since November 2023, China accepts apostilles from the United States.
- A state apostille on an FBI check. FBI checks need the federal apostille.
- Assuming Hong Kong and Macau follow the same route. They have their own arrangements. Tell us the exact destination.
- Skipping translation. Chinese offices often require translation into Chinese, sometimes by an approved agency in China.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need the Chinese consulate?
No. Since November 7, 2023, the Chinese Embassy and consulates in the U.S. no longer legalize documents. An apostille replaces it.
My documents were legalized before November 2023. Are they still valid?
That's up to the office receiving them. Ask whether they'll accept them or want an apostille.
Do you handle documents for Taiwan?
Yes, through a different process. See Taiwan TECO.
Do you translate into Chinese?
Yes. See Chinese Translation.
Sending documents to China?
Tell us the documents, the purpose and your deadline, and we'll map out every step.