China
Asia
The Hague Convention entered into force for China (mainland) on November 7, 2023. Apostilles are now accepted for most document types — replacing the previous 3-step consular legalization chain. Some use cases still require legalization.
Why people process documents for China
Foreign nationals applying for Chinese work permits typically need apostilled academic credentials and criminal background checks from their home country.
Foreign companies establishing entities in China must submit apostilled corporate documents to Chinese authorities.
Most commonly processed documents
These are the document types most often processed for use in China — documents issued abroad that need an apostille or legalization. Documents issued in China are apostilled in China itself, by the authorities described above. Each guide link goes to a full guide; document types without a guide yet are listed for reference.
Requirements at a glance
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming legalization is still required — The Hague Convention has been in force for China since 7 November 2023.
- Not providing a certified Chinese translation alongside the apostilled document.
Example scenarios involving China
Illustrative examples based on common situations; names and details are changed. Typical situations where the country appears as the document's issuing country or as the destination. See all cases →
The problem: China was not yet a Hague Convention member at the time. She needed full consular legalization of her degree to work in Shanghai.
Result: In this example, the complete package was delivered in about 18 business days, in time for the planned start date.
Relevant services
Frequently asked questions
Does China accept apostilles now?
Yes — since November 7, 2023, China accepts Hague apostilles for most document types, replacing the previous consular legalization chain. However, some specific use cases and provinces may still require traditional legalization. We verify current requirements for your document type.
Do I still need consular legalization for China?
For most cases, no. Since 7 November 2023, an apostille is sufficient. A small number of document types used in certain Chinese regions or for specific licensing purposes may still require consular processing — we confirm on a case-by-case basis.
Reviewed by
Laura ChenLegal Document Expert
Specialist in documents for the English-speaking market with a focus on fast and secure processing.
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