China
Asia
China rejoined the Hague Convention effective March 7, 2024. 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 document types are most frequently apostilled or legalized for China. Each link goes to a full guide on that document.
Requirements at a glance
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming legalization is still required — China joined the Hague Convention in 2024.
- Not providing a certified Chinese translation alongside the apostilled document.
Real cases involving China
Anonymized real situations we have resolved for this 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: Complete package delivered in 18 business days. Employment started on the planned date.
Relevant services
Frequently asked questions
Does China accept apostilles now?
Yes — as of March 7, 2024, 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 March 2024, 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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