China joined the Hague Convention in November 2023. FCDO apostille is now valid for many China purposes — but implementation varies. We assess your specific Chinese authority and handle FCDO apostille + Chinese translation.
Step 1 of 4
What UK document needs China authentication?
UK professionals applying for Chinese work permits need authenticated credentials. Since China joined Hague in 2023, FCDO apostille is often sufficient — but some Chinese PSB and HR departments still request Embassy legalization. We navigate current requirements.
UK companies establishing WFOEs or representative offices in China need authenticated corporate documents. FCDO apostille is increasingly accepted at MOFCOM and SAMR level — we confirm current requirements for your specific registration.
UK marriage-related documents for Chinese civil affairs bureaus need FCDO apostille (now the standard) plus Chinese translation.
| Document | Issuing authority | Estimated time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original UK document | UK issuing authority (GRO, university, Companies House) | Before process starts | Originals or certified copies. |
| FCDO Apostille | FCDO Legalisation Office | 3–5 business days | UK is a Hague member. China joined Hague in November 2023. FCDO apostille is now theoretically accepted for China for many purposes — but implementation varies across Chinese authorities. |
| Chinese Embassy London legalization (if required) | Embassy of China in London | 5–15 business days | Some Chinese authorities still request Embassy legalization on top of FCDO apostille. We assess your specific Chinese authority before advising. |
| Certified Chinese translation | Certified translator (Mandarin Chinese) | 3–5 business days | China requires certified Chinese translation of UK English-language documents. |
China joined Hague in 2023. We confirm whether your specific Chinese authority accepts FCDO apostille or still requires Chinese Embassy London legalization.
We obtain the FCDO apostille — now the primary authentication method for UK documents going to China (where accepted).
If your specific Chinese authority still requires Embassy legalization, we submit to Chinese Embassy London on top of the FCDO apostille.
Certified Chinese translation is arranged. Complete document set delivered ready for China.
Information on this page is based on procedures from recognized government and intergovernmental bodies — not third-party estimates.
Reviewed by
Laura ChenLegal Document Expert
Specialist in documents for the English-speaking market with a focus on fast and secure processing.
Yes — in principle. China acceded to the Hague Convention on November 7, 2023. UK FCDO apostilles are now accepted for many China purposes. However, individual Chinese authorities have been implementing this at different speeds. Some accept FCDO apostille only; others still request Chinese Embassy London legalization. We assess your specific authority.
Yes. Certified Chinese (Mandarin) translation is required for UK English-language documents regardless of whether apostille or Embassy legalization is used. Translation must be by a qualified translator.
FCDO apostille: 3–5 business days. Chinese translation: 3–5 days. Total (apostille route): approximately 1–2 weeks. If Chinese Embassy legalization is also required: add 5–15 business days.
UK degrees for teaching positions in China need FCDO apostille (and Chinese Embassy legalization if required by the specific school or education bureau). China's education system requires credential verification through the China Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) for some positions — we advise on your specific teaching role.
The FCDO Legalisation Office handles apostilles for England and Wales documents. For Scottish documents, the Registrar General's office (for civil documents) or Scottish Government may handle apostilles. For Northern Ireland, the Court Service or relevant authority. We ensure the correct UK authority is used for your document origin.
Message us today for a free document review and guidance.