Documents commonly apostilled for China
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Birth certificates
- Corporate documents
- FBI background checks
- Marriage certificates
Destination country
Apostille for China
China joined the Hague Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023, significantly simplifying the process for U.S. documents. Previously, documents required authentication by the U.S. Department of State and legalization by the Chinese embassy - but now an apostille is sufficient for use across China for employment, education, business, and personal matters.
Does China accept U.S. apostilles?
China is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (since November 7, 2023), so an apostille is the final certification step: no embassy or consular legalization is needed for the document itself.
Membership status checked 2026-06-30. The document type and the receiving authority determine the exact processing path; we confirm it during review.
Common reasons people need one
- Employment and work permits (Z visa)
- Business registration and operations
- University enrollment
- Teaching English (TEFL/ESL)
Translation
Chinese (Mandarin) translation is typically required. Some Chinese authorities require translations to be notarized or done within China.
Certified translation can be added to any order.
Things to check before you submit
- China joined the Hague Convention on November 7, 2023
- Chinese (Mandarin) translation may still be required by some authorities
- Some provinces may have additional local requirements
- Z visa applicants should confirm current requirements with their employer or agency
Requirements are set by the receiving authority in China and can change. Confirm current expectations with the office that will receive your document.
Common questions about apostilles for China
Does China accept U.S. apostilles?
Yes. China has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since November 7, 2023. Apostilled U.S. documents are now accepted in China without embassy legalization.
Do I still need Chinese embassy legalization?
No. Since China joined the Hague Convention in November 2023, the previous multi-step process (U.S. authentication and Chinese embassy legalization) has been replaced by a single apostille.
Do I need a Chinese translation of my apostilled documents?
Chinese (Mandarin) translation may still be required depending on the receiving authority. Some Chinese institutions accept English-language documents with an apostille, while others require a certified translation.
What documents do I need to teach English in China?
To obtain a Z (work) visa for teaching, you typically need an apostilled bachelor's degree, FBI background check, and TEFL/TESOL certificate. Since China joined the Hague Convention, these documents only need an apostille rather than the previous embassy legalization process.
How long does it take to get an apostille for China?
Processing time depends on the document type and issuing authority. Federal documents are processed by the U.S. Department of State, while state-issued documents are processed by the relevant Secretary of State. We offer multiple processing speed options.
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