If you are planning to use a Chinese document abroad, you will need to have it apostilled. An apostille is a certification that verifies the authenticity of a public document. It is required by many countries in order to recognize foreign documents.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a standardized form of authentication for public documents. It was created under the Convention on the Apostille, which was signed in 1961. The Convention has been adopted by over 120 countries, including China.
The purpose of the Apostille Convention is to simplify the process of authenticating public documents for use abroad. The Convention eliminates the need for legalization, which is a more complex and time-consuming process.
How to Get a China Apostille
To get a China Apostille, you will need to follow these steps:
Collect your documents. You will need to collect all of the documents that you need to apostille. This may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and other official documents.
Translate your documents. If your documents are not in Chinese, you will need to have them translated by a certified translator.
Take your documents to the notary office. You will need to take your documents to the notary office in the city where you live. The notary office will verify the authenticity of your documents and issue an apostille.
Pay the apostille fee. The apostille fee is usually around RMB 200 per document.
Processing Time
The processing time for a China Apostille is usually around 5-10 working days. However, it may take longer if your documents are not in Chinese or if they need to be translated.
Using Your China Apostille
Once you have obtained your China Apostille, you will be able to use your documents abroad. You will need to present your apostilled documents to the relevant authorities in the country where you will be using them.
Additional Information
For more information on China Apostilles, please visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
Getting a China Apostille is a relatively simple process. By following these steps, you can ensure that your documents are legalized for use abroad.
