Inheritance apostille · Pricing / timeline FAQ · POA pack · Work-permit timeline · Contract flagship.
If the other country is in the Apostille Convention, you generally apostille instead of Chinese-embassy legalisation. Foreign public documents coming into mainland China: apostille in the state of origin. Chinese notarial deeds going out: notary, then apostille at MOFA or an authorised foreign-affairs office. Non-parties still use the legalisation chain. An apostille authenticates the signature/seal on a public document — not the truth of the contents. Private contracts and photocopies usually need a notary step first. Hong Kong / Macao are separate. Estates: inheritance apostille.
At a glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| China in Hague? | Yes — effective 7 Nov 2023. |
| Always skip embassy? | Only vs other contracting states. |
| Photocopy? | Notary first, if they will take it. |
| HK document? | Separate arrangement. |
| Proves the facts? | No — only the public seal/signature. |
Scope and legal framework
Hague Apostille Convention (China). China’s accession is effective 7 November 2023. Contracting states accept a single apostille in place of the old embassy legalisation chain for public documents.
What is a public document. Notarial deeds, civil-status extracts, court papers, official academic records — as the issuing and receiving states understand them. A private SPA is not public until a notary attaches an act.
Mainland competent authority. Outbound Chinese apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and authorised provincial foreign-affairs offices. Confirm the desk that covers your notary’s city.
Practical workflow
- Ask the receiving window for the exact instrument (not “some stamped paper”).
- If outbound: Chinese notary that will issue that deed.
- Apostille at the competent FAO / MOFA — or legalise if the destination is outside the Convention.
Common mistakes
- Apostilling in China a US birth certificate. Apostille is issued where the public document was made.
- Skipping the notary and taking a company chop to FAO.
- Using this page instead of the inheritance apostille spoke for estate packs.
Action checklist
- Receiving authority’s written list.
- Convention party? Yes/no.
- Notary type booked.
- FAO / origin competent authority named.
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