Earlier this year, China announced that they would become a signatory of the Hague Convention, also known as the Apostille Convention. Learn about the apostille in China and why it has been introduced in our blog.
The convention was held in 1961, and introduced apostilles as a way to legalise documents for use in other countries.
As of 1 November 2023, embassy legalisation is no longer provided. Additionally, apostilles are now accepted in China as of 7 November 2023.
What does the introduction of the apostille in China change?
The switch to apostilles greatly reduces processing times for legalising documents. The process is much faster than embassy legalisation, because documents do not need to be legalised in the UK and China, they just need to be given an apostille in the UK.Â
Costs will also be reduced due to Chinese authorities no longer having to legalise documents.
Additionally, Chinese nationals looking to live or work overseas also benefit from a much simpler immigration process, as it gives them more convenient access to the other 125 signatories of the Apostille Convention.
How do I get an apostille?
If you are in the UK and want to use your documents in China to live, work, do business, or any other reason, you will need to get an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The process of gaining one can be stressful and time consuming, but it is simple with our help.Â
Before you are given one, you will need to have your documents notarised. Our partners at Woodcock Notary Public can assist you with this.
Our services
At Fast Legalisation, we assist our clients with both consular legalisation, and with acquiring apostilles.
If you plan on going to China, then we can help you get an apostille for your important documents. We do this by managing the whole application process for you, by working with the FCDO. This means you have less stress, and more free time.Â
Contact us
Request a free, no-obligation quote today if you are interested in using our services.