How do I apostille documents for a China filing?
Reviewed by: Beijing Yuanjia Law Firm — Yuanjia International Family Law Team · Updated: 2026-09-24
This page provides general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. A lawyer must review identities, documents, courts, property, evidence, and the specific facts before any conclusion is given.
Quick answer
Direct answer
Have the public document certified with an Apostille by the competent authority of the country that issued it, then obtain a certified Chinese translation. An Apostille is available for documents issued in a Contracting State to the Hague Apostille Convention, which has been in force for China since 7 November 2023.
In more detail
Documents from countries that are not parties to the Convention still follow the older chain: notarisation in the country of origin, followed by legalisation at the Chinese embassy or consulate with responsibility for that country. Whichever route applies, three practical points decide whether the document is accepted: the translation must be accurate and certified, the names and dates must match across all documents, and the requirement of the specific receiving body — a court, notary office or property registry — should be confirmed before the cost is incurred.
Where this connects
Most cross-border family matters involve the same three questions: does China have a path, what documents
must be authenticated for China, and what can actually be enforced in China. A short initial review usually
establishes all three before any cost is committed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an initial view without travelling?
Yes. The initial review is conducted by video, and documents can be sent as scans before authentication is arranged.
What does the initial review cover?
Whether a China court path exists, which documents must be authenticated, and the realistic enforceability position — before any formal engagement.
Do you accept a matter with no China connection?
No. We only act where the matter has a China connection: a party in China or holding Chinese nationality, domicile, habitual residence or identity documents, or property, a company interest, evidence, a document or an enforcement step located in or directed at China. Where everything — the parties, the assets and the documents — sits outside China and no Chinese court or authority needs to act, a lawyer in that jurisdiction is better placed to help and we would not be the right firm.
Need this connected to a China court path?
Free initial review of jurisdiction, documents and enforceability — before any cost is committed.
Request a review
This page provides general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. A lawyer must review identities, documents, courts, property, evidence, and the specific facts before any conclusion is given.