What is the Convention?

• It is the most widely applicable and most contracting parties’ important international treaty under the framework of the Hague Conference on Private International Law;
• It aims to:
  • simplify the procedures of transnational circulation of public documents
  • replace traditional consular certification with more convenient proof methods
  • promote international trade and personnel exchanges

How to impact after China acceded to this convention?

• When some official documents are sent between China and other contracting countries for using, they only need to apply for the additional certificate (Apostille), and
• No need for consular authentication from foreign embassies and consulates in China
• The official document with additional certificate (Apostille) can be used interchangeably among the contracting parties

Which official documents are involved?

We listed the main types of official documents within the scope of the Apostille Convention as follows for your reference:

• Documents of business certification
  • Business license
  • Company / Individual patent certificate
  • Certificate of employment
  • Appointment letter, etc.

• Documents of civil certification
  • Birth certificate
  • Kinship certificate
  • Marriage certificate, etc.

• Documents of other types
  • School diploma and degree certificate
  • No criminal certificate
  • Passport and Identification, etc.

Currently, the Apostille Convention has 126 contracting members as of October 2023, you could find detailed list via click the link at the bottom of this newsletter.

We would like to recommend that people living abroad can check the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in the area where they are living for detailed information.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help!

Reference:

Ministry of Ministry of Foreign Affairs: News on Apostille Convention takes effect in China on November 7(link here in Chinese).