Authentication FAQ

Does the document issued abroad and delivered to China require consular authentication?

Consular authentication is an international convention gradually formed by exchange practice of documents for mutual convenience. At present, except for the clause of "Exempt from authentication" in bilateral judicial assistance treaties, China has not signed any bilateral treaty or agreement on mut

Is it permitted that the documents issued abroad and to be delivered and used in China only be authenticated by the local Chinese Embassy or Consulates?

No. According to international practice and consular legalization practice, Chinese embassies and consulates are only responsible for the authenticity of the seal and signature of the foreign ministry or the authentication departments in the host country; Chinese embassies and consulates generally d

Where can the documents intended to be used in China be sent for relevant notarization and legalization before being legalized by the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia?

The documents intended to be used in China by foreign citizens (including overseas Chinese) cannot be directly sent to the Chinese Embassy inMalaysiafor notarization. The documents should be notarized first by a notary public inMalaysiaand then submitted to the Chinese Embassy inMalaysiafor authenti

What kind of documents shall not be accepted for legalization?

The consular legalization is an activity of diplomatic missions or consular authorities to validate documents in the name of the country. The consular authority will not authenticate a document in any of the following circumstances: 1.The seal and signature of the document is not true； 2. The s

Can notarial deeds be legalized by Chinese embassies or consulates after being taken abroad but not yet legalized?

No. Chinese embassies and consulates do not have the record of the signature and the seal of the domestic foreign-related notary republic or the authority issuing documents for commercial use and unable to verify the authenticity of the documents, and therefore do not accept foreign-related notarial

How to authenticate notarial deeds，commercial certificates and other documents issued in China?

Before being sent to and used in foreign countries, foreign-related notarial deeds or commercial documents issued in China should be duly authenticated by the Consular Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry or authorized local foreign affairs offices and then submitted to the embassy or consulat

What are the required documents for applying to Chinese Embassies or Consulates for consular authentication of foreign documents issued abroad and to be delivered and used in China?

For foreign documents issued abroad and to be delivered and used in China submitted by either Chinese citizens or foreign citizens, the following required documents shall be submitted to the Chinese Embassies or Consulates in foreign countries for consular authentication:(1) The original copy or pho

What's the procedure of a foreign commercial document for consular authentication by the Chinese Embassies or Consulates?

When a civil or commercial document issued in a foreign country is to be delivered and used in China, the following is the procedure of applying to Chinese Embassies or Consulates for consular authentication:(1) The document shall be first notarized or legalized by the relevant authorities of the is

How long does it take to for a foreign document to be authenticated by the Chinese Embassies or Consulates?

It usually takes four working days. For urgent cases, the applicant can apply for an express service subject to the approval of the local Chinese Embassy or Consulates. However, the applicant shall pay fees for the express service.

Could the Chinese Embassies or Consulates provide consular authentication for the death certificate issued by the local authorities?

No matter whether the deceased is a Chinese citizen, if the relevant death certificate needs to be delivered to and used in China, the local Chinese Embassy or Consulates shall provide consular authentication according to the application after the notarizationand authentication have been done by the