[Apostille Convention] A Simplified Way to Authenticate Documents
2023. 11. 17
[Apostille Convention] A Simplified Way to Authenticate Documents
On November 7, 2023, China formally acceded to the Hague Convention, thus abolishing the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents, otherwise known as the Apostille Convention.
What is the Apostille Convention?
The Apostille Convention is designed to simplify the procedures for the international circulation of public documents and replace traditional consular authentication with more convenient means of proof, so as to promote international trade and commerce and the exchange of persons.
Impact on foreign legal affairs:
The Apostille Convention presently cancels the procedure of consular authentication of public documents, which simplifies the procedure of circulation of public documents, facilitates international trade and economic and personnel exchanges, and reduces the time and cost of authenticating documents.
Which are some of the documents that can be authenticated using the Apostille Convention?
1. Personal documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, court divorce judgements, green cards, passports, property certificates;
2. Study abroad category: transcripts, academic certificates;
3. Proof category: single certificate, certificate of no criminal record, death certificate;
4. Business documents: registration certificate, agreement, contract, power of attorney, declaration, letter of appointment, trademark certificate, company name change document, invoice, customs declaration, product certificate, product introduction and other company documents.
Three advantages of the Apostille Convention:
1. It is fast: the certification process is relatively simple, and can effectively reduce the cost and time needed;
2. It is wide-ranging: most countries or regions recognize the Hague Convention;
3. It is effective: according to the Hague Convention, the certified documents can be used in any country or region that recognizes the Hague Convention.
What more should I know regarding China and the Apostille Convention?
For specific procedures and requirements for applying for additional certificates, please visit the China Consular Service website (http://cs.mfa.gov.cn) or the websites of the relevant local foreign affairs offices.
China's Certificate of Attachment will be in the form of a sticker with a silver-colored national emblem seal. The Certificate of Attachment issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and the relevant local foreign affairs offices supports online verification, which can be found at http://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VERIFY/.
