Have you ever had to deal with legalizing documents in China? Even if you’ve only crossed paths with it once, you’re likely to recall that it was far from a no-brainer. Brace yourself for a game-changer in all things related to paperwork. Started on November 7, China officially enters the Hague Convention. On March 8th 2023, it was announced that China has finished the required paperwork to join the Hague Convention, and its legal effects commence from November 7, 2023. The Hague Convention abolishes the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents of October 5, 1961. 签订公约 (qiāndìng gōngyuē) - to sign a convention This is fantastic news for foreigners and locals alike, as it will make dealing with paperwork and documents much easier and faster. What Will Change? Once the Hague Convention takes legal effect, specific diplomatic and consular authentication are no longer necessary. All that’s required is an Apostille certificate from the issuing country. Any document from a participating in the Hague Convention country with an Apostille is considered valid in China, and vice versa. 海牙认证证书 (Hǎiyá rènzhèng zhèngshū) - the Hague Apostille As of October 2023, 126 countries and regions are participating in the Convention. Benefits & Profits If you’re considering a move to China or preparing to return to your home country, this fantastic news will simplify and ease your international plans. The process of verifying the authenticity of documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, non-criminal reports, and more becomes more straightforward. Individuals no longer need to undergo complex and time-consuming diplomatic or consular legalization. This eases the transition for expatriates, students, professionals, and families. Also, the Convention will impact a range of business-related documents, including registration certificates, agreements, contracts, and more. The apostille procedure is quicker and more straightforward than the authentication and legalization process, which can take several weeks and involve notary public fees. Typically, an apostille is obtained in just a few days, depending on the document type. This makes things much simpler for companies in China, and has the potential to streamline your business processes. |
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