China Apostille Service
Apostille Request Form
Until November 2023, U.S. documents for mainland China needed a three-step chain ending with legalization at a Chinese embassy or consulate. On November 7, 2023, China joined the Hague Apostille Convention, and that chain was replaced by a single apostille. Many online checklists, and even some employers and universities, still describe the old process.
Today the most common China requests are degrees and FBI checks for work permits, marriage and birth certificates for family matters and visas, and corporate documents for U.S. companies registering or operating in China. Hong Kong and Macau have accepted apostilles for many years.
Does China Accept Apostilles?
Yes. Since November 7, 2023, mainland China accepts apostilled documents from other Convention members, including the United States. Chinese embassies and consulates in the U.S. stopped legalizing U.S. documents that can be apostilled. A few receiving offices took time to update their rules, so confirm requirements with the office that will receive your document.
Documents Most Often Apostilled for China
- Degrees and transcripts for Chinese work permits, especially for teachers.
- FBI background checks (criminal record checks) for work and residence permits, apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
- Marriage and birth certificates for family visas, household registration and child-related matters.
- Corporate documents: certificates of good standing, articles, board resolutions and powers of attorney for company registration.
- Single status affidavits for marriage in China.
Translation for China
Chinese authorities usually require a Chinese translation, often by a translation company registered in China. Some accept translations done in the U.S. We provide certified Chinese translation for $65 per document if your receiving office accepts it.
How Our China Apostille Service Works
- Tell us the documents and the country. Call (971) 514-3743 or use the form above. We confirm which version of each document you need.
- We route each document to the right authority. State documents (birth, marriage and divorce records, notarized papers) go to the Secretary of State of the state that issued or notarized them. Federal documents, such as FBI background checks and naturalization-related records, go to the U.S. Department of State.
- We return the apostilled documents to you, or ship them directly abroad with tracking.
Cost and Timing
- Oregon documents: $195 for the first and $20 for each additional, including the state fee; next business day or within 10 business days.
- Most other states: $195 per document, about 10 business days (New York is $350 for the first and $65 for each additional).
- FBI background check: $195 regular (5+ weeks) or $390 expedited (about 10 business days).
- Certified translation: $65 per document, usually 1 to 2 business days.
China Apostille FAQ
Do I still need Chinese consulate legalization?
No, not for documents that can be apostilled. China joined the Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023.
How do I apostille an FBI check for a Chinese work permit?
The FBI Identity History Summary is apostilled by the U.S. Department of State: $195 regular or $390 expedited through us.
Can you apostille a U.S. degree for teaching in China?
Yes. The registrar’s certification is notarized and apostilled by the state where the school is.
Do Hong Kong and Macau accept apostilles?
Yes. Both have accepted apostilles for many years.
How much does a China apostille cost?
$195 per document for most states; translation is $65 per document.
Start Your China Apostille
Call (971) 514-3743 or use the request form above. Tell us which documents you need for China and which U.S. state issued them, and we will confirm the steps and the price before you send anything. See also our Hague Convention countries list and pricing.