Non-Hague destination
The document may require notarization, Chinese foreign affairs authentication and destination-country consular legalization.
Consular legalization
Documents prepared
for non-Hague use.
We assist with consular legalization of Chinese documents intended for use in countries where an Apostille is not applicable or where the receiving authority requires embassy or consulate authentication.
01Notarization
02Foreign affairs
03Embassy or consulate
A multi-stage authentication route for specific destinations.
Consular legalization is generally used for non-Hague destinations or where the receiving authority specifically requires authentication by the destination country’s embassy or consulate in China.
WHAT CONSULAR LEGALIZATION MEANS
Consular legalization is a procedure through which the relevant Chinese authority and the destination country’s embassy or consulate in China authenticate the signature or seal on a document so it can be presented overseas.
The specific route, material requirements, translation language and processing time vary by destination country, document type and receiving authority.See the authentication chain on the document.
A completed document may show authentication by the Chinese authority together with the seal or label of the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
One document, several authentication steps.
The Chinese authentication confirms the relevant signature or seal in the preceding document. The destination country’s embassy or consulate then completes its own legalization according to its procedures.
01Underlying notarized or certified document
02Authentication by the competent Chinese authority
03Legalization by the destination embassy or consulate
The destination determines the route.
Do not choose Apostille or consular legalization only by document name. The destination and receiving authority must be confirmed first.
Hague destination
An Apostille may replace the traditional consular legalization chain where the Convention applies.
Special authority request
Some authorities specify the certificate form, translation language, number of copies or validity period.
Personal and commercial documents commonly legalized.
The exact supporting materials and route vary by document and destination.
Civil statusBirth, kinship, marriage and divorce
Police & legalPolice clearance, declarations and powers of attorney
EducationDiplomas, degrees and transcripts
QualificationsDriver licences and professional qualifications
Corporate recordsBusiness licences, articles and resolutions
CommercialContracts, invoices and certificates
AuthorizationPersonal and corporate authorizations
Other documentsReviewed according to destination requirements
A coordinated route from review to delivery.
The final steps and timeline are confirmed after the actual document and destination requirements have been reviewed.
01
Send scans
Provide clear scans and available supporting materials.
02
Confirm destination
Tell us the country, purpose and receiving authority.
03
Complete the chain
Arrange notarization, Chinese authentication and consular legalization as required.
04
Check & deliver
Check the completed document and arrange physical delivery.
Frequently asked questions.
Requirements vary significantly between destination countries and consular authorities.
Is consular legalization the same as Apostille?
No. Apostille is used where the Hague Convention applies. Consular legalization is generally used for non-Hague destinations or when specifically required.
Must the document be notarized first?
Many personal documents follow a notarization-first route, but the exact preliminary procedure depends on the document type and destination.
Is the processing time the same for every country?
No. Embassy or consulate requirements, appointments, holidays and review procedures can affect the timeline.
Start your enquiry
Tell us the destination country.
We will review the document and receiving requirements before explaining the proposed notarization and consular legalization route.
