Identity & family
Birth, kinship, marriage, divorce, identity and household registration matters.
Notarization for overseas use
Chinese documents,
notarized for use overseas.
We assist individuals and businesses with notarization of Chinese documents intended for use outside China. The document type, destination country and intended purpose are reviewed before the application route is confirmed.
A formal certificate issued through a notarial institution.
Notarization is different from a translation agency seal and may be followed by Apostille or consular legalization, depending on where the document will be used.
WHAT NOTARIZATION MEANS
Upon application and in accordance with statutory procedures, a notarial institution certifies the authenticity and legality of civil juristic acts, legally significant facts and documents.
The exact notarial matter, wording, supporting materials and translation language depend on the document and its intended use.See how a Chinese notarial certificate is structured.
The cover identifies the document as a notarial certificate. The inside page states the applicant, notarial matter and certification wording, with the notarial institution’s seal and notary information.
The format and wording shown in an issued notarial certificate may vary according to the notarial matter, notarial institution and destination requirements.
Common documents and matters handled through notarization.
The application route and required evidence are reviewed individually. Other document types can also be assessed.
Police & legal
No criminal record, declarations, powers of attorney, signatures and legal documents.
Education
Diplomas, degree certificates, transcripts, enrolment and academic records.
Qualifications & employment
Professional qualifications, employment certificates, experience and income evidence.
Licence & records
Driver licences, driving records, medical records and other supporting certificates.
Corporate & commercial
Business licences, company records, resolutions, contracts and authorization documents.
Notarization is often one part of a wider document route.
The steps after notarization depend on the destination country, the receiving authority and the applicable international arrangements.
Notarization only
Some receiving authorities accept the notarial certificate without further authentication.
Confirm with the receiving authority →
Notarization + Apostille
For use in a Hague Convention destination, an Apostille may be required after notarization.
Destination rules apply →
Notarization + legalization
For a non-Hague destination, foreign affairs and consular legalization may be required.
Country-specific review →
Do not choose the route only by document name. The same document may follow a different process when submitted to a different country or authority.
A clear process from review to delivery.
The final material list and timeline are confirmed after the actual document and intended use have been reviewed.
01
Send documents
Provide clear scans of the documents and available supporting materials.
02
Confirm use
Tell us the destination country, purpose and receiving authority.
03
Review & process
The notarial matter, application materials, language and follow-on route are checked.
04
Deliver
Electronic copies can be provided and physical documents can be shipped where required.
Frequently asked questions.
Requirements should be checked against the actual destination and receiving authority before processing.
Is notarization the same as translation with an agency seal?
No. Translation with an agency seal is provided by a translation agency. A notarial certificate is issued through a notarial institution in accordance with the applicable procedure.
Does every notarial certificate require an Apostille?
No. Whether an Apostille is required depends on the destination country and the receiving authority. Non-Hague destinations may require consular legalization, while some authorities may accept notarization alone.
Can a Chinese document be notarized in another language?
The available language and certificate format depend on the notarial matter, notarial institution and intended use. These details should be confirmed before processing.
What should I send for an initial review?
Send clear scans of the document and supporting materials, together with the destination country, intended purpose, receiving authority and preferred completion date.
Start your enquiry
Tell us where the document will be used.
We will first review the document type, destination country and intended purpose, then explain the proposed notarial matter, required materials and possible follow-on authentication.
