In this blog post, we will provide you with step-by-step regarding how to obtain an Apostille in China starting November 7, 2023.
I. Processing Time and Location
| Office address | Business Hours | Contact information |
| 11th floor, Fenglian Plaza, Block B No. 18, Chaoyangmenwai Street, 100701 Beijing P.R. China. | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (excluding national legal holidays and public holidays) | 010-65889761 Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 11:00 am 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm Excluding national legal holidays and public holidays |
| Type | Processing Time |
| Regular Service | The Ministry of Foreign Affairs completes the processing 4 business days after receiving the documents (for documents sent from or delivered to the designated office). |
| Expedited Service | The Ministry of Foreign Affairs completes the processing 2 business days after receiving the documents (for documents sent from or delivered to the designated office). |
II. Application Process for the Apostille In China
- Obtain a notarized document or other required proof of eligibility for an Apostille.
- Apply for the Apostille at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its designated local foreign affairs office (list available here).
III. Methods for Applying for the Apostille In China
| Applicant Type | Process |
| Business Applicants | Please visit http://lsrz.cs.mfa.gov.cn to fill out the application form and print it before proceeding to the service window for submission. For the Consular Authentication/Additional Certificate Online Form Submission Manual, please refer to this Chinese attachment. |
| Individuals Applying for Civil Notarized Documents | You can make an appointment through Alipay’s Consular Service Center mini-program (领事服务中心) and submit your application at the service window or by mail. |
The Consular Service Center mini-program (领事服务中心) on Alipay
In addition, individuals and businesses can also use local agencies in Beijing or local foreign affairs offices for application submission.
For the specific list of Foreign Affairs Offices and contact information, please check here.
IV. Required Documents
| No. | Document Type | Details |
| 1 | Application for Consular Authentication/Apostille Record Form | This form is generated automatically when using the Consular Authentication/Apostille Online Form Submission System. |
| 2 | Identification document | Chinese citizens China Mainland identity card and a copy. Overseas Chinese without a valid resident identity card: Passport and a copy of the information page. Hong Kong and Macao residents “Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents” and a copy. Taiwan residents “Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Resident” and a copy. Foreigners Passport and a copy of the information page. |
| 3 | Original document that requires an Apostille | N/A |
| 4 | The original introduction letter from their unit and the original travel assignment notice | Applicable only to Chinese state-sponsored individuals or students going abroad. |
| 5 | The original business documents or receipts and the original unit introduction letter. | Applicable only for business-related document applications |
| 6 | The original diplomatic note from the respective mission | Applicable only when a foreign diplomatic or consular mission applies for an Apostille on behalf of its nationals |
| 7 | Any other documents required by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs | At the discretion of the Consular Affairs Office |
Note: Foreign citizens applying for an Apostille for adopting Chinese children should, in addition to valid identification documents, provide the original diplomatic note from the foreign diplomatic or consular mission and a photocopy of the “Adoption Registration Certificate.”
V. Fees
| Type | Fee |
| Regular Service | Business Document: 100 yuan Civil Document: 50 yuan |
| Express Service | An additional 50 yuan per document |
| EMS Express Mail Service Fee (Only for domestic delivery) | 25 yuan for every 500 grams |
Notes:
- The fees mentioned above are charged per document. If multiple notarized items are bound together, charges are assessed based on the number of notarized items (e.g., if a degree certificate copy and a translation certificate copy are bound together, two additional certificate fees will be charged).
- The full payment of fees is required when applying.
