Document Authentication for China — Apostille, Not Embassy Legalisation
Been told you need Chinese embassy legalisation? For most documents, that changed in 2023. Here’s what you actually need now — and how we get your document ready for China in one place.
Has Chinese embassy legalisation been replaced?
For most documents, yes. On 7 November 2023, mainland China joined the Hague Apostille Convention. Before that date, a UK document for China had to be notarised, apostilled and then also legalised at the Chinese Embassy — a slower, more expensive, multi-step process. Now, for public documents covered by the Convention, the embassy step is gone: the document is notarised and apostilled, and the apostille is recognised directly in China.
Before Nov 2023
- Notarise the document
- FCDO apostille
- Plus Chinese Embassy legalisation
- Slower and more costly
Now
- Notarise the document
- FCDO apostille — done
- No embassy legalisation for most documents
- Usually faster and cheaper
Good to know: Hong Kong and Macau already applied the Apostille Convention before mainland China joined, so documents for use there have long been apostilled rather than embassy-legalised. A small number of documents or receiving bodies in China may still ask for extra steps — we’ll flag that when you book.
How does authentication for China work?
Two steps, both handled by us, and your document is ready for China.
Notarise or certify
A notary public notarises or certifies your document, and certifies any Chinese translation, so it’s ready for the apostille.
FCDO apostille
The FCDO adds the apostille — an internationally recognised certificate accepted in China under the Hague Convention.
Ready for China
We return the completed document — no embassy queue, no separate legalisation step for most documents.
Learn more about the meaning of an apostille and the FCDO apostille service.
How much does it cost?
Notarisation from £125 plus VAT for your first document, then the apostille at the speed you need.
Notarisation
Reduced fee for additional documents at the same appointment.
FCDO Apostille
Standard
+ £40 FCDO fee
Express
+ £40 FCDO fee
The £40 FCDO fee applies to the apostille as well. Additional charges may apply where multiple apostilles are required. We confirm the full fee before your appointment. See our full apostille cost guide.
Get Your Documents Authenticated
Tell us which documents you need for China and we’ll confirm a fixed-fee appointment, usually within the hour. Prefer to speak Chinese? Ask for Wendy Yuk Wah Symon, our resident Chinese-speaking notary.
Which documents need authentication for China?
These are the documents we most often notarise and apostille for use in China:
Single status, marriage & birth certificates — for marriage, family and residency matters.
Police (ACRO) certificates — for Chinese work permits and visa applications.
Degrees & academic transcripts — for study or employment in China.
Company documents & powers of attorney — incorporation, good standing, board resolutions and POAs.
If you’d prefer to deal with a Chinese-speaking notary, or want the language-service overview, see our Chinese notary services page. We can also arrange a certified Chinese translation.
Why choose Edward Young Notaries & Lawyers?
Up to date on the China rules
We prepare your document the way China now requires — apostille, not embassy legalisation — so it isn’t rejected on an old technicality.
Notarisation & apostille in one place
We handle both steps and any certified translation, so you deal with a single firm from start to finish.
A Chinese-speaking notary
Wendy Yuk Wah Symon, our resident Chinese-speaking notary, can guide you through the process in Chinese if you’d prefer.
Central London, fixed fees
A short walk from Oxford Circus at 19 Wigmore Street, with same-day notarisation and clear fixed fees. See our full range of notary public services.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need Chinese embassy legalisation for a UK document?+
In most cases, no. Since 7 November 2023 mainland China is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so UK public documents for use in China are now generally notarised and apostilled by the FCDO, rather than legalised at the Chinese Embassy. Some receiving bodies in China may still request additional steps, so confirm the specific requirement before you start — we can advise you.
How do I get a UK document authenticated for China?+
The document is first notarised or certified by a notary public, then apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The apostille is recognised in China under the Hague Convention. We can complete both steps for you, and certify a Chinese translation where needed.
How much does it cost?+
Notarisation starts from £125 plus VAT for the first document. The apostille is £80 plus VAT (standard) or £100 plus VAT (express, next day if received before 10am), plus the £40 FCDO fee per apostille. Additional charges may apply where multiple apostilles are required.
Does this apply to Hong Kong and Macau?+
Hong Kong and Macau already applied the Apostille Convention before mainland China joined, so UK documents for use there have long been apostilled rather than embassy-legalised. The 2023 change brought mainland China into line with them.
How long does it take?+
With express service the apostille can be completed the next day if the document is received before 10am, following notarisation. Standard service typically takes a few working days. Same-day notarisation appointments are usually available at our central London office.
Can you certify a Chinese translation?+
Yes. Where a document needs to be presented in Chinese, we can arrange or certify a translation and notarise it so it is accepted by the receiving authority in China.
Edward Young Notaries & Lawyers is a firm of notaries public based in central London, regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a member of the Notaries Society. Our notaries are also members of STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), and Wendy Yuk Wah Symon is our resident Chinese-speaking notary. We notarise and arrange FCDO apostilles for documents used in China and worldwide, for individuals and businesses.
Address: 19 Wigmore Street, London W1U 1PH
Phone: +44 20 7499 2605
Email: notary@notarypubliclondon.co.uk
Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:30
Regulated by: The Faculty Office · Member of: The Notaries Society · STEP Qualified
Getting a document ready for China?
Skip the embassy confusion. We notarise and arrange the FCDO apostille for a fixed fee — notarisation from £125+VAT, express apostille available next day, and a Chinese-speaking notary on hand if you’d prefer.