Chinese Notary Services in London — 公证
Need a document notarised for use in China, or a Chinese-language document sworn before a notary? We notarise, certify translations, and arrange the apostille — and you can deal with a Chinese-speaking notary throughout.
Do you still need Chinese embassy legalisation?
This is the question we are asked most — and the answer has changed. Since 7 November 2023, mainland China is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. For most UK public documents going to China, that means you no longer need to queue for consular legalisation at the Chinese Embassy. Instead, the document is notarised by a notary public and then apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) — a single, internationally recognised certificate.
In plain terms: notarisation (公证) + apostille (海牙认证) has replaced Chinese embassy legalisation for most documents. It is usually faster and cheaper. Some receiving bodies in China may still ask for extra steps, so it is always worth confirming the exact requirement — and we can advise you on that when you book.
Read more about our apostille service and apostille costs. For the full step-by-step on getting UK documents authenticated for China, see our document authentication for China guide. If you have recently moved from Hong Kong, you may also need our MPF(S)-W(SD2) statutory declaration service to release your Hong Kong pension.
How much does it cost?
Notarisation from £125 plus VAT for your first document. If your document needs an apostille for China, choose the speed that suits you.
Notarisation (公证)
Identity check, notarisation and notarial seal. Reduced fee for additional documents at the same appointment.
Apostille (海牙认证) for China
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 — no hidden costs.
Book Your Appointment
Tell us what you need and we’ll confirm your fixed-fee appointment, usually within the hour. Same-day slots often available. Prefer to speak Chinese? Ask for Wendy Yuk Wah Symon, our resident Chinese-speaking notary.
How does the process work?
Three simple steps from booking to a document ready for use in China.
Send your documents
Tell us what the document is and where in China it’s going. Bring the original and your photo ID to the appointment.
We notarise & certify
We verify your identity, notarise the document, certify any Chinese translation, and apply our notarial seal.
Apostille & return
We arrange the FCDO apostille (海牙认证) at your chosen speed and return the completed document ready for China.
Why choose Edward Young Notaries & Lawyers?
Wendy Yuk Wah Symon is our resident Chinese-speaking notary. If you’d prefer to discuss your documents in Chinese — Cantonese or Mandarin — Wendy can guide you through the whole process, from notarisation to apostille.
We speak your language
With Wendy Yuk Wah Symon, our resident Chinese-speaking notary, you can handle your documents in Chinese from start to finish.
We know the China route
We keep up to date with the Hague Apostille rules for China so your document is prepared the right way, first time.
Notarisation and apostille in one place
We handle the whole journey — notarisation, certified translation and the FCDO apostille — so you deal with a single firm.
Central London, fixed fees
A short walk from Oxford Circus at 19 Wigmore Street. Clear fixed fees, no hidden costs, and same-day appointments. See our full range of notary public services.
Trusted by clients across London
“Wendy dealt with my power of attorney for China quickly and explained everything clearly. Being able to ask questions in Chinese made it much easier.”
— Verified Google review
“Efficient and professional. They knew straight away that China now uses the apostille, sorted the notarisation and the FCDO step, and saved me a trip to the embassy.”
— Verified Google review
Rated 5 stars by clients on Google. Search “Edward Young Notaries & Lawyers” to read our reviews.
What documents do we notarise for China?
If you’re not sure whether your document qualifies, just ask — these are the ones we see most often:
Powers of attorney — for property, banking or business matters in China.
Single status, marriage & birth certificates — for marriage, family or residency matters.
Academic & professional certificates — degrees, diplomas and transcripts for work or study.
Company & board documents — certificates of incorporation, resolutions and commercial contracts.
We can also notarise statutory declarations and certified copies of passports, and certify Chinese translations. Not sure what you need? Learn what a notary public does or just contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have a Chinese-speaking notary?+
Yes. Wendy Yuk Wah Symon is our resident Chinese-speaking notary, so you can discuss your documents and the notarisation process in your own language. We regularly notarise documents for members of the Chinese and Hong Kong communities in London, and for use in mainland China.
Do I still need Chinese embassy legalisation?+
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 generally notarised and then apostilled by the FCDO, rather than legalised at the Chinese Embassy. Some documents or authorities may still ask for additional steps, so it is worth confirming the specific requirement before you start — we can advise you.
What documents do you notarise for use in China?+
Common examples include powers of attorney, single status and marriage certificates, birth and academic certificates, company and board documents, declarations, and certified copies of passports or identity documents. We notarise the document, certify any translation where needed, and can arrange the apostille.
How much does it cost?+
Notarisation starts from £125 plus VAT for the first document, confirmed before your appointment, with a reduced fee for additional documents. If an apostille is required, our service 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.
Can you certify a Chinese translation?+
Yes. Where a document is in Chinese, or 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. See our notary translation service.
How quickly can I be seen?+
Same-day and next-day appointments are usually available at our Wigmore Street office in central London. A single notarisation typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
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). Wendy Yuk Wah Symon is our resident Chinese-speaking notary. We notarise documents for use in China and worldwide, certify translations, and arrange FCDO apostilles 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
Documents for China? Let’s get them ready.
Book a fixed-fee appointment with a Faculty Office–regulated London notary — notarisation from £125+VAT, apostille arranged, and Wendy Yuk Wah Symon, our Chinese-speaking notary, on hand if you’d prefer. Same-day appointments available.