Apostille for China
China acceded to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention on March 8, 2023, and it entered into force between China and the United States on November 7, 2023. Since that date, a US public document for use in mainland China needs only a US apostille — consular legalization by a Chinese embassy or consulate has been abolished.
These pages walk through the official general process for authenticating a US document for use in mainland China, by document type — what changed, who issues the apostille, and where a certified Chinese translation comes in. Each page is dated and checked against official sources.
Compiled from official sources by Henry · independent · based in China
Common mistake → the current rule
What many sites still say: Some guides — and even some apostille services — still say China isn't in the Apostille Convention and require the old three-step consular legalization for US documents.
The current rule: China joined the Convention on March 8, 2023, in force with the US since November 7, 2023. A US public document for mainland China needs only a US apostille, and Chinese embassies and consulates stopped authenticating documents on that date.
Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn · verified June 27, 2026
By document
The route is the same Convention, but the authenticating authority and preparation differ by document. Open the one you need.
State document
US degree apostille for China
For a China Z (work) visa or work permit. Steps, cost, time and official sources.
Read it →Federal document
FBI background check apostille for China
For a China Z (work) visa, residence permit or work permit. Steps, cost, time and official sources.
Read it →State document
TEFL certificate apostille for China
For a China Z (work) visa for teaching. Steps, cost, time and official sources.
Read it →State document
marriage certificate apostille for China
For a China dependent / family (S) visa or residence permit. Steps, cost, time and official sources.
Read it →State document
birth certificate apostille for China
For a China dependent (S) visa for a child or to prove a parent-child relationship. Steps, cost, time and official sources.
Read it →
Common questions
Does China accept apostilles?
Yes. China acceded to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention on March 8, 2023, and it entered into force between China and the United States on November 7, 2023. Since that date, a US public document for use in mainland China needs only a US apostille — consular legalization by a Chinese embassy or consulate has been abolished.
Do I still need consular legalization for documents going to China?
No, for documents from Apostille Convention countries like the US. Chinese embassies and consulates in the US ceased consular authentication services on November 7, 2023. A US public document now needs only a US apostille for use in mainland China. (Hong Kong and Macao were already covered by the Convention.)
Who issues the US apostille?
It depends on the document. Federal documents (for example an FBI background check) are apostilled by the US Department of State's Office of Authentications. State-level documents (for example a university diploma authenticated at state level) are apostilled by the competent authority — usually the Secretary of State — of that state.
Official sources
Every policy on this page was checked against these official pages. Always confirm with the source before booking.
- https://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/gz/202310/t20231025_11167576.htm
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document/apostille-requirements.html
- https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41
- https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=353
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. The apostille process is a legal procedure and requirements change without notice — always confirm the current process with the official sources above, the relevant US authority, and the Chinese authority or employer before you act. Ready Set China is an independent information site — not a law firm, document agency, translation service, or government body — and does not apostille, translate, or handle documents on your behalf.