What Is an Apostille
An Apostille is a certificate attached to a public document that replaces traditional consular legalisation between Contracting Parties to the Hague Convention. It authenticates the signature and seal, not the content of the document.
Key Points
- Formal Chinese name: additional certificate
- Replaces consular legalisation with one step
- Authenticates the signature and seal, not content
- Applies only between Contracting Parties
- China has issued Apostilles since 7 November 2023
Legal Basis
Hague Convention of 1961, Articles 2 and 3. China acceded 8 March 2023, in force 7 November 2023.