Apostille versus Embassy Legalisation
There is only one criterion: whether the destination country is a Contracting Party and whether the Convention is in force with China. If yes, an Apostille applies in 5 to 10 working days. If not, consular legalisation requiring two steps takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Key Points
- Apostille: one step, 5-10 working days, low cost
- Consular: two steps, 4-8 weeks, higher cost
- Only the destination status matters, not document type
- Accession and entry into force are different dates
- India is a party but does not apply to China
Legal Basis
Hague Apostille Convention Article 2; Consular Legalisation Measures.