Embassy attestationChina Embassy Attestation
China joined the Apostille Convention with effect from 7 November 2023, but India objected to China's accession on 8 September 2023, so the Convention does not apply between India and China and embassy or consulate legalisation continues.
Indian documents for China usually support business or employment. Companies setting up a subsidiary or representative office, appointing a legal representative, opening bank accounts or pursuing a dispute need legalised corporate papers. Professionals moving to China need legalised documents for a work permit, and their spouses and children need them for residence permits.
Why an Apostille does not work for China
China joined the Apostille Convention, which entered into force for China on 7 November 2023. However, India objected to China's accession on 8 September 2023, so the Convention does not apply between the two countries. Indian documents therefore still go through MEA attestation and legalisation by the Chinese Embassy or a consulate in India. If your business also operates in Vietnam, note that the Convention has applied between India and Vietnam since 11 September 2026 — a very recent change, so confirm with the receiving authority there.
Documents commonly needed
| Purpose | Typical documents |
|---|---|
| Company set-up or changes | Certificate of incorporation, board resolution, power of attorney |
| Work permit | Highest degree certificate and a police clearance certificate |
| Dependants' residence | Marriage certificate and children's birth certificates |
Practical points for China
- Multi-page documents should be bound securely so that pages cannot be removed or swapped; Chinese missions can refuse loose sets.
- Chinese authorities often want a recently issued police clearance certificate, commonly within the last six months. Check with your employer.
- The mission that handles a document can depend on its consular district, so we confirm where it goes before submission.
- A Chinese translation is usually made in China by a translation company the authority accepts; ask before you order a translation here.
We coordinate notarisation, state or Chamber authentication, MEA attestation and legalisation as part of embassy attestation. Tell us what the Chinese authority has asked for when you request a quote, or start with the Service Finder.
Route for Indian documents going to China
- 1
Confirm the Chinese authority's requirements
Check which documents are needed and how recent they must be, particularly for work permits and company registration.
- 2
Notarisation and binding
Copies, powers of attorney and company documents are notarised where required, and multi-page documents are bound securely so pages cannot be separated.
- 3
State or Chamber authentication
Personal documents go to the Home Department or GAD, educational records to the State Education Department and company documents to a Chamber of Commerce. A police clearance certificate from a Passport Seva Kendra can typically go straight to the MEA.
- 4
MEA attestation
The Ministry of External Affairs attests the document; an Apostille is not used for China because of India's objection.
- 5
Chinese Embassy or consulate legalisation
The Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, or the consulate whose consular district covers the document, legalises it.
- 6
Chinese translation
If required, a Chinese translation is typically arranged in China through a translation company the receiving authority accepts.
Documents commonly prepared for China
Frequently asked questions
China joined the Apostille Convention. Why can I not use an Apostille?
India objected to China's accession on 8 September 2023, so the Convention does not apply between India and China, even though it entered into force for China on 7 November 2023. Indian documents still need MEA attestation and legalisation by a Chinese mission in India.
Which Chinese mission will legalise my document?
The Chinese Embassy in New Delhi or a Chinese consulate in India, depending on the consular district. We confirm the right mission before submission.
How recent must my police clearance certificate be for a China work permit?
Chinese authorities often expect it to have been issued recently, commonly within six months. Ask your employer for the exact requirement before you apply for the police clearance certificate.
Not sure which route your document needs?
Tell us the document and the destination country. We will confirm the route, the documents we need from you and a quotation — before you send anything.