China-Based Apostille & Notarization Support
Apostille & Notarization Services in China
Getting a Chinese document notarized, translated and apostilled —
or having a foreign document legalized for use in China — involves several government offices, strict original-document rules, and requirements that vary by document type and destination country.
HI-COM manages this process for clients in China and abroad: notarization, certified translation, and apostille or consular legalisation, handled as one coordinated service.
ISO 17100
Certified
40+
Languages
3
Int’l Offices
ISO 17100 Certified
Certified translation process
40+ Languages
Multilingual translation coverage
3 International Offices
Nice · Shanghai · Hong Kong
What Is Apostille & Notarization Support at HI-COM?
Many official documents used between China and abroad need more than a translation — they need to be notarized by a Chinese notary, and in many cases certified with an apostille (or, for non-Hague countries, consular legalisation) before a foreign authority, employer, university or bank will accept them.
HI-COM coordinates the full process: preparing and certifying the translation, submitting documents to the right notary office, and managing the apostille or legalisation step — for clients currently in China and for former residents applying from abroad.
For a full explanation of what an apostille is and how China’s Hague Convention system works, see HI-COM’s China Apostille guide.
- One coordinated process — notarization, certified translation, and apostille/legalisation — instead of managing three separate providers.
- Support for both clients currently in China and former residents applying remotely through a representative.
- Real experience across the most common document types: diplomas, non-criminal record certificates, employment/resignation certificates, marriage and birth certificates, powers of attorney.
- Turnaround depends on the document type, notary office and destination country — notarization, translation and the apostille step each have their own processing time. HI-COM confirms a realistic timeline for your specific case during consultation, rather than quoting one fixed number for every case.
Notarization or Apostille — Which One Do You Need?
Most cases involve both, in sequence. HI-COM confirms the exact requirement for your document and destination during consultation.
Notarization
A formal verification carried out by a Chinese notary, confirming that a document, signature or fact is genuine. It is usually the first step for a Chinese document that will be used abroad, and is required on its own for many domestic administrative procedures.
Apostille
An internationally recognised certificate confirming the authenticity of the notary’s signature and seal, accepted by other Hague Convention member countries in place of embassy legalisation. It does not certify the content of the underlying document. For destinations that are not Hague Convention members, consular legalisation applies instead.
Who This Is For
Two common situations, each handled differently.
Still in China
Apply for your document, have it notarized and translated, and get it apostilled in person or through HI-COM, before you leave.
See a worked example →Already Left China
Apply through a representative using a Power of Attorney — HI-COM can act as that representative for the notarization and apostille steps.
See a worked example →
Document Types HI-COM Handles
Confirmed against real case history. Every case is checked individually — document requirements vary by destination country and receiving authority.
Diplomas & Academic Transcripts
Non-Criminal Record Certificates
Employment & Resignation Certificates
Marriage & Birth Certificates
Powers of Attorney
How HI-COM Manages Your Apostille & Notarization Case
A coordinated process from first consultation to delivery of your completed documents.
Consultation
Tell us your document type, destination country, and whether you’re currently in China or applying from abroad.
Preparation
We confirm exactly which documents and translations your case requires — requirements vary by document type and destination.
Notarization & Translation
Your document is notarized by a Chinese notary and translated by HI-COM’s certified team, submitted together.
Apostille or Legalisation
We submit the notarized package to the relevant Foreign Affairs Office, or manage consular legalisation for non-Hague-member destinations.
Delivery
Your completed, apostilled documents are delivered to you or your representative.
Why Choose HI-COM
Single Point of Contact
One team manages notarization, translation and apostille/legalisation together, instead of three separate vendors.
Remote Support
Former China residents can apply through HI-COM as their representative, without traveling back.
ISO 17100 Certified
Certified translation across 40+ languages, as part of a coordinated notarization and apostille process.
Confidentiality
All documents handled in strict confidence; an NDA is available on request.
Prefer WeChat? Reach HI-COM’s Apostille & Notarization Team Directly
Send your document type, destination country and deadline — HI-COM will confirm the right process.
Scan with WeChat
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need notarization, an apostille, or both?
It depends on your document and destination country. In most cases a document is notarized first, then apostilled (for Hague Convention member countries) or legalised through consular channels (for non-member countries). HI-COM confirms the exact requirement for your case during consultation.
Can HI-COM help if I’ve already left China?
Yes — HI-COM can act as your representative for the notarization and apostille process using a Power of Attorney, so you don’t need to travel back to China.
How long does the full process take?
There is no single figure that applies to every case: notarization, translation and the apostille or legalisation step each have their own processing time, and the total depends on document type, notary office workload and destination country. HI-COM confirms a realistic timeline once it has your case details.
What languages does HI-COM translate into for this process?
HI-COM works across 40+ languages as part of the notarization and apostille process.
What is the difference between an apostille and notarization?
Notarization is carried out by a Chinese notary and formally verifies a document or signature. An apostille is a separate, internationally recognised certificate confirming the authenticity of the notary’s signature and seal for use in other Hague Convention member countries — it does not certify the content of the document itself. See HI-COM’s China Apostille guide for the full explanation.
Does an apostille work for every country?
No. An apostille is recognised only between Hague Convention member countries. If your destination country is not a member, the document needs consular legalisation instead — HI-COM confirms which route applies to your case.
Already Have a Certified Translation Underway?
HI-COM pairs certified Chinese translation with notarization and apostille support as one coordinated service — see the full certified translation offering.
Related Services & Guides
Explore complementary services and the informational guides behind this page.
Final Step
Discuss Your Apostille or Notarization Case
Tell us your document type, destination country, and whether you’re currently in China or applying remotely — we’ll confirm the right process.
- Fast quote
- Clear next steps
- Confidential handling
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