Getting a Diploma Apostilled in China – 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
If you studied in China and now need to use your Chinese diploma abroad, whether for work, further studies, immigration, or professional licensing, you’ll likely be asked to provide an apostilled diploma.
First of all, there is some good news. Since China officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2023, the process is now much simpler and faster than before.
HI—COM has drawn up clear, practical guide to help you understand how to obtain an apostille for a Chinese diploma in China, what documents you need, and how long it takes.
What Does “Apostilling a Diploma” Mean in China?
An apostille is an official certificate that makes a document legally valid in all countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
In China, diplomas are not apostilled directly. Instead, authorities apostille a Chinese notarial certificate that confirms the authenticity of your diploma.
In practice, this means a two-step process:
- Notarization
- Apostille
Before we go through the steps, we strongly recommend having your diploma notarized and apostilled before you leave China permanently! If you have already left China and need to have the apostille applied to your diploma, please contact us directly.
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
Before you start, gather the following:
- Original degree certificate
- Original graduation certificate (毕业证书) (Often required together)
- Passport (original or copy)
- Sometimes: university verification records or student information (Requirements vary by notary office)
Important: Whether you are applying in person or through an agent, an original of your degree and graduation certificates must be submitted. Scans or photocopies of these certificates will not be accepted.
Step 2: Notarization at a Chinese Notary Public Office (公证处)
You must first visit a Chinese Notary Public Office, where the notary will:
- Verify your academic records with your university
(usually via the Ministry of Education’s official verification system) - Translate the diploma (commonly into English, or another required language)
- Issue an official Notarial Certificate (学历 / 学位公证书)
Please note that China apostilles the notarial certificate, not the original diploma.
After providing the above documents, you will be given a receipt indicating the date on which you can pick up your notarized diploma. The pick-up date is typically 1-5 working days after your submission.
Step 3: Apply for the Apostille
Once notarization is complete, you must go to the notary and pick up the sealed package containing the notarial certificate and the translation of your diploma. Do not open the package!
You must then take the package to an authorized local Foreign Affairs Office (外事办公室 / 外办), who will attach the official Apostille Certificate (海牙认证). The addresses of the bureaus in Shanghai can be found at the bottom of this article.
After dropping off the package, you will be given a receipt indicating the date on which you can pick up your apostilled diploma. The pick-up date is typically 1-3 working days after your submission
Rush services may be available in some cities.
Where Should You Apply?
Applications are usually handled in:
- The city where you live (if you still live in China), or
- The city where your university issued the diploma
Who Can Apply?
You can:
- Apply in person, or
- Authorize an agent or service provider such as HI-COM (very common for foreign nationals).
If using an agent, you’ll usually need to send them the following documents:
- Original degree certificate
- Original graduation certificate (毕业证书) (Often required together)
- A copy of your passport copy
- Signed Power of Attorney
Important Things to Know
Keep these points in mind:
- The apostille is issued for the notarial certificate, not the original diploma
- Many countries require both:
- Degree certificate
- Graduation certificate
- Requirements can vary depending on the destination country
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
The total timeline is typically 1–2 weeks from start to finish
A few comments to leave you with
With China now part of the Hague Apostille Convention, getting your diploma apostilled is far more straightforward than it used to be. As long as you follow the correct sequence —notarization first, apostille second — the process is smooth and predictable.
If you’re short on time, based overseas, or unsure about local requirements, using an authorized agent such as HI-COM can save you significant effort and avoid costly mistakes.
Useful addresses
Service Department for Consular Authentication Submission & Delivery (For apostille)
Address: Room 104, 1st Floor, No. 228 Huashan Road (Shanghai International Equatorial Hotel Business Building)
Service Hours: Monday to Friday, 13:30 – 17:00 (except national public holidays)
Tel: 62470833
上海外事服务中心领事认证受理(递送)服务部
服务地址:华山路228号一楼104室(上海国际贵都大饭店商务楼)
受理服务时间:每周一至五，下午13:30-17:00 (国定节假日除外)
联系电话:62470833
Shanghai Foreign Affairs Service Center – Pudong Branch (For apostille)
Address:Room 101, Building A, Jinying Tower, No. 1518 Minsheng Road (also No. 80 Hanxiao Road), near the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau
Service Hours:Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 11:30 and 13:30 – 17:00 (excluding national public holidays)
Contact Number:50933651
上海外事服务中心浦东分部
服务地址:浦东民生路1518号(含笑路80号)金鹰大厦A幢101室(市公安局出入境管理局旁)
受理服务时间:每周一至五，上午09:00-11:30 下午13:30-17:00(国定节假日除外)
联系电话:50933651
