Apostille UK Documents for China

Fast, reliable apostille services for UK documents to be used in China. With China now part of the Hague Convention, the FCDO apostille is the only UK-side legalisation step required.

Apostille from just

£82
  • Includes FCDO Apostille
  • Government Fees Included
  • Secure Delivery Worldwide
  • Regular Order Updates

Why Apostille Documents for China

If you need to use a UK document in China for a work permit, Z visa, study or business setup, it will typically need an Apostille certificate. TEFL certificates, degree certificates, ACRO and DBS criminal record checks are the most commonly apostilled UK documents for Chinese use.

China acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention with effect from 7 November 2023. This was a major change: UK documents apostilled by the FCDO are now accepted directly by Chinese authorities, without the previous requirement of Chinese Embassy attestation in London.

Top 5 Most Common Documents for China

These are the most frequently apostilled UK documents for use in China

Document typeImportant notesApostille fee
TEFL Certificate
Teaching English as a Foreign Language qualification
Essential for the Z visa to teach English in China. Must be a recognised UK TEFL qualification, solicitor-certified before apostille.
£94.00
Order apostille
Degree Certificate
UK university degree certificate
Required for the Z work visa and most other Chinese work permits. Degrees need solicitor certification before the FCDO will apostille them.
£94.00
Order apostille
ACRO Police Certificate
Police background check for residency, employment or visas
Required for Chinese work and residency visas. Must usually be issued within the last 6 months when submitted.
£82.00
Order apostille
DBS Certificate
Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check
Often accepted instead of (or alongside) the ACRO for Chinese visa applications, particularly for teaching roles. Needs solicitor certification.
£94.00
Order apostille
Academic Document (Diploma or other)
Diploma, professional qualification or other academic certificate
Postgraduate diplomas, professional qualifications and PGCE certificates supporting Chinese work visa applications.
£94.00
Order apostille

Important Information for China

The Apostille Process for China

A simple 4-step process to get your documents apostilled for use in China

Apostille Process Timeline
Step 1
Place Your Order
Choose your document type and delivery speed. Post your documents to us.
Step 2
We Check & Prepare
We review your documents and ensure everything is in order for the Apostille.
Step 3
FCDO Apostille
We submit your documents to the FCDO in person and obtain the official Apostille certificate.
Step 4
Return Delivery
Your apostilled documents are returned via your chosen delivery method. Tracked delivery options are available.
Fast turnaround - Next Day Apostille Service
Fully tracked service
Secure handling of your documents
Trusted UK Apostille Specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Following China’s accession to the Hague Apostille Convention on 7 November 2023, UK documents apostilled by the FCDO are accepted directly by Chinese authorities. The previous Chinese Embassy attestation requirement has been removed.

We complete most apostille applications in just 1-2 working days.

No. Since China joined the Hague Convention in November 2023, the Chinese Embassy in London no longer attests UK documents. The FCDO apostille is now the sole UK-side legalisation step required.

In most cases, yes. Chinese visa centres, employers and notaries usually require a translation into Simplified Chinese. The translation can sometimes be commissioned in the UK or arranged after arrival in China, depending on the receiving body.

Yes. UK TEFL certificates can be apostilled for Z visa applications. The TEFL certificate needs to be solicitor-certified before the FCDO will apostille it. Our Express Solicitor & Apostille service handles both steps.

The apostille itself does not expire. Chinese authorities often require the underlying document, especially police certificates, to have been issued within the last 6 months, so plan accordingly.

Apostille Prices

Fast apostille – 1 to 2 days legalisation service

Express Apostille Service

£82

Per document

For government and public documents

GRO Certificates (Birth, Marriage, Death)
ACRO and NPCC Record Checks
Certificate of No Impediment
Court Documents, HMRC Certs
Notarised Documents

Inclusive service
  • Document Checks
  • Fast Submission to FCDO
  • Customer Support
  • Order Tracking
Express Solicitor & Apostille

£94

Per document

Documents requiring certification

Degrees, Masters etc. – DBS
Company Documents
School, College, Uni Letters
Passports, Driving Licence
Employment Letters

Inclusive service
  • Document Checks
  • Solicitor Certification
  • Fast Submission to FCDO
  • Order Tracking
Set of Documents

£130

Per set of documents

Preparing a bound set of documents

Set of Academic Documents
Set of University Certificates
Set of Company Documents
Set of Personal Papers
(not suitable for other documents)

Inclusive service
  • Document Checks
  • Solicitor Certification
  • Fast Submission to FCDO
  • Order Tracking

Need help with your documents? —
Talk to one of the legalisation team

about apostille service