China to join Apostille Convention, processing expected to improve

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Chinese government will join the Apostille Convention, a change that is expected to decrease the time required to authenticate certain documents.

Key Points:

• Beginning Nov. 7, 2023, the Apostille Convention will enter into force for China.
• Individuals will receive a single Apostille by a Competent Authority in the country where the document originated.
• Individuals will need an Apostille  if all of the following apply:
  • The country where the document was issued and the country where the document is to be used have joined the Apostille Convention.
  • The law of the country where the document was issued considers it a public document.
  • The country that will use the document requires an Apostille to recognize it as a foreign public document.

Additional Information: The electronic Apostille Program was launched in 2006 to support the electronic issuance and verification of Apostilles around the world. China will join 122 other countries who are a part of the Convention. More information on the Apostille Convention is available here.

BAL Analysis: The Chinese government has joined the Apostille Convention with intent to improve and ease the time required to authenticate certain public documents.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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