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Notarized translation standardVerified June 2026

Document Translation Requirements in China

Official bodies in China generally require a notarized translation of foreign-language documents, and many documents also need an apostille or legalization before they are translated. Below: who can translate, when an apostille is needed, and where the official rules are published.

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China requirements at a glance

Translation standardNotarized translation (Other (Notarial Certificate System))
Who can translateTypically by professional translators used by local notary offices
ApostilleDepends on use outside China (China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2023)
Accepted languagesChinese (Mandarin) required for official use
Responsible authorityChinese Notary Offices (公证处); Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for apostille)
Important: In China, translations for official purposes are not recognised simply by the translator’s signature — they must be supported by a Notarial Certificate issued by a state Notary Office (公证处).

Who can translate documents for use in China?

China does not operate a sworn translator system or a public national translator registry. For official use — including immigration, business licensing, marriage registration, or court matters — documents in foreign languages must first be translated into Chinese. Translations are usually prepared by professional translators or recognised translation agencies, and then submitted to a local Notary Office (公证处) for certification.

What makes a translation official in China?

The document becomes legally valid in China when the notary office issues a Notarial Certificate confirming that:
  • The translation accurately reflects the original
  • The translator is competent and appropriately qualified
  • The notary has reviewed and certified the translation
    • Most Chinese authorities will not accept translations that lack this notarial certification.

    How does China treat documents from abroad?

    Foreign documents submitted to Chinese authorities must generally be:
  • Apostilled or legalised in the issuing country (if required)
  • Translated into Chinese
  • Notarised by a Chinese Notary Office
    • If the document is intended for use outside China after translation, an apostille must be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

    Legal basis

    Notarial services in China — including notarisation of translations — are administered by state Notary Offices under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China. Notarial Certificates provide the legal effect required by Chinese authorities.

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    Translating Chinese documents for the U.S.?

    Chinese birth certificates, diplomas, and transcripts submitted to USCIS, universities, or credential evaluators need a certified English translation — that is exactly what we do, with a 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee.

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    Sending U.S. documents to China?

    U.S.-issued documents usually need an apostille before they can be used in China — and the apostille should be obtained before the translation, so the certificate itself gets translated too. We offer e-apostille processing as an add-on to any order.

    How apostilles work Order translation with e-apostille

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    China translation requirements — FAQ

    What type of translation does China require?

    China follows the notarized translation standard for official documents. Translations should be completed by: typically by professional translators used by local notary offices.

    Is an apostille required for foreign documents in China?

    Depends on use outside China (China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2023)

    What languages do Chinese authorities accept?

    Official authorities in China accept documents in: Chinese (Mandarin) required for official use. Documents in any other language need a notarized translation before submission.

    Can CertTranslate help with documents for China?

    If you are submitting Chinese documents to U.S. authorities (USCIS, universities, credential evaluators), yes — our certified translations are accepted nationwide. For official use inside China, authorities generally expect a notarized translation; check the official guidelines linked on this page. We can also advise on apostille requirements for U.S.-issued documents.

    Requirements in related countries

    Neighbors and countries with a similar translation standard.

    AustraliaIndonesiaIndiaMalaysiaNew ZealandSingaporeView all countries on the map

    Sources

    Information verified against official sources. Last verified June 2026.

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