Official Document Translation & Legalisation Map
Interactive index of country-specific requirements for certified translations, sworn translations, apostilles, and consular legalization for official submissions worldwide.
Translation Standard
Sworn Translator
Certified Translation
Notarised Translation
Not mapped yet
China
Other (Notarial Certificate System) translation standard
Requirements Summary
Apostille required
Depends on use outside China (China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2023)
Who can translate
Typically by professional translators used by local notary offices
Accepted languages
Chinese (Mandarin) required for official use
Legalization agency
Chinese Notary Offices (公证处); Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for apostille)
Official guidelines
Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of ChinaImportant: 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).
Detailed Guidelines
Who can translate
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
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.
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.