What is the Official Document Recognition Map?

An interactive map showing each country's official requirements for recognising foreign documents, including when certified translations, apostilles, or legalisation are needed.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

When do I need a certified translation?

A certified translation is typically required when submitting foreign language documents to government agencies, courts, or official institutions. Requirements vary by country - use the map to check specific country requirements.

What's the difference between legalisation and an apostille?

Apostille is used between countries that are part of the Hague Convention (simplified process), while legalisation is the traditional process used between countries not part of the convention, often requiring multiple steps through foreign ministries and embassies.

Translation Requirements for China

China 🇨🇳

Requirement: Other (Notarial Certificate System)

Requirements summary

Apostille required	Depends on use outside China (China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2023)
Translation type required	Translation accompanied by a Notarial Certificate
Who can translate	Typically by professional translators used by local notary offices
Official translator registry	No national translator registry; no court-sworn regime
Accepted languages	Chinese (Mandarin) required for official use
Legalisation authority	Chinese Notary Offices (公证处); Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for apostille)
Official source	Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China

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).

Official Notary Authority – Ministry of Justice

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.

Official Document Recognition Map - Translation, Apostille & Legalisation Rules by Country

Legalisation and translation requirements in China