How to apostille U.S. company documents for use in China

China began applying the Apostille Convention with the United States on November 7, 2023. For many U.S. public documents going to China, an apostille replaced Chinese consular authentication.

What changed—and what did not

The Chinese Embassy states that a Convention document may be used with a U.S. apostille without the former Chinese consular authentication. The apostille does not, however, guarantee that a Chinese institution will accept the content, age, language or format.

Common corporate documents

• Articles of Incorporation or Organization.
• Certificate of Status or Good Standing.
• Board resolutions and incumbency certificates.
• Powers of attorney for representatives, counsel or distributors.
• Records for trademarks, banking, licensing or registration.

The signature controls the route

A Florida certified copy or Certificate of Status follows Florida's route. A notarized power follows the notary's state. A federal-agency record may need a federal apostille. Do not send everything to Washington merely because the destination is China.

Get instructions from the Chinese recipient

Before signing, request a list covering the entity's exact name, authorized signer, corporate seal, freshness, Chinese translation and original-document requirements. Inconsistent company-name translations can cause trouble even when the apostille is valid.

Recommended sequence

1. Define the exact use in China.
2. Obtain templates or wording from the recipient.
3. Order current certified copies and certificates.
4. Execute powers and resolutions with the proper formality.
5. Apostille each record through the competent authority.
6. Complete translation and delivery without altering originals.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Chinese Consulate still required?

The official notice removed Chinese consular authentication for documents covered by the Convention. Confirm exceptions and the particular use.

Does an apostille validate the contract?

No. It authenticates a public signature or seal, not authority, substance or compliance with Chinese law.

Will an online Articles printout work?

Often not. The recipient may require an official certified copy.

Official sources

• Embassy of China in the United States — Apostille Convention notice
• Florida Department of State — Accepted types of documents