Introduction to consular authentication

Consular Certification refers to the activity in which consular certification institutions confirm the authenticity of the last seal or signature […]

Consular Certification refers to the activity in which consular certification institutions confirm the authenticity of the last seal or signature on foreign-related notarized documents, other certification documents, or relevant documents from abroad based on the application of individuals, legal entities, or other organizations. The purpose of consular certification is to ensure that documents issued by one country can be recognized in other countries, preventing doubts about the authenticity of seals or signatures from affecting their legal validity abroad. Consular certification does not serve as proof of the matters certified by the notarized documents or other certification documents, nor is it responsible for the authenticity or legality of the document’s content; the issuing entity is responsible for the content of the documents.

Domestic consular certification institutions refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the foreign affairs departments of local governments authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (hereinafter referred to as local foreign affairs offices). Foreign consular certification institutions refer to embassies and consulates abroad, as well as other overseas institutions authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On March 8, 2023, China joined the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (hereinafter referred to as the Convention). On November 7 of the same year, the Convention took effect in China, and China began issuing (additional certificates) from that date. Documents affixed with additional certificates can be used among the contracting states of the Convention without the need for consular certification from foreign embassies and consulates in China. Similarly, documents affixed with additional certificates from other contracting states of the Convention can be sent directly to China for use, without needing consular certification from the Chinese embassy or consulate in that country. The original consular certification procedures continue to apply between China and non-contracting states of the Convention.