Superlegalisation for China

Superlegalisation for China

Thinking of studying or working in China? Then be ready for all your records and documents to be checked, as this involves going through superlegalisation.

Every document issued in your home country that you intend to use in China has to be superlegalised. But what exactly does the term mean, when does the requirement apply to you, and what difficulties can arise along the way? Who can help? The following sections answer precisely these questions.

Document issue dates, administrative requirements and current forms

Superlegalisation step by step The process begins with correctly completing the application, whose templates and forms can usually be downloaded from the website of the relevant institution. Following this step will save you a great deal of time:

Above all, make sure the form you have downloaded is the current version. If you use an outdated application form, the office will simply turn your application down.

When superlegalisation is needed

All in all, there are not actually that many situations in which superlegalisation will concern you. Let us look together at the ones you are most likely to come across.

Studying or working in China

Hoping to study in China? Your documents, in this case a certificate or diploma, will need to go through superlegalisation. The same applies if you apply for a job in China. Take care, as you will most likely also need a notarised copy of the certificate or diploma.

Chinese citizenship and/or temporary residence in China

To meet these requirements you will need a good many more documents confirmed by superlegalisation. Be ready to superlegalise a certificate of no criminal record, a birth certificate and, if you are married, a marriage certificate.

Getting married in China

If you intend to marry a citizen of any country in China, the Chinese authorities will ask for proof of citizenship and certified birth certificates. This applies where at least one of the spouses is not a Chinese citizen.

Superlegalisation: what is it?

Superlegalisation confirms that a seal or signature has been verified for use in another country, so in that respect it resembles a standard authentication of a document. The certifying authority attaches the relevant superlegalisation certificate to the document, which can easily be spotted on the document itself as a printed endorsement or stamp.

You may also encounter the term apostille, which is likewise a form of authentication, but superlegalisation is more involved. It is the highest and most demanding level of verification, and you should expect to need at least two and as many as four endorsements from different state authorities, such as embassies or ministries.

Check the issue date of the original document you are starting the superlegalisation process for.

Superlegalisation application forms are generally written in the language of the country concerned, so completing them can take considerably longer. To avoid unnecessary errors, make sure you fill them in with someone who understands the specialist and legal terminology.

The maximum validity of documents varies: it is usually 3 years, but sometimes only 3-6 months. If the document to be verified is out of date, you will have to obtain a new one. Make sure it is the original or an equivalent, because the authorities will not accept a certified copy for either superlegalisation or an apostille.

When do you need superlegalisation, and when an apostille?

The apostille covers almost every country in the world, but there are some states to which the 1961 Hague Convention does not apply. For those states you will need documents verified through superlegalisation. Click here for an overview of the states that require superlegalisation.

What to expect when handling superlegalisation abroad

Whatever your situation, allow plenty of time and bring patience and determination, because superlegalisation really is complicated. The original documents being verified will very likely not be enough on their own; you will also need experience and perhaps the right contacts. So do not be surprised by the whole universe of possible complications. What are they, and how can you best avoid them? Let us take them one at a time.

Paying superlegalisation fees abroad

Payment is normally the simplest part of any process, but not where superlegalisation is concerned. Because laws differ from country to country, and state authorities almost nowhere accept online card payments or bank transfers, superlegalisation fees can be paid in cash or by cheque.

Always pay in the correct currency; otherwise you will need a cheque drawn on a foreign bank account with sufficient funds, or revenue stamps. Where possible, another option is to go to the office in person and pay the fees there, although this is generally more expensive and very time-consuming