China prepares to introduce electronic apostille

In the People’s Republic of China, the implementation of electronic apostilles is set to begin in June 2025. This was reported by foreign diplomatic missions citing a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How China will begin implementing the electronic apostille

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed relevant stakeholders that the introduction of the electronic apostille will begin in the second half of June 2025. The implementation will proceed in stages. The first document to be digitally legalized for international use will be the "Certificate of Origin" issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

Over time, the list of documents eligible for e-Apostille will be gradually expanded. A digitally apostilled document will consist of three components:

• A "cover page" confirming the method of issuance,
• The digital original of the official document,
• The electronic apostille certificate.

The authenticity of the electronic apostille will be verifiable online via a dedicated service provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon launch, the Chinese government is expected to provide more detailed guidance on the procedure.

How China adopted apostille legalization

Schmidt & Schmidt previously reported that China joined the Hague Conference in 1987 but had not ratified the Apostille Convention for many years, remaining the largest country in the world without a simplified document legalization process.

However, on November 7, 2023, the Apostille Convention entered into force in the People’s Republic of China, significantly changing the legalization process for official documents. The exchange of official documents—particularly between Russia and China—has since become much simpler and more efficient.

As a result, mainland China became the 124th country to implement the apostille procedure.