Corporate Immigration — Simplified immigration process regarding China’s Apostille Convention

Consular authentication on public documents is no longer required between China and the other member countries of the Apostille Convention.

Who will be affected?

All foreigners from a member country of the Apostille Convention who are relocating to China for an assignment and all Chinese nationals will work in a member country of the Apostille Convention.

Background

On 08 March 2023, China acceded to the Convention, abolishing the requirement of legalisation for foreign public documents (from now on referred to as the Convention). On 07 November 2023, the Convention entered into force between China and all the other member countries of the Apostille Convention.

Before 07 November 2023, getting public documents legalised by the relevant foreign Embassy/Consulate in the country where the documents were issued was a requirement for immigration purposes for foreign nationals to work in China and for Chinese nationals to work in other foreign countries.

From 07 November 2023, an Apostille shall be issued and embossed on the public documents as referred to in the Convention that are issued in China or any other member country of the Apostille Convention and are to be used in any other member country of the Apostille Convention or Chinese mainland, instead of legalisation by the relevant Embassy/Consulate in the country where the documents are issued.

Impact

With the effect of this new regulation, the immigration process will be simplified, and the time required to complete the relevant immigration formalities will be reduced by 2 to 4 weeks on average. We expect the relevant immigration cost to be reduced for people relocating between China and the other member countries of the Apostille Convention.

Date of implementation

07 November 2023

Santa Fe Analysis

This is a positive change and demonstrates that the Chinese government encourages the mobility of international talent and is trying to optimize the immigration procedures for global talent to relocate in and out of China. We believe this measure shows that the Chinese government welcomes foreign investment and foreign talent while striving to create a more favourable and efficient immigration atmosphere for the globalization of Chinese companies.

For any inquiries or further clarification, you are welcome to reach out to the designated contacts below:

Connie Wang
Immigration & Destination Services Manager—China
Santa Fe Relocation China
+86 6233 9700 X 247
connie.wang@santaferelo.com

Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
+44 7990 021125
robert.day@santaferelo.com

About our Immigration Services

Our distinguished immigration services oversee a substantial volume of visa applications annually, catering to a diverse array of international corporations. Our seasoned team of immigration experts and accredited migration agents are entrusted with the meticulous management of the entire immigration process on your behalf. We are committed to delivering streamlined reporting and offering comprehensive guidance on all immigration-related affairs, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for our valued clients.