Have you ever had to deal with legalizing documents in China? Even if you’ve only crossed paths with it once, you’re likely to recall that it was far from a no-brainer. Brace yourself for a game-changer in all things related to paperwork. Starting from November 7, China officially enters the Hague Convention.
China Enters the Hague Convention
01. What Happened?
On March 8th 2023, it was announced that China has finished the required paperwork to join the Hague Convention*, and its legal effects will commence from November 7, 2023.
*Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents of October 5, 1961.
签订公约
qiāndìng gōngyuē
to sign a convention
This is fantastic news for foreigners and locals alike, as it will make dealing with paperwork and documents much easier and faster.
02. What Will Change?
Once the Hague Convention takes legal effect, specific diplomatic and consular authentication are no longer necessary. All that’s required is an Apostille certificate* from the issuing country.
*Any document from a participating in the Hague Convention country with an Apostille is considered valid in China, and vice versa.
海牙认证证书
Hǎiyá rènzhèng zhèngshū
the Hague Apostille
🤓 As of October 2023, 126 countries and regions are participating in the Convention. Check if your country has joined the Hague Convention in this list.
03. Benefits & Profits
👩🦳 For Individuals
If you’re considering a move to China or preparing to return to your home country, this fantastic news will simplify and ease your international plans.
The process of verifying the authenticity of documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, non-criminal reports, and more becomes more straightforward. Individuals no longer need to undergo complex and time-consuming diplomatic or consular legalization. This eases the transition for expatriates, students, professionals, and families.
🧑💻 For Businesses
The Convention will impact a range of business-related documents, including registration certificates, agreements, contracts, and more.
The apostille procedure is quicker and more straightforward than the authentication and legalization process, which can take several weeks and involve notary public fees. Typically, an apostille is obtained in just a few days, depending on the document type. This makes things much simpler for companies in China, and has the potential to streamline your business processes.
Business-Related Phrases
As business processes are set to evolve, it’s a good time to learn important phrases for better communication with your Chinese partners.
01. Nice to meet you!
When you’re introduced to your business partners, the most appropriate phrase to use is:
很高兴认识你!
Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ!
(lit.”very-happy-to meet-you”)
02. Can we exchange business cards?
In China “关系” (guānxi), or connections are the foundation of your business. When the meeting is over, you can ask politely to exchange business cards with partners by saying:
我们可以交换名片吗?
Wǒmen kěyǐ jiāohuàn míngpiàn ma?
(lit.”we-can-to exchange-business card-ma?”)
03. I hope we will have a pleasant collaboration.
If you want to express your excitement for cooperating with a future partner, you can say:
希望我们合作愉快。
Xīwàng wǒmen hézuò yúkuài.
(lit.”to hope-we-to cooperate-joyful”)
04. Keep in touch!
After a business meeting, it’s important to express your wishes to stay in touch for future opportunities:
保持联系!
Bǎochí liánxì!
(lit.”to keep-connection”)
0 Comments