Not legal advice. FAO calendars and posted fees change. This page is how long the apostille queue feels — not whether you need one (Hague page) and not a price table.
Typical mainland outbound band: notary in days, then FAO/MOFA apostille in days to about two weeks, then courier — not an SLA. Peak season, translations and a picky receiving window add weeks. Same-day exists only if that FAO posted it. Inbound foreign apostilles run on the origin state’s clock. Confirm the board fee at the competent office; this page will not invent an RMB table. Agents mark up logistics, not the Convention. First decide you even need an apostille on the Hague page.
Notary days + apostille days–~2 weeks + post. Not an SLA.
Same-day?
Only if that window posted it.
Agent?
Queue + courier markup.
Need apostille?
Hague page first.
No price table on this page.
Scope and legal framework
Apostille is an administrative act. The Convention does not set a global fee or SLA. Mainland outbound apostilles sit at MOFA / authorised FAO after a notary deed.
Three invoices. Notary (private/statutory scale), FAO/MOFA (posted government fee), optional agent (unregulated markup). Do not treat the third as official.
Inbound vs outbound clocks. A US/UK apostille for use in China is the origin competent authority’s problem. China FAO time only applies to Chinese deeds going out.
Inbound origin-state time is not China’s.
Practical workflow
Peak season and translations add weeks.
Hague page: apostille vs legalisation.
Book notary; ask FAO whether mail-in or appointment is real this month.
Pay the posted fee; treat agent quotes as logistics.
Common mistakes
Hague page decides whether; this page is the queue.
Promising a buyer “stamped Friday” before FAO is booked.
Comparing a Shanghai FAO rumour to a US Secretary of State clock.
Skipping the inheritance apostille spoke for estate packs.
Legal boundary: Prefer primary statutes, judicial interpretations, and official guidance when making decisions. Where this guide links to city hubs or lawyer listings, verify credentials and engagement terms directly with counsel. Full disclaimer · Request a consultation.
FAQ
Common questions
Quick answers for foreign nationals and employers. Rules vary by city and change over time.
Can I mail documents to FAO?
Some offices allow it; many want the notary or an in-person slot. Call the desk that covers your notary’s city. Do not trust a national WeChat rumour.
Why is the agent 20× the government fee?
You are buying queue standing, translation and a courier. That can be rational. It is not an official rush stamp.
Consultation preparation
What to prepare before contacting counsel
Send a focused first package so counsel can check conflicts, understand scope, and identify urgent deadlines.
A concise timeline and the result you want to achieve.
Names of all parties and affiliates for a conflict check.
Key contracts, notices, correspondence, filings, or decisions.
Known deadlines, preferred language, location, and budget constraints.
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