General information only. Apostille fees, notary charges, and processing times vary by issuing country, Chinese notary, and document type. Figures below are planning bands, not quotes. Not legal advice; no attorney–client relationship.
Apostille & legalisation: Main guide · Pricing & timeline FAQ · POA / affidavit pack · Inheritance Apostille · Inheritance checklist
What usually goes in the pack
- Authority instrument — power of attorney with precise powers (sell property, open bank process, attend notary, accept service, etc.)
- Identity evidence — passport copies; corporate good standing if a company grants POA
- Authentication — notary + Apostille (Convention path) or legacy legalisation where required
- Chinese translation accepted by the receiving notary/court/bank
- Supporting facts affidavit when the Chinese office wants sworn narrative (kinship, single status, lost certificate, etc.)
Drafting tips that prevent rejection
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Vague “general power” | List concrete acts the agent may perform |
| Name mismatch | Match passport order; list Chinese characters if used on title deeds |
| Wrong governing formalities | Ask the receiving Chinese notary for their specimen language early |
| Expired Apostille chain timing | Some offices dislike stale documents—confirm validity expectations |
| Company chop expectations | Corporate POAs may need board resolutions + chop usage rules |
Template disclaimer
We intentionally do not publish a one-size-fits-all downloadable POA as “court-ready.” Using a wrong specimen can force a full re-Apostille. Counsel or the receiving notary should supply or approve the Chinese operative text when stakes are high (property, inheritance, litigation).
Need a document pack for China or abroad?
Start with the Apostille main guide · Ask a Lawyer · probate path: inheritance hub.
