Guide · Certified translations
How do I prepare German and Chinese records for Apostilles and translation?
Older checklists may still mention legalisation. Compare those instructions with current German mission guidance and the actual recipient’s requirements.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
German mission guidance states that the Apostille Convention has applied to China since 7 November 2023. For German documents used in China and Chinese documents used in Germany, it describes the Apostille as the authentication route since that date. Any required translation and its format must be agreed separately.
Record the direction in which the document is used
Record the issuing country, document type and destination authority. A German certificate for China involves a different competence check from a Chinese record for a German registry office.
Use the appropriate official guidance for other issuing countries or particular territories. The source cited here does not automatically answer every international document route.
Use current Apostille guidance rather than old general lists
German missions identify the applicable Apostille route and no longer perform the former legalisation there. Their guidance states that earlier legalisations generally retain their validity.
If checklists conflict, ask the recipient using your actual source. Confirm the required document version and authentication before arranging additional steps.
Read more: German missions in China: Apostilles and certification
Translate the complete final source
Provide every connected page, including the Apostille, seals and attachments. Supply existing passport spellings and requested treatment of names without altering the source.
Agree the target language, certification and timing against the final set. Translation does not issue an Apostille; a page added afterwards may require additional work.
Your next steps
Identify document direction and competent recipient.
Match current Apostille instructions to the source.
Prepare the complete final document set.
State language, certification and translation scope.
More questions
Does the former legalisation route still apply generally to China?
The cited official source describes the Apostille route for the stated document directions since November 2023.
Does an Apostille remove the need for translation?
Not automatically. Clarify the recipient’s language requirements separately.
What matters when an Apostille is added later?
Supply the final version and clarify whether additional translation work is needed.
Sources and further reading
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
Prepare your documents and requirements
Start with a free initial estimate or discuss any special requirements with us.
Free, no registration and not yet an order.