Notarization & Authentication

Guide to Application for Consular Authentication

Authentication (legalisation) is the verification of stamps and signatures on your documents before you could use them in the mainland of China.

Your documents should be legalised by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa before you bring them to the Embassy or Consulates of China.

Please visit the website of DIRCO (http://www.dfa.gov.za/consular/legalisation) to find out how to do your legalisation at DIRCO.

If you need to use your documents in Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR of China, you are required to do an Apostille Certificate on your documents.

Visit the website of DIRCO (http://www.dfa.gov.za/consular/legalisation) to find out how to obtain an Apostille Certificate at DIRCO.

When you submit your application for authentication in the Chinese Embassy:

1.Civil (Personal) Documents should be accompanied by:

1.(1)Fully Completed Application Form

2.(2)Original and Photocopy of the ID* of Applicant.

3.(3)Original and Photocopy of the ID* of the Agent (if applicable).

4.(4)The original document for authentication and its photocopy

* Photocopy of passport and valid residence permit if not South African citizen.

2.Business (Company) Documents should be accompanied by:

1.(1)Fully Completed Application Form

2.(2)Original and photocopy of the ID* of the agent (the person who submits the application on behalf of the company).

3.(3)Appointment letter from the company.

4.(4)Business registration of the company, which includes the name of legal representative.

5.(5)Photocopy of the ID of the legal representative of the company.

6.(6)The original document for authentication and its photocopy.

* Photocopy of passport and valid residence permit if not South African citizen.

Processing time of application: 4 working days.

Application fee: R250 for 1 civil document, R500 for 1 business document.