How to obtain an Apostille from DFAT Australia for use in China
Navigating the bureaucratic processes of international document verification can be challenging. For individuals or entities requiring legally recognised documents in China from Australia, securing an Apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is a crucial step.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what an Apostille is, the processes involved in obtaining one from DFAT in Australia for use in China, and the specific steps required to ensure your documents remain valid and recognised in China.
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is an official certificate issued under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, which authenticates the origin of a public document (e.g., birth certificate, diploma, court order). This simplifies the international verification process, allowing documents from one member country to be recognised in another without any further authentication.
China recently became a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention paving the way for a quicker process for having Australian documents recognised in China.
It should be noted that if you intend to use your documents in Taiwan, your documents must undergo an additional form of consular authentication with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney, NSW.
Why is an Apostille Important?
The Apostille ensures that your documents are legally recognized abroad. For Australians interacting with Chinese counterparts – whether for business, legal, educational, or personal matters – securing an authenticated document is essential for its acceptance by Chinese authorities and institutions.

Steps to Obtain an Apostille from DFAT Australia for use in China
1. Determine Document Eligibility
First, ascertain whether your document is eligible for an Apostille for use in China. Typically, eligible documents include:
- Personal documents such as Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates issued by State and Territory Registries of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
- Educational documents including university diplomas and transcripts.
- Affidavits, statutory declarations, powers of attorney and other court documents.
- Business and corporate documents including ASIC company certificates, trade certificates and more.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Ensure that your documents are in good order and any preliminary requirements, such as notarisation by a notary public, are completed. Certain documents may need to be notarised or certified by a qualified authority before DFAT will issue an Apostille for use in China.
3. Submit Documents to DFAT
You can submit your request for an Apostille for use in China either in person at DFAT offices or by post.
In-person Submissions: You can visit any of DFAT’s State or Territory offices. Before visiting, it’s advisable to check the specific requirements and opening hours of the office you intend to visit.
Postal Submissions: Mail your documents along with a completed ‘Request for Legalisation Services’ form to DFAT. Include a pre-paid, self-addressed return envelope for the return of your documents.
4. Pay the Necessary Fees
DFAT charges a fee for issuing an Apostille for use in China. Check the DFAT website for the current fee structure and payment methods. Ensure that payment is processed correctly to avoid any delays.
5. Await Processing
Processing times can vary depending on the volume of requests. Typically, in-person requests are processed more quickly than those submitted by mail.
Why you should use Authentifier for your Apostille needs
Obtaining an Apostille and subsequent authentication for your documents required to be used in China is intricate and understanding the steps involved is critical for ensuring that you don’t waste your time, resources and money to achieve a successful outcome.
Authentifier can help you prepare your documents properly, thus ensuring that you meet all preliminary requirements, and adhering to both DFAT and Chinese consular procedures so that your documents are legally recognised in China.
For the most current and detailed information, get in touch with Authentifier today.
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