Legalization means the authentication of the last signature or seal/stamp of the relevant authority affixed on a document. A legalization in no way attests to the authenticity of the contents of a document.

Ø       Steps

To have a document that was executed in the Republic of Cyprus be accepted in the People's Republic of China, The document shall first be notarized by a Cypriot Notary Public (Certifying Officer), then authenticated by the Legalization Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus and finally be authenticated by the Chinese Embassy.

Ø       Requirements for application

1．         The original document authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus and its complete duplicate;

(Note: Document that contains more than two pages should be tightly bound and have the notary public seal to avoid any forge behavior.)

2．         Completed application form;

3．         Documents for private affairs, proof of identity with photo (e.g. valid passport, ID card) and its duplicate.

 

Ø     Frequent Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for notarization from the Chinese Embassy for documents executed in China?

A:           No.

        Documents executed in China to be used in foreign countries must complete the following procedures:

         1) Documents should be notarized by a Notary Public in China;

        2) Documents should be authenticated by a provincial Office of Foreign Affairs Office or the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

        3) Documents should be authenticated by an Embassy or Consulate General of the relevant country.

         Chinese Embassies or Consulates do not notarize or authenticate documents executed in China.

2. Does the Embassy bear responsibility for the contents of the documents authenticated?

A:    No.

Consular authentication by the Chinese Embassy is merely the attestation to the veracity of the signature of an official and seal or stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus attached to the document. The Embassy does not verify as to the accuracy, truth, legality or otherwise the contents of the document. Nevertheless, an authentication application would be declined if the contents of a document contravene laws or regulations of the People's Republic of China.

3. Can application for legalization of documents be mailed to Chinese Embassy?

A:           No.

The Embassy does not accept application by mail. Therefore, the applicant or his designated representative must come to the Embassy in person.