In short: we notarise documents in Melbourne for use in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, in English, Mandarin or Cantonese. Since 7 November 2023, documents for mainland China need notarisation (where required) and a DFAT apostille only; the Chinese Consulate no longer legalises them.
If you need to use an Australian document in China, it may need to be certified with an Apostille issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), depending on the type of document and the receiving authority in China.
Following China’s accession to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, Australian documents intended for use in China are now generally accepted if they have been properly issued with an Apostille certificate.
At Chua Tan & Associates, we provide professional Notary Public and DFAT Apostille services in Melbourne, assisting individuals and businesses with preparing, notarising, and legalising documents for use in China and other overseas jurisdictions.
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Hague Convention.
Its purpose is to verify the authenticity of an Australian public document so that it can be legally recognised in another Hague Convention member country, including China.
An Apostille confirms:
Once an Apostille is attached, the document is recognised internationally without the need for further embassy or consular legalisation in most cases.
Yes.
China has joined the Hague Apostille Convention, which means that Australian documents with a properly issued Apostille certificate are generally accepted for use in China.
However, the document must be:
Different Chinese authorities may also have specific requirements depending on the purpose of the document.
You may need an Apostille if your Australian documents are being used in China for:
At Chua Tan Associates, we provide a complete end-to-end service for China Apostille matters.
We first assess your documents to confirm:
If your document is not already in an acceptable form, our Notary Public in Melbourne will:
We assist with submitting your documents to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Apostille certification.
DFAT will:
Once the Apostille is issued, your document is generally ready for use in China for legal, personal, commercial, or administrative purposes.
While China now accepts Apostille under the Hague Convention, in practice:
We assist clients in ensuring documents meet both Australian and Chinese expectations before submission.
Used for countries that are members of the Hague Convention, including China.
Used for countries that are not members of the Hague Convention.
Choosing the right professional is critical for China-bound documents. Errors can lead to rejection, delays, or additional costs.
Clients choose us because we provide:
We ensure your documents are correctly prepared before submission, reducing the risk of rejection by overseas authorities.
Yes. China is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, and Apostilled documents are generally accepted.
In most cases, no. However, certain institutions or document types may have additional requirements depending on their internal policies.
Processing time depends on DFAT workload and document type. It typically takes several business days once correctly submitted.
Yes, you can apply directly through DFAT. However, many clients prefer legal assistance to ensure documents are correctly prepared and avoid rejection.
No. Some government-issued documents can be directly submitted to DFAT, while others require notarisation first.
Initial document review can be done remotely, but original documents are usually required for Apostille processing.
If you require Apostille services for China, DFAT authentication, or international document legalisation, Chua Tan Associates provides a professional and efficient solution.
We ensure your documents are correctly prepared, properly certified, and ready for use in China, giving you confidence in cross-border legal and administrative matters.
Contact our Melbourne office today to arrange a consultation or document review.
No. Since China joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 7 November 2023, a DFAT apostille replaces consular legalisation for documents used in mainland China.
Hong Kong and Macau have long accepted apostilles. Documents are notarised where required and then apostilled by DFAT.
Taiwan is not part of the Apostille Convention. Documents are generally notarised, authenticated by DFAT, and then verified by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. Please confirm the requirements with the receiving authority.
Yes. Our notary speaks Mandarin and Cantonese and will confirm you understand the document before witnessing your signature. We can arrange NAATI-accredited translation if needed.
Powers of attorney for property, banking and inheritance; same-person declarations; birth, marriage and divorce certificates; police checks; and company documents.
Our notary office is at Level 2, 262 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Same-day appointments are often available, and we speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Call 03 9602 3988, email chuatan@tpg.com.au or book online. For a fixed-fee quote, see our notary fees page.
在澳大利亚签署或签发的文件，如需在中国大陆、香港、澳门或台湾使用，通常须先由澳大利亚国际公证律师（Notary Public）公证，再办理相应的认证手续。墨尔本公证处（Chua Tan Associates 蔡庆伟律师事务所）位于墨尔本市中心 Queen Street，自1990年起服务华人社区，可以用普通话、粤语和英语与您沟通，协助您准备、签署及认证各类文件。
中国已于2023年11月7日正式加入《取消外国公文认证要求的公约》。一般情况下，在澳大利亚公证的文件只需由澳大利亚外交贸易部（DFAT）加签海牙认证（Apostille），即可直接在中国大陆使用，不再需要中国驻澳使领馆办理领事认证。
香港和澳门同样适用海牙认证。文件经公证后由 DFAT 加签 Apostille 即可使用。
台湾不适用海牙认证。文件一般须先公证，再由 DFAT 办理认证（Authentication），然后送交台北经济文化办事处办理文件验证。具体要求请事先向收件单位确认。
地址：Level 2, 262 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
电话：03 9602 3988
电邮：chuatan@tpg.com.au
办公时间：周一至周五 上午9点至下午5点，其他时间可预约。
欢迎当天预约，也可以在线预约。
Phone: 03 9602 3988
Email: chuatan@tpg.com.au
Address: Level 2, 262 Queen Street, Melbourne CBD
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. After hours by appointment.
LIABILITY LIMITED BY A SCHEME APPROVED UNDER PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS LEGISLATION
© CHUA TAN ASSOCIATES LAWYERS, CONSULTANTS & PUBLIC NOTARY 2026
