If If you need to use a UK Company Certificate of Incorporation in mainland China, the process is now much simpler.
Since 7 November 2023, China has officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention. As a result, Chinese consular legalisation is no longer required for UK documents.
For mainland China, a UK apostille issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is sufficient.
What Is a UK Certificate of Incorporation?
A Certificate of Incorporation is an official document issued by Companies House. It confirms that a company has been legally formed in the United Kingdom.
Chinese authorities commonly request this document for:
- opening corporate bank accounts
- verifying investment or shareholding structures
- registering subsidiaries or branch offices
- completing regulatory filings and compliance reviews
In practice, the certificate proves the legal existence and registration details of a UK company.
Do You Need an Apostille for Use in China?
Yes.
When you use a UK Certificate of Incorporation in mainland China, the document must carry a UK apostille.
Because China is now a Hague Convention member, the legalisation process ends once the FCDO issues the apostille.
Accordingly, no Chinese Embassy or Consulate legalisation applies.
Does a UK Certificate of Incorporation Need Solicitor Certification?
Yes.
Before the FCDO can issue an apostille, a UK solicitor must certify the Certificate of Incorporation.
Companies House documents are not apostilled directly. Instead, the solicitor certifies the document as a true and accurate copy. The FCDO then apostilles the solicitor’s signature.
How to Apostille a UK Certificate of Incorporation for China
To prepare the document correctly, follow these steps:
- Obtain a copy of the UK Certificate of Incorporation
- Check whether the Chinese authority requires a certified Chinese translation
- Arrange UK solicitor certification
- Submit the certified document to the FCDO for apostille
- Add translation if required by the recipient in China
Once apostilled, the document can be used directly in mainland China.
Common Issues to Avoid
Although the process is simpler than before, problems still occur. Most delays result from:
- submitting documents for Chinese consular legalisation (no longer required)
- using uncertified online printouts
- overlooking Chinese translation requirements
- providing documents that the recipient considers outdated
These mistakes often lead to rejection or repeat submissions.
Final Takeaway
For use in mainland China, a UK Company Certificate of Incorporation now requires:
- a UK apostille issued by the FCDO
- no Chinese Embassy or Consulate legalisation
When prepared correctly, the process is faster, simpler, and more predictable than under the old system.
UK Apostille for China – How Ginkgo Advisory Can Help
Ginkgo Advisory coordinates UK apostille services through UK-qualified solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and registered with the FCDO.
Our service includes
- solicitor certification of Companies House documents
- UK apostille submission and tracking
- document checks before filing
- English and Chinese bilingual support
Price: from £138 per document
Turnaround: approximately 3 working days
Contact Us
Address
167-169 Great Portland Street, 5/F, London
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