Notarization Law of China (2005) · Yalla China
中华人民共和国公证法 / Notarization Law of China (2005)
Enacted: 2005-08-28 ✅ Effective: 2006-03-01
📝 Overview
Regulates notarization activities in China and defines documents requiring official notarization, with recognition of authenticated foreign notarized documents.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
Notarization Law (2005): (1) notarization is provided through government notary offices in China; (2) commonly notarized documents: sale contracts, marriage, adoption, and power of attorney; (3) foreign documents: accepted if notarized abroad + authenticated by Chinese embassy or apostille (since 2023); (4) online notarization: some large notary offices provide electronic services for eligible cases. Notary offices exist in every Chinese city and operate during official business hours.
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
Foreign documents authenticated with apostille (since 2023) are directly accepted in China without needing additional authentication from the Chinese embassy.
📎 Official source
National People's Congress Standing Committee
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026