60 DAY TEFL · GUIDES THAT ACTUALLY ANSWER THE QUESTION

china documents

How do you apostille a degree for a China teaching visa?

AUTHENTICATE FIRST
2026 update

the short answer

China's Z visa process typically requires your bachelor's degree — and often your criminal background check — to be authenticated, either via apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or full embassy/consular legalisation where an apostille isn't recognised locally. The exact requirement depends on your home country and which Chinese consulate you apply through. Get an accredited TEFL, confirm the current requirement with the Chinese consulate, then start authentication early since it's slow.

Key facts

DegreeBachelor's minimum, most provinces
DocumentOriginal degree certificate + transcript
AuthenticationApostille or embassy legalisation
TEFL hours120+ accredited, often required alongside
VisaZ visa (work visa)
Processing time4-10 weeks typical, varies by consulate
Hardest partGetting the ORIGINAL degree authenticated, not a copy

step one, always

Get the certificate before you apply

Get the accredited TEFL course

We may earn a commission if you buy through this link. You still choose the course.

typical, not guaranteed

Your timeline

  1. 1

    Locate your original degree certificate

    Some universities need to reissue or verify certificates for graduates who lost the original.

    1 day-4 weeks
  2. 2

    Notarise

    Often required before apostille/legalisation, depending on your country's process.

    1-2 weeks
  3. 3

    Apostille or legalise

    Apostille if your country is in the Hague Convention; otherwise full embassy legalisation chain.

    2-6 weeks
  4. 4

    Legalise at the Chinese embassy/consulate

    Many Chinese consulates still want their own consular legalisation stamp on top of an apostille.

    1-3 weeks
  5. 5

    Background check + TEFL

    Police certificate and TEFL certificate typically need similar authentication.

    Parallel, 2-8 weeks
  6. 6

    Apply for Z visa / work permit

    Submit full document set once school has issued the invitation and work permit notice.

    2-6 weeks
Start the 120-hour / Level 5 course

Apostille vs. embassy legalisation — know which you need

An apostille is a single authentication stamp recognised between countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Embassy or consular legalisation is a longer chain — notarise, then authenticate domestically, then get the destination country's embassy to add its own stamp — used when the apostille alone isn't accepted.

China's own recognition of apostilles has been evolving, so what was true two years ago may not be true now. Confirm directly with the Chinese consulate handling your region, because requirements differ slightly by consulate district even within the same country.

Why the original degree certificate matters

Most authentication chains need your actual original degree certificate, not a photocopy or a PDF, sent to a notary and then to a government authentication office. If your only copy is a scan, or your university no longer holds records easily accessible, factor extra weeks into your timeline to get a certified replacement.

Transcripts sometimes need separate authentication alongside the degree certificate itself — check the school's and consulate's exact document list rather than assuming the degree alone is enough.

Common mistakes that cost weeks

The most common mistake is starting the apostille process after accepting a job offer instead of before, when the school is already expecting you within a set window. The second is assuming a degree apostilled for one country automatically satisfies China's requirements — it doesn't always, since China sometimes wants its own consular legalisation layered on top.

The third is sending a document for authentication with a name mismatch (maiden name, minor spelling differences) between the degree and your passport — this can bounce the whole application back.

what people actually ask

FAQs

Does China accept a plain apostille on my degree?

It depends on your country and the specific consulate handling your visa. Some accept a straightforward apostille; others still want additional consular legalisation, so confirm with the Chinese consulate before starting.

How long does degree authentication take for China?

Typically 4-10 weeks depending on your country's authentication office and the consulate's current workload, though queues move and this isn't guaranteed. Start as early as possible once you have a job offer in progress.

Can I use a foundation degree or HND for a China Z visa?

Most provinces require a full bachelor's degree for the Z visa, and equivalents like foundation degrees or HNDs are often not accepted. Check the specific school's and consulate's current rules before assuming.

Do I need to authenticate my TEFL certificate too?

Some provinces and schools ask for it, others don't — this varies. Ask your prospective school directly which documents need authentication so you don't pay for unnecessary steps.

What if my degree name doesn't match my current legal name?

Name mismatches between your degree, passport and other documents can delay or block authentication. Get a supporting document (marriage certificate, deed poll) ready and mention the discrepancy to the notary upfront.

keep going

Read next

TEFL documents checklist →Teach in China guide →Foundation degree TEFL guide →
Get certified — then apply →