Country of origin
Documents from China, Germany or a third country involve different authorities.
OTHER SERVICE · DOCUMENTS
Notarisation and apostilles
A different country, purpose or receiving authority can change the sequence for the same document. Establish the document chain before arranging translation, notarisation, an apostille or legalisation.
What this service helps with
Notarisation and authentication involve more than a stamp. Origin, recipient and use for visas, education, marriage, work or residence all affect the process.
Apostilles apply to specific countries and document types. Not every document uses this route, and receiving authorities may require different formats.
We assess the sequence and risks first. This page does not provide complete document templates; your checklist depends on the purpose and receiving authority.
What to clarify before starting
Country of use
The country where the document will be used determines the authentication route.
Document purpose
Visas, enrolment, marriage, employment and residence involve different uses.
Document type
Education, birth, marriage, criminal record and power-of-attorney documents require different handling.
How Deqiao can help
Assess the document chain
Determine the sequence for translation, notarisation, apostilles or legalisation.
Check document formats
Check whether originals, copies, translations and supporting documents meet the intended use.
Explain intended use
Clarify the document’s purpose and the receiving authority’s requirements.
Recommend timing
Sequence steps according to processing times and submission dates.
Coordinate related services
Check visa, study, family reunification or recognition services alongside the documents when needed.
Service contract and invoice
We provide a service contract and invoice to document the scope, payments and records for future use.
Common risks
Wrong authentication first
An incorrect sequence may require repeating the process.
Unclear intended use
Without knowing the recipient, it is hard to determine the required form.
Inconsistent personal details
Resolve inconsistencies in pinyin, previous names, dates of birth or document numbers early.
Overlooking validity periods
Criminal record, unmarried-status and financial documents often have time limits.
FAQ
How do apostilles and notarisation differ?
Notarisation certifies documents or facts; an apostille authenticates public documents for use abroad. Their purposes differ.
Does every document need an apostille?
No. It depends on the country of use, document type and receiving authority.
When should the translation be done?
It depends on the purpose and authority. Some documents are notarised first; others need a specific format.
Can an expired document still be used?
Some documents have clear time limits. Acceptance depends on the purpose and receiving authority.
Can I process all documents at once?
Group them by purpose first to avoid spending time on unnecessary documents.
Find the right route first
Share your background, goals and existing documents. We assess the direction, identify missing evidence and explain what to do next.