Using Turkish documents in China
We translate and certify your Turkish documents so they are accepted in China
Yeni İpekyolu handles the sworn Chinese translation, notarisation and apostille steps for your registry documents, powers of attorney, diplomas and certificates for use in China, and clarifies the required format in advance.
Using Turkish documents in China: a guide to translation, notary and apostille
The apostille era: what changed when China joined the Apostille Convention?
China became a party to the Apostille Convention, in force since November 2023. This means that for Turkish public documents to be used in China, an apostille issued by the competent authority in Türkiye is now generally sufficient, replacing the earlier lengthy chain of consular legalisation. The process has become noticeably shorter. Even so, some institutions and cities may keep their own additional requirements; at Yeni İpekyolu, we confirm the current practice and the receiving institution's expectations for each document together with you.
An apostille confirms the authenticity of the signature and seal on a document; it does not translate the content. That is why Chinese counterparts or authorities often ask for a Chinese translation alongside the apostilled document. Who should translate it, in what format and with what certification can vary depending on where the document will be used. A common problem for Turkish companies is discovering, after apostilling and sending the document to China, that the translation is required in a different format. We clarify this step at the very beginning.
Which documents, in what order? Notary, apostille and sworn translation
The type of document determines the route. Company documents such as the trade registry gazette, certificate of activity, signature circular and power of attorney; personal documents such as diplomas, transcripts and criminal record certificates; and product certificates or free sale certificates may pass through different authorities and steps. Some documents first need notarisation, while others can be apostilled directly via the issuing authority. At Yeni İpekyolu, we prepare a checklist showing the correct order for each document and prevent unnecessary steps and costs from the start.
At the translation stage, our sworn Chinese translation team translates your documents directly from Turkish into Chinese rather than via English. Company names, addresses, Chinese renderings of personal names and legal terms are used consistently; this consistency matters because the same documents are often reused in China for company formation, trademark applications or banking. Where the translation's notarisation or apostille fits into the chain is planned according to the requirements of the institution that will use the document.
What do Chinese counterparts usually ask for?
When setting up a company or representative office in China, the Turkish parent company is typically asked for an up-to-date registry record, a certificate of activity, signature circulars and passport copies of authorised persons, and a power of attorney for the local agent. A trademark application may require a document proving the applicant's identity, while tenders and distribution agreements may call for company documents and proof of authority. In work permit procedures, diplomas and criminal record certificates are often requested. Because these lists can vary by city and institution, we recommend getting a written document list from the other side.
At Yeni İpekyolu, we review this list in Chinese and, where needed, confirm it directly with the relevant agent or institution through our team in China. We also watch document validity: some institutions may require documents to have been issued within a certain period. We coordinate sending the apostilled documents and translations to the address in China by courier, and respond quickly if an additional request comes after delivery. That way your procedure on the Chinese side is not held up by missing documents.
People and companies sending documents to China
Those setting up a company or office in China
Parent company documents and powers of attorney need to be used in China. We prepare the document pack according to the formation agent's list.
Trademark applicants
Applicant documents may be requested for trademark registration in China. We run the translation and certification steps in line with the filing timeline.
People going to work or study in China
Documents such as diplomas, transcripts and criminal records are often required for permits and enrolment. We prepare your personal documents in the correct order.
Exporters and tender participants
A distributor, importer or tender authority may ask for company and product documents. We help you submit them in Chinese and certified.
What we take on in document preparation
Document list confirmation
We review in Chinese the documents required by the agent, partner or institution in China and clarify missing or unclear points. Where needed, we confirm directly.
Process plan
We prepare a plan showing the notary, apostille and translation order for each document. We state clearly where you obtain each one.
Sworn Chinese translation
Our sworn translators translate your documents from Turkish into Chinese. We keep names, addresses and titles consistent.
Notary and apostille coordination
We guide you through notarisation and apostille and coordinate appointments and paperwork. We confirm current practice each time.
Dispatch and follow-up in China
We track the documents until they reach the address in China. If the institution asks for more, our team in China responds quickly.
Service summary and requirements
| Document types | Company documents, powers of attorney, diplomas, certificates, criminal records |
|---|---|
| Delivered by | Sworn Chinese translators, our Istanbul office and team in China |
| Pricing | Quote based on number of documents and page length |
| Service languages | Turkish · Chinese · English |
| Cities served | Guangzhou · Shenzhen · Yiwu · Shanghai · Hangzhou · Beijing (coordinated from our Istanbul office) |
The final price and timeline depend on the scope; we send you a clear quote promptly.
What you need to provide
- The document list or request letter from the Chinese side
- Originals or up-to-date official copies of the documents
- Passport copies of authorised persons
- Any Chinese names previously used for the company and individuals
- The delivery address in China and target date
How your documents are prepared for China
- 1
Clarifying the purpose and list
We review together what the documents will be used for in China and the other side's list. Where needed, we confirm in Chinese.
- 2
Obtaining the documents
We guide you in obtaining up-to-date documents from the registry, school or relevant authority. We draft the power of attorney text in line with the Chinese side.
- 3
Notary and apostille
You complete the required notarisations and apostilles in the planned order, and we follow each step. We confirm the current rules together.
- 4
Chinese translation
We translate the documents into Chinese, including the apostille. We format them to meet the expectations of the institution that will use them.
- 5
Delivery and follow-up
We send the documents to China and confirm receipt. If there is an additional request, we complete it quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Is consular legalisation still needed for China?
Since China joined the Apostille Convention, in force since November 2023, an apostille is generally sufficient for Turkish public documents. However, some special cases or institutions may have different requirements. We confirm the current practice together for each case.
Does translation come first, or the apostille?
It depends on the type of document and the institution in China that will use it. In many cases the Turkish document is apostilled first and then translated into Chinese together with the apostille. We plan the correct order document by document.
Should I have the Chinese translation done in China?
Some Chinese institutions may require the translation to be done or stamped by an authorised translation company in China. We find out about this requirement at the start and plan accordingly; where needed, we provide that format through our partners in China.
How should I prepare the power of attorney?
The scope of the power of attorney must fully cover what the agent or partner in China will do. We prepare the text together based on the Chinese side's request and plan the notary, apostille and Chinese translation steps.
Do documents have a validity period?
Some Chinese institutions may require documents, especially registry records and certificates of activity, to be recently issued. We therefore recommend obtaining documents close to the date they will be used. We confirm the required period with the other side.
Do you prepare diplomas and criminal records for work permits?
Yes. We plan the certification and translation steps for documents typically required for work permits in China, such as diplomas and criminal records. We follow the list from the employer or relevant agent and confirm the current rules together.
I am outside Istanbul. Can we run the process remotely?
Yes. We share the document list, plan and translations online. You can complete the notary and apostille steps in your own city and send the originals by courier.
Tell us what you need in China
Our consultant reviews your needs for free and gives you a clear price and timeline.
