- Menu
-
- Help & Support
- Contact Us
- Request a Quote (Legalisation)
- About Us
Leaving so soon?
Fill in the form below we'll send you our latest blog posts as soon as they're published, so you can keep up-to-date with the legalisation and travel situation across the globe.
Getting A Job In China – Complete Guide To Paperwork
As a legalisation and visa company, we have extensive experience in helping clients with the paperwork required to obtain their dream jobs in China. We've been dealing with documentation for China since 2006, and our expertise in handling TEFL qualifications is unrivalled in the industry. Below, our team have put together a complete guide for you to the paperwork you will require to secure your new teaching position!
In this article
As a legalisation and visa company, we have extensive experience in helping clients with the paperwork required to obtain their dream jobs in China. We’ve been dealing with documentation for China since 2006, and our expertise in handling TEFL qualifications is unrivalled in the industry. Below, our team have put together a complete guide for you to the paperwork you will require to secure your new teaching position!
Our team of specialists will guide you through each stage in order of completion. While this is based on a UK applicant, we can complete the legalisation processes for you wherever your documents were issued. We can only help you apply for your Chinese Z Visa if you are based in the UK, but with our extensive network of colleagues in over 150 countries, we will be able to advise you on any legalisation or visa related query as required.
How to legalise your documents for use in China
Contribution by
Andrew Howden is an Account Manager in the legalisation sector of the company. With 6 years experience in dealing with a range of countries and sectors, Andrew specialises in teaching in China. He will take you through the initial stages of your having your paperwork prepared to apply for your work permit.
So, you’ve made the decision to accept a teaching position in China…
It’s a very brave and exciting move but one that can be fraught with pitfalls for the uninitiated. Our purpose is to relieve you of one of the major headaches encountered when preparing for your move… document legalisation. I know, I know, it doesn’t sound like the most interesting of topics, but trust me, this is one part of the process you’ll want to get right!
Lesson 1, educate yourself
One of the unavoidable realities of working overseas is that you must hold a valid Z Visa. As my colleague Katie is covering visas in the other half of this blog, we’ll just be concentrating on the legalisation of your documents to apply for the work permit for now.
Without exception, to obtain a work permit you will need to provide the Chinese authorities with a specific set of documents. These documents generally include your highest qualification (Degree), a criminal record check (ACRO or DBS in the UK), and a teaching qualification or employment reference letter. Traditional teaching qualifications include QTS or PGCE certificates, however, more recently most people moving to China may instead hold some variation of an ESL certificate, such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).
The HR department at your prospective school, or recruitment company should be your first port of call for confirming exactly which documents will be required. They will also be best placed to advise you of any requirements that are specific to themselves or the region. Your HR department will usually also take care of your work permit application too, so it’s advisable to be extra nice to them!
TEFL certificates are one of the trickier types of document to deal with. Whilst these qualifications are becoming much more accessible to those who wish to teach ESL, the industry itself is not officially regulated by any central body. This can make it difficult for would-be students to identify which course would meet their needs, and to establish a standard certificate format which will be accepted by the FCO.
This means that the company issuing the award may not always be officially registered in the country in which they operate. In order to be legalised, the government must recognise the awarding body. Another issue we’ve seen our customers encounter is their certificates containing wording that certain governmental departments or embassies may take exception to. We check every TEFL before submission. and if the content is unsuitable, we are able to advise on what actions to take next to help ensure the TEFL is accepted.
What is the process for legalising a document?
Once you’re confident that you know the requirements, it’s time to get those documents legalised (sometimes also known as authentication or attestation). And here’s where the real fun begins. Not every country follows the same process, and this applies to both the country of origin and your exotic new destination. The process for China usually includes the following stages:
- Notarisation/Solicitor Certification
- Application of an Apostille by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
- Legalisation by the Chinese Embassy
Each of these steps must be carried out in the country where the document was issued (with a few very rare exceptions).
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, there are a few ways that this process can get rather complicated. For a start, not all documents are created equal. Certain documents require all the steps outlined above, others don’t. Some require even more. Each country will also have requirements as to how the documents must be presented which can differ greatly, all of which must be taken into consideration in each individual case.
What if I want to do it myself?
If you would prefer to take care of the legalisation process yourself, one of the main issues can be the time and expense involved, especially if you’re overseas. Many departments will not accept applications by post which means an unexpected road trip or flight, plus hotels etc. Sounds fun in theory, but, in reality it’s an unnecessary waste of time and money. There are also certain Embassies that will only accept documents submitted by registered agents such as ourselves.
When submitting certificates for Chinese legalisation, several supporting documents must also be provided. There are strict rules in place regarding these documents and any discrepancy can result in instant rejection by the Embassy (bearing in mind the Embassy is stage three of three). The rules that determine whether a certificate is accepted or not can and do change without notice, regularly! We work tirelessly to stay on top of this and ensure an easy and trouble-free experience.
In Conclusion…
China is such a popular destination for overseas teachers these days and we have certainly been dealing with more and more Chinese legalisation over the past couple of years. It’s not hard to see why, it’s a huge and beautiful country with a rich culture, friendly people and almost unlimited demand for ESL tutors.
If you’ve got a handle on the legalisation process, you’re ready to move on to the next step: getting your work permit. Although we can’t help with this stage directly, my colleague Melanie has put together an overview of this for you below, as this process bridges the UK stages.
Getting your work permit for China
Once you have your legalised documents, you can then pass these to your employer. These will be used to apply for your work permit in China. Most of our customers choose for us to courier the completed documents directly to their employer in China if the customer is not in-country.
Once the permit has been issued, you will receive a digital copy of this, which will form part of the document requirements to apply for your Chinese Z Visa. You do not require your legalised documents for this stage of the process, so don’t worry about not having these with you!
Your work permit will have an expiry date listed when you receive it, so be sure to take note of this information as it can vary dependent on your employer. You will need to ensure you have applied for your Z visa well before this date.
Once you have your Permit ready, you can start to get your documents together for your Z Visa application. Read the next section put together by our specialist visa team to help guide you through this stage!
Applying for your Chinese Z Visa
Contribution by
Katie is one of our visa specialists at Vital Consular. She has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the visa process for multiple different countries, and can guide you through the complexities to make sure you get the right visa for your circumstances. With further contributions by Jess Petch.
So, you have your documents legalised and your work permit has been issued. It looks like you’re ready to jet off to your exciting new job in China! However, there is one last step to take before you start packing your bags.
You have to apply for the Z visa in your country of residence. It is a fairly straightforward procedure once you have all of your documents together, but it does require a trip to a Chinese Visa Centre. There are four across the UK; London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast. We are able to assist with this process for applicants that reside in the UK.
Below are the steps for applying for a Chinese Z Visa.
- Gather your documents
- Complete the online application form
- Book your appointment at the visa centre
- Attend your appointment
- Collect your visa and documents once they are ready
Once all of these steps are complete, you will then be ready to travel to China!
Which Documents Are Required To Apply For Your Chinese Z Visa?
- Passport – Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with at least 2 blank visa pages.
- Visa Application Form, which we send to you once an order has been placed
- Passport Photo – A digital copy must be uploaded to the online application form.
- Proof of legal status (applicable for those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)
- Photocopy of previous Chinese visas
- One of the following approval documents*:
- Both original and copy of Alien Employment License of the People’s Republic of China issued by the Chinese government authority for Human Resources and Social Security
- Both original and copy of Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts
- Copy of Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit in the People’s Republic of China
Attending The Visa Processing Centre, And What To Expect
When your appointment at the visa centre has been booked, you will be given a half hour time slot to attend.
Once you arrive, you will be given a ticket with a number on it. When your number is called out, you will be required to go up to the counter to submit your documents. The staff will look through your documents and advised you if anything needs changing. You may be asked a couple of questions about your intended plans in China.
Your biometrics will then be taken. They will take a scan of your fingerprints and in some cases a passport-style photo will be captured.
Once you have submitted all of your documents, you will be sent to another counter to pay. The price does differ slightly depending on your nationality.
Finally, you will be given a “Pick Up Form”, which is basically a receipt of your application. You will just need to keep it safe.
While you’re here, why not keep up to date with all the latest comings and goings by following us on social media?
Ashraf Vachhiat
Articles: 136Popular Topics
Other Topics
Stay up to date...
Sign up to our monthly round-up newsletter, where we will let you know about any news, exciting new services we can offer and other information we think you'll enjoy.
Don’t lose access to the sites you love overseas – VPN for expats
VPNs are an essential piece of kit for expats. Here’s why!
Teaching English In China 2023 – Time To Stop Yearning And Make The Move
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most global relocation was on hold for almost 2 years. New restrictions on movement were put in place, more paperwork was required, things were tough. ...
China PU Letters 2022 : Latest Update On Requirements for Z-Visas
Big changes in China have made it easier for those looking to relocate there, as well as those wishing to be reunited with family on an Dependency Visa. Will this ...
Private tutoring sector in China fighting the cuts – by trying to avoid the rules
New legislation was introduced in China in June 2021, restricting the amount of hours and times during which private tutoring of children could take place. The restrictions have been met ...
Chinese Application Form For Legalisation- Complete Step By Step Guide
If you need to get your documents legalised for a job in China, you will need to complete the official application form. This can be confusing and is full of ...
Leaving a TEFL Job in China – Complete Guide on Doing it Right
Whether you’ve decided you’re leaving a TEFL job in China and returning home, or simply transferring to a different school, you’ll need to make sure your paperwork is in order. ...
Going to work in China – The latest on the situation
Although life in China is returning to something close to normal, the government continues to keep a close eye on who’s allowed to come into the country. And while most ...
Getting a PU Letter for China – Guide to Invitation Letters
With the Coronavirus pandemic causing so many travel restrictions globally, most countries are keen to keep movement across their borders to a minimum. Although China made quick progress in returning ...
All you need to know about legalising your TEFL for use overseas
Teaching English abroad with a TEFL qualification is becoming a popular option for many people who are looking to relocate. The chance to immerse yourself in the local culture through ...
Does your name differ on your documents? Avoid them being rejected for legalisation
If you are having your documents legalised for use overseas, you may run into issues if your name differs between your document and your official ID. This could vary for ...
Teacher Retention Crisis
Retention is a challenge facing schools all over the world. From the UK to China, teachers are leaving their jobs in higher numbers than ever before. Why is the world ...
Planning A Cruise? Don’t Get Caught Out By Visa Requirements
Despite the UK having one of the strongest passports in the world, there are still countries which require a UK passport holder to obtain a pre-travel visa or travel authorisation ...
The UK Legalisation Process for China Is Changing – New Costs Issued
As of the 8th of November 2019, the process for legalising UK documents for China has changed. There have also been increases in the costs levied by the Chinese authorities ...
Requirements for Teaching English Abroad
Teaching English as a Foreign Language, otherwise known as TEFL, is a great way to travel the world whilst also gaining teaching experience. Whether you would prefer to explore Europe, ...
Chinese Transit Visa – More Cities Ready To Be Explored
China’s G-Visa, the 144 hour transit visa, is about to see some great new destinations added to its list. As of December 1st 2019, the total number of cities and ...
English Teachers in China Being Exploited by Rogue Agencies and Schools
What began as a dream transformed slowly into a nightmare. Vanessa Wachtmeister had moved to China to work as an English teacher on the back of promises made by her ...
The Chinese Visa Centre – Avoid Any Surprises With Our Guide
Getting a visa to travel to China can be a long and extremely complicated process. China requires UK citizens to attend Visa Centres in person before they can be issued, ...
What Can Go Wrong With Chinese Legalisation?
In this final part in our Legalisation Fixers series, we are focusing on the complex process of Chinese document legalisation. As a destination with one of the most exacting list ...
Police Clearance Certificates – What Are The Different Types?
Some form of police clearance check is now mandatory for employment in most sectors, and for the majority of countries when working overseas. This is especially true for all applications ...
Chinese Travel Visa – Do you really need one?
China is a popular transit hub with excellent transport links across the globe. This can be a great opportunity to take in some of China’s sights, if you’re able to ...
Jordanian Attestation: A Useful Guide
Want to know the easiest way to legalise your documents for use in Jordan? Read this blog.
Distance Learning Part 2 – Do Overseas Employers Accept Onlin...
Last time we turned the spotlight on online and distance learning qualifications, we identified which foreign embassies wouldn’t accept these for legalisation. This could deter candidates from even applying for ...
Online Qualifications – Which Embassies Won’t Accept Them?
Have you received any online qualifications from the Open University, or any other distance learning program? It’s possible that the document will not be accepted by certain foreign embassies.
How to Legalise an Education Document for China
Are you trying to legalise your education documents for use in China? We understand this process can seem complicated, that’s why we’re here to help with our step by step ...
e-Apostilles: What are they and how do they work?
In some cases you can have an apostille applied electronically – these are known as e-Apostilles. We go through what they are and how they compare to normal apostilles.
Canada joining The Hague Apostille Convention: What does it mean?
Canada are joining the Hague Apostille Convention, which is going to have a big impact on those looking to move over there or do trade with the country.
Bahrain Document Legalisation: Getting documents ready for Bahrain
If you ever need to present your documents in Bahrain, you’ll need to put them through the document legalisation process first.
Are Apostille services legit? How to look out for scams
There are loads of companies out there offering Apostille services – but how do you know whether they’re legitimate or not? We take a look at the scams that are ...
Legalising documents for use in Iraq: What’s the process?
Starting a new life in Iraq? Before you can make the move, you’ll need to get through the document legalisation process.
Getting married abroad: The administrative side
When you dream of getting married abroad you’re thinking of sandy beaches, romantic sunsets and idyllic seas. You aren’t thinking about the boring, administrative process. Unfortunately, though, you can’t have ...
Kuwait Attestation: How do I easily attest my documents for use in ...
Kuwait document legalisation can be a tricky process, but there’s no way around it – you need to get it done if you’re wanting to present your documents in Kuwait. ...
Jordanian Attestation: A Useful Guide
Want to know the easiest way to legalise your documents for use in Jordan? Read this blog.
Qatar Attestation: How to easily attest your documents for use in Q...
Legalising documents for use in Qatar can be a complicated process. There are so many steps and hoops you need to jump through, but don’t worry. We’ll give you a ...
Saudi Attestation: How do I attest my documents for Saudi Arabia?
If you’re planning on moving to Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to know about the Saudi legalisation process. You won’t be able to move over without it. Find out the most ...
Vital Consular: Your International Attestation Office
If you’re looking for somewhere to get your documents legalised, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Vital Consular we can legalise any documents you need!
A Dummies Guide to: Legalisation
If you have no idea what legalisation is or how it works, you’re in the right place!
True cost to legalise a document
At Vital Consular, we pride ourselves on being honest and transparent. We regularly receive amazing feedback from customers who have not only saved a lot of time and money using ...
Spanish Non-Lucrative Visas From The UK – Ultimate Help Guide
Relocating to Spain can feel like a confusing process when you have so many documents to gather. Even if you’ve been living there for a while, changes in status due ...
Medical Letters For Residency Visas – Step-by-Step Guide on L...
As COVID restrictions begin to ease, migration is on the rise now that travel is becoming possible again. With Brexit causing paperwork nightmares for many expats, gathering necessary medical documents ...
Does your name differ on your documents? Avoid them being rejected ...
If you are having your documents legalised for use overseas, you may run into issues if your name differs between your document and your official ID. This could vary for ...
Intellectual Property – Do you have the correct legal procedu...
Trading overseas is often the next step for entrepreneurs looking to expand their markets to new audiences. You may have an idea or product which you’ve specifically designed to target ...
Who can witness a Power of Attorney in the UK – Solicitor or ...
A Power of Attorney, or POA, is a legal document which transfers authority to act from one group or individual, to another. Learn about they do, and what is required ...
Certified or Notarised Translation – Which Do You Require?
A document often has to undergo translation if being used for any official purpose in an overseas country. If you were married abroad and didn’t have an English version produced ...
Certified or Notarised – What’s the Difference?
When it comes to legalisation, unfamiliar terminology can often cause confusion to those who are not well versed in the processes involved. Some terms, such as “legalisation” and “attestation” can ...
e-Apostilles: What are they and how do they work?
In some cases you can have an apostille applied electronically – these are known as e-Apostilles. We go through what they are and how they compare to normal apostilles.
Canada joining The Hague Apostille Convention: What does it mean?
Canada are joining the Hague Apostille Convention, which is going to have a big impact on those looking to move over there or do trade with the country.
Bahrain Document Legalisation: Getting documents ready for Bahrain
If you ever need to present your documents in Bahrain, you’ll need to put them through the document legalisation process first.
Are Apostille services legit? How to look out for scams
There are loads of companies out there offering Apostille services – but how do you know whether they’re legitimate or not? We take a look at the scams that are ...
Legalising documents for use in Iraq: What’s the process?
Starting a new life in Iraq? Before you can make the move, you’ll need to get through the document legalisation process.
Getting married abroad: The administrative side
When you dream of getting married abroad you’re thinking of sandy beaches, romantic sunsets and idyllic seas. You aren’t thinking about the boring, administrative process. Unfortunately, though, you can’t have ...
Kuwait Attestation: How do I easily attest my documents for use in ...
Kuwait document legalisation can be a tricky process, but there’s no way around it – you need to get it done if you’re wanting to present your documents in Kuwait. ...
Jordanian Attestation: A Useful Guide
Want to know the easiest way to legalise your documents for use in Jordan? Read this blog.
Qatar Attestation: How to easily attest your documents for use in Q...
Legalising documents for use in Qatar can be a complicated process. There are so many steps and hoops you need to jump through, but don’t worry. We’ll give you a ...
Saudi Attestation: How do I attest my documents for Saudi Arabia?
If you’re planning on moving to Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to know about the Saudi legalisation process. You won’t be able to move over without it. Find out the most ...
Vital Consular: Your International Attestation Office
If you’re looking for somewhere to get your documents legalised, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Vital Consular we can legalise any documents you need!
A Dummies Guide to: Legalisation
If you have no idea what legalisation is or how it works, you’re in the right place!
True cost to legalise a document
At Vital Consular, we pride ourselves on being honest and transparent. We regularly receive amazing feedback from customers who have not only saved a lot of time and money using ...
Spanish Non-Lucrative Visas From The UK – Ultimate Help Guide
Relocating to Spain can feel like a confusing process when you have so many documents to gather. Even if you’ve been living there for a while, changes in status due ...
Medical Letters For Residency Visas – Step-by-Step Guide on L...
As COVID restrictions begin to ease, migration is on the rise now that travel is becoming possible again. With Brexit causing paperwork nightmares for many expats, gathering necessary medical documents ...
Does your name differ on your documents? Avoid them being rejected ...
If you are having your documents legalised for use overseas, you may run into issues if your name differs between your document and your official ID. This could vary for ...
Intellectual Property – Do you have the correct legal procedu...
Trading overseas is often the next step for entrepreneurs looking to expand their markets to new audiences. You may have an idea or product which you’ve specifically designed to target ...
Who can witness a Power of Attorney in the UK – Solicitor or ...
A Power of Attorney, or POA, is a legal document which transfers authority to act from one group or individual, to another. Learn about they do, and what is required ...
Certified or Notarised Translation – Which Do You Require?
A document often has to undergo translation if being used for any official purpose in an overseas country. If you were married abroad and didn’t have an English version produced ...
Certified or Notarised – What’s the Difference?
When it comes to legalisation, unfamiliar terminology can often cause confusion to those who are not well versed in the processes involved. Some terms, such as “legalisation” and “attestation” can ...
Police Clearance Now Required in the State of Qatar
British Nationals applying for a Qatari residence permit, work permit, transfer of sponsorship, Ministry registration, or for any other reason will be required to provide a valid Legalised Police Clearance ...
Legalisation for Thailand – The Complete Guide
Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular expat destination, especially for those wishing to teach ESL (English as a Second Language). Due to changes brought in by the government in May ...
Travelling to Vietnam – What if the name on your documents do...
When you’re presenting documents in Vietnam, the names on them need to match the name on your passport. But what if this isn’t the case?
The Vietnam Legalisation Process: How to legalise your documents
Moving to Vietnam is an exciting experience, but the document legalisation process can throw a spanner in the works. Don’t worry, though – this blog will tell you everything you ...
Does your name differ on your documents? Avoid them being rejected ...
If you are having your documents legalised for use overseas, you may run into issues if your name differs between your document and your official ID. This could vary for ...
Teaching in Vietnam – How To Legalise Your Documents
Vietnam continues to gain the attention of those looking for a location to teach ESL, for the beautiful landscapes, friendly people and cost of living being low compared to other ...
Moving To Dubai From UK – 101 Insider Tips You Need To Know
As exciting as it is moving to the Middle East, it’s normal to feel a bit nervy! It’s a massive change of lifestyle. As it happens, every member of staff ...
Attesting UK documents for the UAE – all you need to know
If you dream of living in the sunshine with beaches on your doorstep, then you might be considering moving to the UAE, a place renowned for it glamorous social scene, ...
What Can Go Wrong With UAE Attestation?
Legalisation is a tricky subject – it’s easy to slip up and make a mistake. This article, the second in our Legalisation Fixers series, should help you avoid a few ...
Abu Dhabi or Dubai: which Emirate is for you when moving to the UAE...
Dubai has always been the forerunner in expat destinations in the United Arab Emirates, as well as a tourist hotspot in the GCC. However, it’s neighbour has more than enough ...
Getting A UAE Police Clearance Certificate – The Complete Guide
If you previously lived in the United Arab Emirates and have since relocated to a new country, you will likely need to provide a UAE Police Clearance Certificate for your ...
Driving as an expat – can I use my UK license abroad?
If you’re moving overseas you may be thinking about how you’re going to get around whilst you’re there. Some people who live in a city are more than happy to ...
UK-Issued Islamic Marriage Certificates – Where Are They Reco...
At present, Islamic marriages are not recognised as legally binding by UK law. This is out of step with many other religious ceremonies which are recognised such as Jewish and ...
UAE Suspends Good Conduct Certificate Requirement
In an about-turn from their notification earlier this year, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFA) has now issued a directive to all Embassies worldwide that from ...
UK Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates now available in the UAE
In the UAE and don’t have access to your birth certificate? Maybe you’ve just moved to a new job and want to call your spouse over, but they’re tearing their ...
Five Great Reasons To Move to Dubai
Winter is coming. The days are getting shorter, skies are getting gloomier, and the sun’s packed up and gone south for the next 6 months. As you stare out of ...
Related Posts
Qatar Attestation: How to easily attest your documents for use in Q...
Legalising documents for use in Qatar can be a complicated process. There are so many steps and hoops you need to jump through, but don’t worry. We’ll give you a really easy solution in this blog.
Can a Distance Education Certificate be Attested for use in Qatar?
When deciding on a degree course to study, your main focus is choosing a quality provider and ensuring that the structure of study will fit in with your life. With so many adults deciding to re-train or boost their expertise ...
Qatar Accepts Islamic Marriage Certificates – Service Update
Following an update from the Qatari Embassy, we can advise that Islamic Marriage Certificates can now be legalised for use in Qatar. There may be further requirements once you reach the country, but this is a step towards making things ...
Chinese Application Form For Legalisation- Complete Step By Step Guide
If you need to get your documents legalised for a job in China, you will need to complete the official application form. This can be confusing and is full of ...
Does your name differ on your documents? Avoid them being rejected ...
If you are having your documents legalised for use overseas, you may run into issues if your name differs between your document and your official ID. This could vary for ...
The UK Legalisation Process for China Is Changing – New Costs...
As of the 8th of November 2019, the process for legalising UK documents for China has changed. There have also been increases in the costs levied by the Chinese authorities ...
How to Legalise an Education Document for China
Are you trying to legalise your education documents for use in China? We understand this process can seem complicated, that’s why we’re here to help with our step by step ...