How to Get Legal Documents in China Fast (2026 Guide)

The Complete Step-by-Step Solution for Foreigners & Expats

Getting legal documents in China can be complicated, time-consuming, and confusing—especially if you are a foreigner who doesn’t speak Chinese or doesn’t live in China anymore. Whether you need a police clearance certificate, marriage certificate, work permit, academic document, passport replacement, apostille, or notarized translation, one small mistake can delay your application by weeks.

This guide explains how to get legal documents in China fast, the types of documents foreigners typically need, and how agencies like GetDocumentsChina.co make the entire process simple, secure, and fast—no matter where you are in the world.

⭐ Why Getting Documents in China Can Be Difficult for Foreigners 

Many foreigners face the same problems: 

1. They no longer live in China 
2. They can’t access Chinese police stations, hospitals, universities, or bureaus 
3. They don’t have time to deal with long queues 
4. They don’t speak MandarinThey don’t know the required documents 
5. They don’t have friends or family in China to help 
6. Government offices require in-person appointments 
7. Applications require local phone numbers or Chinese apps

This is why document processing in China can take months if you attempt it alone.But with professional document agents, processing can be reduced from months to days.

📝 Most Requested Documents by Foreigners in China (2025)

1. China Police Clearance Certificate (无犯罪记录证明)

Used for: 

1. Immigration abroad 
2. Employment overseas 
3. Visa applications 
4. Permanent residency 
5. Adoption procedures 

This document can be issued by:

1.  Local Public Security Bureau (PSB) 
2. Chinese courts 
3. Chinese embassies (in special cases)

2. Degree & Diploma Verification for China

Needed for: 

1. China work permit (Z visa) 
2. University admission 
3. Employment background checks 
4. Visa renewal 

1. Degree certificate 
2. Transcript 
3. Education verification from Ministry of Education

3. China Work Permit Documents

Required for teaching and corporate jobs:

1. Work permit (外国人工作许可证) 
2. Invitation letter (PU or company letter) 
3. Employer documents

4. Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates & Divorce Certificates

Needed for:

1. Visa applications 
2. School registration 
3. Spousal visas 
4. Immigration programs abroad 
5. Nationality applications

5. Notarization, Legalization & Apostille

For documents issued in China that will be used abroad:

1. Notarization by a Chinese notary office 
2. Authentication by Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
3. Embassy legalization 
4. Apostille (for Hague Convention countries)

6. Passport Renewal or Replacement

For foreigners who:

1. Lost their passports in China
2. Need a new one but live abroad
3. Require travel documents urgently

7. Certified Translation (English–Chinese)

Legal applications require:

1. Certified translation 
2. Notarized translation 
3. Embassy-recognized translations

🔍 How to Get Legal Documents in China Fast: Step-by-Step

This is the standard process foreigners must follow. 

We will also show how GetDocumentsChina.co simplifies each step.

Step 1: Identify the Exact Document You Need

Each application (visa, employment, immigration) requires different documents.

For example:

1. Canada PR → Police certificate + birth/marriage certificate 
2. China work visa → Degree verification + notarized translation 
3. School admission → Birth certificate + passport copy 

If unsure, our team can evaluate your requirements in minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Basic Information

Most Chinese bureaus require: 

1. Your full name 
2. Passport number 
3. Date of birth 
4. Previous China visas 
5. China address registration (if any)Old residence permit copies 
6. Entry/exit records 

Even if you are missing some documents, GetDocumentsChina.co can often retrieve them from the PSB (Public Security Bureau).

Step 3: Submit Application to the Correct Authority

Different documents come from different authorities:

1. PSB / Police bureau: police clearance certificate 
2. Notary office: notarization, translations 
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: legalization 
4. Embassy: final authentication 
5. Hospitals: birth certificates 
6. Civil Affairs Bureau: marriage certificates 
7. Universities: academic documents 

Most offices require in-person visits, which is why foreigners abroad rely on agents.

Step 4: Processing, Follow-Up & Translation

Depending on the document: 

1. Police certificate: 3–15 working days 
2. Notarization: 2–7 days 
3. Embassies: 4–14 days 
4. Universities: 3–10 days 
5. Court records: 7–20 days 

We track and follow up daily to ensure nothing is delayed.

Step 5: Receive the Final Document Anywhere in the World

Once completed, the document can be delivered: 

1. In PDF scanned format 
2. Through DHL / FedEx / EMS 
3. To any country 
4. With tracking number

⚡ How GetDocumentsChina.co Helps You Get Documents Fast

Our service is built specifically for foreigners and overseas Chinese.

✔ We process documents WITHOUT you being in China 

✔ No Chinese apps, phone numbers, or accounts needed 

✔ No long queues or bureaucratic stress 

✔ Fast processing (as little as 2–5 days for many documents) 

✔ 100% legal, recognized documents 

✔ Secure payment & online tracking

⭐ Services We Provide

1. China Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

Even if you left China years ago.

2. Birth & Marriage Certificates

From hospitals or civil affairs bureaus.

3. China Work Permit Documents

Validation, cancellation, or new issuance.

4. Certificate & Diploma Verification

MOE verification + notarized translations.

5. Notarization & Legalization

MOFA authentication 

Embassy legalization 

Apostille service

6. Passport & ID Replacement Help

7. Business Documents

Company registration documentsTax certificatesBank letters

| Document Type | Standard Time | Express Time || -------------------------- | ------------- | ------------ || Police Certificate | 5–15 days | 2–4 days || Birth/Marriage Certificate | 7–20 days | 3–7 days || Degree Verification | 4–10 days | 2–5 days || Passport Replacement | 7–30 days | — || Notarization | 3–7 days | 1–2 days || Embassy Legalization | 7–14 days | 3–5 days |

🛂 Who Needs These Documents? 

✔ Teachers applying for TEFL/teaching jobs 

✔ Immigrants applying for PR abroad 

✔ Students entering universities 

✔ Expats renewing or applying for visas 

✔ People getting married overseas 

✔ Companies hiring foreigners  

✔ Parents relocating with children 

✔ Former residents of China proving their stay history

📦 What If You Are Not in China?

Most foreigners applying for Chinese documents are already outside China, such as:USAUKCanadaAustraliaUAESouth AfricaEuropeAsiaGetDocumentsChina.co specializes in processing all documents remotely.You simply provide:Passport copyOld visa copiesYour personal detailsWe handle everything inside China.

💡 Tips to Avoid Delays

✔ Use the same name spelling as your passport 

✔ Provide clear scanned documents 

✔ Avoid last-minute requests for immigration deadlines 

✔ Use express services when timing is critical 

✔ Always request notarization + legalization if the document is for overseas use

🎯 Final Thoughts: The Fastest Way to Get Documents in China (2026)

Getting official documents in China doesn't have to be frustrating, slow, or impossible. With expert help, you can obtain:Police certificatesBirth/marriage certificatesEducational documentsWork permit filesCertified translationsEmbassy legalizations—quickly, securely, and internationally recognized.If you need ANY document from China, fast, GetDocumentsChina.co can help.