Content

新加坡註冊_小圖1

UK Company Registration

The UK company has a high international....

新加坡註冊_小圖3

Hong Kong Company Registration

Hong Kong combines various incentives...

相關資訊-稅務要聞03-300x197

Seychelles Company Registration

Seychelles was originally a French colony and .....

Taipei
TEL:+886-2-2557-5607

Taichung
TEL:+886-4-2320-2793

Shanghai
TEL:+86 21-6090-4391

Shenzhen
TEL:+86 755-83176807

interarea@interareapsp.com

Embassy authentication refers to the process of having documents certified at the embassy of the foreign company's home country when handling procedures in China under the name of a foreign company. This is typically required for activities such as establishing a trading company, representative office, branch office, or service-oriented company in China, as well as for changes in shareholding, business license renewal, or setting up a wholly foreign-owned enterprise.

I.The certification concept and function

  • Authenticated documents are generally classified into civil and commercial authentication. Civil authentication includes documents such as birth certificates, educational qualifications, and income statements. Commercial authentication covers documents such as certificates of origin, pro forma invoices, bills of lading, and insurance certificates. The purpose of embassy authentication goes beyond compliance with international practices; in many countries, it is explicitly mandated by law. Documents and certificates that have been authenticated by an embassy hold legal validity for use in other countries and are recognized by local authorities. Therefore, embassy authentication is of indispensable importance.
  • With years of experience in establishing offshore companies, Inter Area offers clients more than just overseas company registration services. We provide comprehensive support, including embassy authentication application services for jurisdictions such as Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, Samoa, and the Marshall Islands.
  • Inter Area is backed by a professional team well-versed in offshore affairs, providing clients with comprehensive practical guidance and up-to-date information on every aspect of offshore company operations—from strategic planning and registration to bank account opening. Our goal is to deliver a complete, efficient, and secure service experience. Centered on the client’s actual investment background and objectives, our services are tailored to offer innovative solutions that create long-term value and shape future opportunities.

II.Why do you need embassy certification?

  • Company document certification is most common at an investment of a foreign entity company(offshore company), currently, foreign investment specifications are more rigorous in each country, so they are required to be certified by the local embassy, for this to make sure the authenticity and validity of investment documents. For example : trade document notarization/legal action notarization/asset trading notarization/asset trust notarization, etc.

III.Common embassy certification applications and certification process

  • When a foreign company sets up a foreign-invested enterprise in China, the local commerce bureau and administration for market regulation typically require authentication of the foreign investor’s legal entity status. So, what constitutes the legal entity status of a foreign investor? And how is this authentication carried out? In simple terms, it involves providing documents that prove the foreign company’s legal existence, such as a certificate of incorporation or a certificate of good standing. These documents must undergo notarization and embassy authentication in order to meet the regulatory requirements for establishing a foreign-invested enterprise in China.
  • The authentication process of notarization of overseas companies:

First step

Notarization by an international notary.

使館01

Second step

Foreign affairs authentication.

使館02

Third step

Certification of Chinese Embassy abroad.

使館03

Overseas embassy certification:
Frequently Asked Questions Q&A

Q1.What is the function of the overseas embassy certification?

  • Certification by overseas embassies, to put it bluntly, is to prove that the company or individual actually exists, and the documents also have legal effect outside the territory, which is the necessity of certification by embassies.

Q2.When will the embassy authentication be used?

  • If the overseas company you are applying for (such as the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Seychelle, etc.) wants to set up a Chinese entity company or a Taiwan entity company, it must apply for certification by an overseas embassy. Of course, the documents and quantities required by each country all different.

Q3.What is the difference between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification and the embassy certification?

  • Certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: When a notarized document or commercial certificate issued in China is intended for use abroad, it may be used directly after obtaining consular legalization from the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an authorized local Foreign Affairs Office—provided that the destination country explicitly waives the requirement for further authentication by its embassy or consulate in China. This process is commonly referred to as ‘single authentication.’ For example, when applying for a visa, documents that have already been authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be required as supporting evidence.
  • Authentication by embassy: after completing the authentication procedures of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of my country or the foreign affairs offices of relevant provinces, autonomous regions, and cities (foreign affairs authentication), the authentication by the embassy (consulate) of the country that uses the notarial certificate is processed. This practice of handling two authentications is usually called embassy authentication, also known as double authentication. Embassy certification is divided into civil certification and commercial certification.

Q4.Do all countries follow the same embassy authentication process?

  • No, the procedures vary by country. Each country has its specific requirements and steps, and the embassy authentication method should be based on the destination country.

Q5.Can embassy authentication be handled independently, or is professional assistance required?

  • Although embassy authentication can be handled independently, due to the varying documentation requirements of different countries, the complexity of procedures, and the high demands for accuracy and timeliness, it is advisable to seek assistance from experienced professional service providers. With years of expertise in offshore company formation, Inter Area not only assists clients in registering overseas companies but also offers agency services for embassy authentication applications in regions such as Taiwan, China, the British Virgin Islands, Singapore, and Samoa.

Overseas embassy certification:Frequently Asked Questions Q&A

A: Certification by overseas embassies, to put it bluntly, is to prove that the company or individual actually exists, and the documents also have legal effect outside the territory, which is the necessity of certification by embassies.

A: If the overseas company you are applying for (such as the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Seychelle, etc.) wants to set up a Chinese entity company or a Taiwan entity company, it must apply for certification by an overseas embassy. Of course, the documents and quantities required by each country all different.

A:Certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs refers to the use of foreign-related notarial certificates or commercial documents issued in my country before they are intended to be sent abroad for use. The country informed that there is no need to apply for consular certification by the country’s embassy or consulate in China, and the country where the document is used can accept the document. This is usually called “single certification”, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification is required for visas. Authentication by embassy: after completing the authentication procedures of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of my country or the foreign affairs offices of relevant provinces, autonomous regions, and cities (foreign affairs authentication), the authentication by the embassy (consulate) of the country that uses the notarial certificate is processed. This practice of handling two authentications is usually called embassy authentication, also known as double authentication. Embassy certification is divided into civil certification and commercial certification.

A:No, the procedures vary by country. Each country has its specific requirements and steps, and the embassy authentication method should be based on the destination country.

A:While it can be done independently, professional assistance is recommended for accuracy, efficiency, and to navigate the complexities of various international requirements. With many years of experience in establishing overseas companies, Inter Area not only assists clients in registering overseas companies but also helps with embassy authentication applications in the UK, the Virgin Islands, Singapore, Samoa, and other locations.

Related topics