Legalization means the authentication of the last signature or seal / stamp of the relevant authority affixed on a document. A legalization in no way attests to the authenticity of the contents of a document.
Steps for legalization
To have a document which was executed in the State of Israel be accepted in the People's Republic of China, the document shall first be notarized by an Israeli Notary Public, then authenticated by the Legalization Office of the Israel Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem and finally be authenticated by the Chinese Embassy.
Requirements for legalization
(1)Before submit your documents, please complete a legalization application form. It is available at request at this office, or to download at http://il.china-embassy.org/eng/lsfw/legalization/P020171205821229569581.doc.
(2)The original document authenticated by the Consular Affairs Department of the Israeli Foreign Ministry and its complete duplicate (including Foreign Ministry's Apostil page).
(3)A document which contains more than two pages should be tightly banded with ribbons and notary public seal should be produced to avoid any forge behavior.
(4)Documents for civil affairs, the original and copy of passport of the applicant are required. If application is submitted through a third-person, the original and copy of the passport or ID of the third-person are also required.
(5)documents for busines affairs, the copy of the registration certificate and passport of the legal representative are required. If application is submitted through a third-person, the original and copy of the passport or ID of the third-person are also required.
Application by post is not accepted.
Notes:
Please be advised that the legalization only confirms that the signature of an official of Isreali Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the apostil attached to your document is genuine. It does not mean that the contents of the document are correct or this office approves of the contents.
On the receipt of the application, the Embassy will only issue the applicant with a pick-up form, rather than signing any document.
Processing time & Fees
The legalization fee is 35 shekels for each document. Normal service takes four (4) working days. Express service takes two (2) working days. Express service-fee is 100 shekels extra per document.
Frequent Asked Questions
1. Is China a party to the 1969 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents?
No. At present time, China is not a party to the above-mentioned Convention, but the Convention is applicable in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR.
2. Does the Embassy bear responsibility for the contents of the documents authenticated?
No. Consular authentication by the Chinese Embassy is merely the attestation to the veracity of the signature of an official and seal or stamp of the Israeli Foreign Ministry attached to the document. Neither the consul nor the Embassy verifies as to the accuracy, truth, legality or otherwise the contents of the document. Nevertheless, an authentication application would be declined if the contents of a document contravene laws or regulations of the People's Republic of China.
3. Does the legalization have expire date?
Yes. A Single Status Certificate must have the legalization done by the Israeli Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy within three (3) months after its issuance. The Single Status Certificate will have a validity of six (6) months after being authenticated by the Chinese Embassy. The documents related to marriage, health, tax-bill must be legalized by the Israeli Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy within six (6) months after their issuance.
4. Can I apply for notarization from the Chinese Embassy for documents executed in China?
No. Chinese Embassies does not notarize or authenticate documents executed in China. Documents executed in China to be used in foreign countries must complete the following procedures:
1) Documents should be notarized by a Notary Public in China;
2) Documents should be authenticated by a provincial Office of Foreign Affairs Office or the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
3) Documents should be authenticated by an Embassy or Consulate General of the relevant country.
5. Can application for legalization of documents be mailed to Chinese Embassy?
No. The Embassy does not accept application by mail. Therefore, the applicant or his designated representative must come to the Embassy in person.