Marriage Certificate Attestation for China: Steps and Certificate Check
A marriage certificate for China has to prove the marriage to an office that cannot read Indian registration practice. That starts with the right certificate: a registrar’s certificate, with names that match both passports. Then it is notarised, attested by the SDM and the MEA, and legalised by the Chinese Embassy or a Consulate General.
Marriage certificate attestation for China: quick answer
Marriage certificate attestation for China is the legalisation of an Indian marriage registration certificate so that a visa centre, residence office or other authority in China accepts it as proof of marriage. Chinese visa rules for spouses list a marriage certificate as relationship proof, and for S1 and S2 visas they also ask for a kinship attestation from a Chinese mission.
Because India objected to China’s accession to the Apostille Convention, no apostille is possible. The certificate goes through a notary and the SDM in Delhi, then MEA attestation, then legalisation by the Chinese Embassy or a Consulate General. INFINITYGRO handles the full chain. The MEA stage is Rs 1,000–1,500 per document all-inclusive; the Chinese Embassy fee is extra and shown in your written quote.
Which Indian marriage certificates can be legalised for China
Usually accepted
- Certificate from the Registrar of Marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act
- Certificate under the Special Marriage Act
- Online-generated registrar certificates with a verifiable seal
Usually not enough
- A temple, gurudwara, church or mosque certificate alone
- A wedding card or photographs
- An affidavit of marriage without registration
When the names do not match the passports
Many wives use a married surname in the passport but a maiden name on the certificate, or the reverse. Chinese officers compare documents closely, so a mismatch can stop the visa or residence file.
The usual fix is a sworn affidavit linking both names, which can be notarised, attested by the SDM and the MEA, and legalised along with the certificate. We draft nothing on your behalf, but we tell you whether one is needed before you send the papers.
Marriage certificate attestation for China, step by step
- 1Photos on WhatsAppSend the certificate and both passports. We check names and confirm the total in writing.
- 2Original to DelhiCourier it to our New Ashok Nagar office, or drop it off if you are in Delhi.
- 3Notary and SDMA notary attests a true copy; the SDM authenticates the notary’s signature.
- 4MEA attestationThe MEA attests the SDM signature through its outsourced centre.
- 5Chinese legalisationLodged through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, then returned to you by Blue Dart.
Where the legalised certificate is used
Spouse visas
S1 and S2 for the spouse of a foreigner working or studying in China; Q1 and Q2 for the spouse of a Chinese citizen or permanent resident.
Residence permits
S1 and Q1 holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry, and the relationship is checked again.
Other family matters
Employers, schools or local offices may ask for proof of marriage. Follow their written list.
Marriage certificate attestation for China: fees and time
| MEA attestation stage, personal or educational document | Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per document, all-inclusive: notary, SDM attestation, the MEA fee and our service |
|---|---|
| Embassy legalisation fee | Extra; set by the embassy and confirmed in your written quote |
| Courier | Extra, both ways |
| Translation | Quoted by language and page |
A name affidavit, if needed, is charged as a separate document. The Chinese Embassy fee and a time estimate are confirmed in writing.
All charges for this country, including any embassy fee, are on its own fee page.
China embassy attestation feesFAQs: Marriage Certificate Attestation for China: Steps and Certificate Check
Can I apostille my marriage certificate for China?
No. China joined the Apostille Convention in 2023, but India objected, so the Convention does not operate between the two countries. Indian marriage certificates for China need MEA attestation and legalisation by a Chinese mission in India.
Is a court marriage certificate accepted?
A certificate issued by the Marriage Officer under the Special Marriage Act, often called a court marriage certificate, is a registration certificate and can be attested. Make sure it carries the officer’s seal and signature and both spouses’ names as in the passports.
Our certificate is in Hindi. What happens?
It can still be attested in India. The Chinese office may ask for a translation, and Nanjing’s permit FAQ, for example, wants sealed Chinese translations. Ask whether it should be done in India or China. INFINITYGRO translates into Chinese if needed.
Does the marriage certificate expire for China?
Legalisation does not expire on its own, but receiving offices sometimes ask for a recently issued copy. If the Chinese side says so in writing, get a fresh certified copy from the registrar before marriage certificate attestation for China.
Do both spouses need to sign anything?
Usually not for the certificate itself. We need copies of both passports. If the names differ across documents, an affidavit signed by the spouse concerned may be needed. We confirm this after seeing photos of the certificate and both passports, before you courier anything.
How much does it cost?
Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per document for the MEA stage, covering notary, SDM, the MEA fee and service. The Chinese Embassy fee is extra and confirmed in your written quote. Courier both ways is separate.
Can you register our marriage or correct the certificate?
No. INFINITYGRO does not register marriages, correct certificates or deal with the registrar for you. Bring us the registration certificate once it is issued correctly and we handle the notary, SDM, MEA and Chinese mission stages.
Do we have to come to Delhi?
No. Courier the original to our New Ashok Nagar office. Delhi couples may drop it off and collect it. There is no home pickup. We return it by Blue Dart or another secure courier, with scans sent to you first.
Official sources
Start marriage certificate attestation for China
WhatsApp photos of the marriage certificate and both passports. We check the names and confirm the total in writing.
Office: C – 5 A/2 New Ashok Nagar, Delhi – 110096 · Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM · office drop-off or courier, no home pickup
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Disclaimer: INFINITYGRO is a private document facilitation service, not a government office or embassy. Apostilles and attestations are issued only by the Ministry of External Affairs and the embassies concerned; we do not issue, correct or verify certificates. Rules and fees can change, so check the requirements of the authority that will receive your document.
Last reviewed: October 2026