Fast & Reliable Document Legalisation Service
No matter where in the world you are based, we can manage the legalisation of your British documents required for teaching in China in a fast and cost-effective manner.
With many years of experience operating in the China market, we are specialists in managing documents for this market. Trust our industry leading expertise, experience and support
Simplify your Document legalisation process and start your stress-free teaching journey today!
Entering the world of international teaching can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding visa requirements. One crucial aspect is ensuring your documents are properly authenticated for official use overseas.
Legalisation (often referred to as an Apostille) serves as proof to foreign governments that your certificate is authentic. While it wasn’t always mandatory, an increasing number of countries now require this formal validation for documents like degrees and TEFL certificates. This includes China, which is a signatory of the Hague Convention.
For teaching in China, documents must be legalised in the country where they were issued. For instance, if you obtained your TEFL certificate through a UK-based company, it must be attested in the UK. For many people who aren’t based in the UK, this presents a logistical challenge.
We offer a convenient solution, handling all the necessary steps on your behalf. There are 2 key steps to this process:
- Notarisation:We will notarise your documents through our local Notary Public to verify they are genuine.
- Apostille:We will then submit the notarised documents to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to obtain the official Apostille stamp, which confirms the notary’s signature is valid for international use.
With our contacts and experience, we have streamlined this process to ensure you get your completed document back with the required stamps in the fastest time possible.
Let us manage your documents for you so that you can embark on your teaching journey abroad with confidence.
Our Process
Step 1 – Book Online
Fill out the form, attach scan(s) of your document(s) and purchase your required service above.
Step 2 – Email Documents
Email a soft copy of your TEFL certificate (the original that was sent to you from your TEFL course provider on completion of your course) along with the completed application form which we will provide. For CELTA certificates, PGCE certificates and other documents, you will need to post the physical document to our UK office address.
Step 3 – Notarisation
We will notarise your document(s) through our UK office to verify their authenticity.
Step 4 – Legalisation (Apostille)
We will then arrange for your documents to be sent to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in the UK to obtain the official Apostille stamp. This confirms the notary’s signature and makes the document legally valid for use in China and all other Hague Convention countries.
Step 5 – Submission
We will email you a digital copy of your fully legalised document, which you can forward immediately to your employer in China. We will also post the original hard copy document(s) back to you so you can bring them when you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TEFL or CELTA certificate legalisation?
TEFL certificate legalisation is the process of obtaining an official certification for your TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) documents, ensuring their authenticity and acceptance by Chinese authorities for teaching positions in China.
Why do I need to legalise my certificate?
Legalising your TEFL certificate is a requirement set by Chinese authorities to verify the authenticity of the document. It provides assurance to Chinese schools and authorities that your certificate meets the necessary standards and is legally recognised.
How long does the legalisation process typically take?
The duration of the legalisation process can vary depending on the package chosen and the complexity of the documents. Generally, our standard legalisation process takes approx 20 business days, while our fast track option expedites the process and takes approx 10 business days depending on the Chinese Embassy.
What documents do I need to submit?
To legalise your TEFL certificate, you will need to email a certified copy of your TEFL certificate, a valid form of identification (such as a passport), and any additional supporting documents as required.
In what format should I submit my documents?
We accept documents in various formats, including PDF, JPEG, and PNG. Ensure that your documents are clear, legible, and properly scanned for submission.
Can I submit documents online or do I need to send physical copies?
We really prefer digital copies as we cannot guarantee that the physical copies won’t get lost in the post. You can securely upload your documents through our website.
Can I upgrade my package after submitting?
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate package upgrades once the notarisation process has started. We recommend carefully selecting the package that best suits your needs before submitting your documents.
Our Team
David Cooney – Teachola Founder
David has worked as a professional recruitment consultant in the international education sector since 2011. During his time in Asia, David taught a wide variety of age groups from young learners to older university students and everything in between, in a variety of locations including South Korea, China, Singapore and the Middle East.
Helen Whiteside – Docify Manager
With more than 25 years of experience in recruitment, employability, and workforce development, Helen brings extensive knowledge of compliance, safeguarding, and best practice across every stage of the employment process. Helen ensures that all documentation, records, and processes meet required standards and are completed accurately and professionally.
Orla Byers – Docify Agent
Orla ensures your documents comply with standards and are accepted by relevant authorities. From reviewing and completing forms to handling communication with agencies and embassies. Trust Orla as your authentication agent to navigate the complexities of document authentication, providing a streamlined and stress-free experience.
