Since November 2023, a power of attorney signed at a Chinese notary office and apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an authorised foreign affairs office should be accepted in India. Indian citizens can also sign before the consular officer at the Embassy in Beijing or the Consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou. The power must be stamped in India within three months.
- Document route
- Chinese notary office and apostille, or Indian mission attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 2h30 behind China all year
- Recognition
- Section 33, Registration Act 1908
- Authentication
- Indian mission, or notary plus apostille
Power of Attorney from China: how it works
We draft the power for a specific purpose, such as selling property, operating an account, acting as a director's representative in a company filing or conducting a case. Chinese notary offices usually prepare their own notarial certificate, so we provide a clear English draft and, where needed, a Chinese translation for the notary.
In India, we arrange stamping and the authentication the relevant office requires, and guide the attorney holder through the work. For corporate powers, we check that the board resolution and authority documents match.
What clients in China should know
- Indian citizens often find the consular route quicker.
- Ask the notary office about the apostille timeline in your city.
- Keep the power specific; general powers draw objections.
Step by step from China
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits China, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in China
Chinese notary office and apostille, or Indian mission attestation
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in China where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in China. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Power of Attorney, or see all services for clients in China and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in China
Is a Chinese apostille accepted for a power of attorney in India?
It should be since 2023; we confirm with the office where it will be used.
Can I sign at the Consulate in Guangzhou?
Usually yes for Indian passport holders; book the consular slot first.
Can a Chinese citizen use a power to sell property in India?
Not without RBI permission for the transfer.