Ad-hoc legal services in China
Some formalities with China do not justify a full project but, done badly, can block everything: a power of attorney without an apostille, a translated contract with no legal value, a meeting without a trusted interpreter. OCCHE handles these ad-hoc legal services with its own team in Barcelona and Qingdao and legal partners in both countries.
Sworn Chinese translation and legal translation
Sworn translation between Chinese and Spanish is the translation that carries official validity before public administrations, notaries, registries and courts. It is produced by officially appointed sworn translators and delivered signed and stamped, on paper or with electronic signature depending on its destination.
- Deeds, powers of attorney, Companies Registry certificates, articles of association and annual accounts to incorporate a company or open a subsidiary in China.
- Birth, marriage, criminal record and academic certificates for work and residence visas.
- Chinese business licences, contracts and judgments for use in Spain.
For materials that do not require a sworn version (catalogues, presentations, websites, technical data sheets, subtitles and voice-overs) we offer professional translation and adaptation into Mandarin Chinese, with a commercial review by the Qingdao team so that the message works with Chinese customers.
Hague apostille and legalisation of documents for China
Since November 2023 the Hague Apostille Convention has been in force for China. In practice, a public document issued in Spain, or in any other country party to the Convention, that is to take effect in China no longer needs the chain of consular legalisation: the apostille issued by the competent authority of the country of origin (in Spain, the Ministry of Justice, the Notarial Association or the High Court of Justice, depending on the document) plus a sworn translation into Chinese is enough. The same applies in the other direction to Chinese documents apostilled by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the authorised foreign affairs offices.
Consular legalisation is still required in some cases: documents issued by countries that are not party to the Convention, certain commercial or customs documents, and cases where the receiving authority expressly demands it. OCCHE reviews each file, tells you the correct route and manages the whole procedure: notary, apostille or legalisation, sworn translation and delivery.
Interpreting at meetings and negotiations
We provide Mandarin Chinese interpreters with business experience for meetings, negotiations, factory visits, trade fairs and events with public bodies, both in person and by video conference. The interpreter works from a prior briefing by OCCHE on your product and your objectives, so they do more than translate: they help you read the room.
International contracts with Chinese counterparties
Advice on negotiating and signing international commercial contracts: sale and supply, distribution and agency, manufacturing (OEM and ODM), non-disclosure and non-circumvention (NNN), trademark licensing and joint venture.
- Bilingual drafting with a Chinese version reviewed by local lawyers and a governing-language clause.
- Applicable law, jurisdiction or arbitration (CIETAC or other institutions) and realistic enforcement mechanisms in China.
- Incoterms, payment terms, quality guarantees, penalties and protection of moulds, designs and trademarks.
- Prior verification of the counterparty: business licence, legal representative, company seal and authority to sign.
Regulatory advice
Advice on specific rules in force or being implemented, to assess a commercial move before making it: import requirements for a product, labelling, the tax treatment of a transaction, sector restrictions under the negative list for foreign investment, or regulatory changes affecting your channel. We deliver a short report, in your language, with official sources and recommendations.
If your needs are broader, these services feed into our company formation in China, trademark and patent registration and NMPA product registration services.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an apostille or consular legalisation to use a foreign document in China?
Since November 2023 China is party to the Hague Convention, so in most cases an apostille plus a sworn translation into Chinese is enough. Consular legalisation remains for specific cases (non-member countries, certain commercial documents or an express requirement by the receiving body). OCCHE reviews your case before starting the procedure.
What is the difference between a sworn translation and a standard translation into Chinese?
A sworn translation is signed and stamped by an officially appointed sworn translator and carries official validity before administrations, notaries and courts. A standard translation is for catalogues, websites or presentations, where what matters is commercial quality rather than legal validity.
Can I hire just an interpreter for one meeting?
Yes. Ad-hoc legal services do not require a full project. Tell us the date, place or platform, duration and subject, and we will send you a fixed quote.
Is a contract signed only in English valid in China?
It can be, but in a dispute Chinese courts work in Chinese and the prevailing version is decisive. We recommend bilingual contracts with a governing-language clause, the counterparty's company seal and a dispute resolution route that is enforceable in China.
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