The procedure for legalizing documents confirming the residency of Chinese residents has been simplified.

         Until November 7, 2023 year, certificates of Chinese residency underwent a complex and labor-intensive legalization process consisting of 4 stages:

1. Notarization (including translation);
2. Authentication of the notary's signature and seal by the Ministry of Justice of the PRC;
3. Authentication by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC;
4. Subsequent authentication at the consular representations of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the PRC.

       However, on March 8, 2023, China acceded to The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, which abolishes the requirement for legalization of foreign official documents. The Convention entered into force on November 7, 2023. Consequently, from this date, certificates of Chinese residency can be legalized through a simplified process by affixing an apostille.

     As a result, Chinese residents can confirm their residency by providing a certificate of residency legalized in a simplified manner with the affixing of an apostille.