Q: My wife is currently working in Shanghai on a Z visa, and I am planning to apply for an S1 residence permit as her dependent. I have a question regarding the "Family Relationship Certificate" issued in South Korea.

Does this certificate need to be apostilled after being notarized with a Chinese translation? Can I submit a digital version (e-Apostille) issued through the South Korean government's online system, or must it be a physical document with an original Apostille sticker?

A: If you enter China on an S1 visa, the family relationship certificate is not required.

If you enter China on a visa other than an S1 visa, the family relationship certificate must be authenticated either by a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad, or by the embassy or consulate of the Republic of Korea in China.

Alternatively, an Apostille under the Hague Convention is acceptable. A printed version of an electronic Apostille may also be used.

Source: Exit-Entry Administration Corps of Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security