Frequently asked questions
Apostille, legalisation and Mainland China attestation for Hong Kong documents.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate attached to a public document so it is accepted in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. In Hong Kong, apostilles are issued by the High Court Registry. It confirms the signature, seal or stamp on the document – not the content.
Who issues apostilles in Hong Kong?
The Apostille Service Office of the High Court Registry. The official fee is HK$125 per apostille. You can apply yourself, or we lodge and collect for you so you do not need to attend the High Court.
How long does a Hong Kong apostille take?
The High Court normally processes an apostille in about two working days. With our service, allow 3–5 working days door to door for documents that only need an apostille, and longer if notarisation or embassy legalisation is needed.
Do I need to visit the High Court in person?
No. Anyone in Hong Kong may submit a document on another person's behalf, so we handle lodging, payment and collection for you. You only need to get the documents to us.
Can you apostille a document issued outside Hong Kong?
No. A document must be apostilled in the place that issued it – for example a UK birth certificate is apostilled by the UK FCDO. A Hong Kong notary can certify a copy of a foreign document and that notarial certificate can be apostilled in Hong Kong, but many receiving authorities will not accept this, so check with them first.
Does Mainland China accept a Hong Kong apostille?
No. Hong Kong documents for use in Mainland China go through a China-Appointed Attesting Officer and are sealed by China Legal Services (H.K.) Ltd. We arrange this for you.
My destination country is not in the Hague Convention. What now?
The document is usually notarised (if needed), apostilled by the High Court and then legalised by the destination country's consulate. The exact chain differs by country – we confirm it before you pay.
Are your prices fixed?
Yes. Our quote includes the High Court fee and the notary's fee where stated. Embassy and consulate fees vary by country and document type and are passed on at cost, shown separately on your quote.
Is there an electronic apostille (e-Apostille) in Hong Kong?
Yes. The Judiciary offers e-Apostilles for documents digitally signed by enrolled Hong Kong notaries. We tell you if your receiving authority accepts an e-Apostille, which can be faster and avoids courier time.
Does the apostille confirm my document is genuine?
It confirms the signature and seal of the official or notary on the document. It does not certify the content, and the receiving authority can still ask for translation or further checks.
Which countries need embassy legalisation instead of an apostille?
Countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Common ones for Hong Kong clients include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Lebanon and Iraq. Membership changes over time, so we check the current status for your destination.
Why do I still need an apostille if the country is not in the Hague Convention?
Consulates in Hong Kong generally need to see that the notary or official's signature has first been authenticated by a Hong Kong authority. The High Court apostille usually serves that purpose before the consulate adds its legalisation.
How long does legalisation take?
Allow around 7–15 working days in total, depending on the consulate's processing time, public holidays and whether notarisation is needed first.
Do I need a translation?
Some consulates require an Arabic, Vietnamese or Thai translation. We tell you at quote stage and can arrange a certified translation if needed.
Why can't I use an apostille in Mainland China?
Hong Kong and the Mainland are part of the same country, so the Hague Apostille Convention does not apply between them. Hong Kong documents are instead attested by a China-Appointed Attesting Officer (CAAO).
What is a China-Appointed Attesting Officer?
A senior Hong Kong lawyer appointed by the Ministry of Justice of the PRC to attest Hong Kong documents for use in the Mainland. The attested document is then checked and sealed by China Legal Services (H.K.) Ltd before it is valid.
What is included in the price?
The High Court apostille fee (HK$125), the notary's fee where the service includes notarisation, lodging and collection, checking, and a scanned copy of the finished document by email.
What is not included?
Consulate fees for legalisation, translation, and return delivery – all shown on your quote before you pay.
How do I pay?
By FPS, bank transfer or another method we confirm on your quote. We start work once payment is received.