Apostille Service

Documents Accepted for Apostille Service

Documents accepted for apostille service are broadly classified into the following two categories -

1. Public documents bearing the true signature of an official party such as a Hong Kong SAR Government recognized officer. For example,

   • Marriage Certificate,ie. certificates signed by Deputy Registrar of Marriage
     (For certificates signed by civil celebrants or issued by the church/temple, please obtain a certified true copy from the Record Office of the Marriage Registry)
   • Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record
   • Birth and Death Certificate
   • Certificate of Registered Particulars
   • Business Registration Certificate
   • Certificate of Incorporation
     (With effect from 16 January 2012, applicant shall attach a print-out of the relevant company search made within 3 working days to each of the original copy of the ‘Certificate of Incorporation', 'Certificate of Change of Company Name', 'Certificate of Continuing Registration', or 'Certificate issued under section 305(1) of the Companies Ordinance', etc. issued by the Registrar of Companies to be apostilled. Photocopy of the print-out is acceptable.)

2. Documents signed by a notary public or a Commissioner for Oaths in Hong Kong. For example,

   1. Notary Public
      • Power of Attorney
      • Certified true copy
   2. Commissioner for Oaths
      • Declaration

Fees

Apostille service is provided at a fee of HK$125 per apostille. Please DO NOT send cash to the Apostille Service Office.

Processing Time

Normally only two working days (excluding Saturdays) are required to process the applications.

Application Procedures

In person

1. To submit the application, the applicant should bring along the document requested for apostille service to the Apostille Service Office, High Court Registry (Counter no.5), LG1/F, High Court Building.
2. If the document is accepted for apostille service, the applicant then would have to pay the fee (by cash, EPS or cheque payable to “Government of Hong Kong SAR”) at the High Court Accounts Office at LG211 subject to acceptance and a receipt would be issued to him/her.
3. On returning to the Apostille Service Office at LG1 and producing the payment receipt for checking a collection receipt would be issued for collecting the document which is submitted then.
4. If the applicant is unable to collect the apostilled document personally, he/she may authorize a person to collect it.

Overseas Applications

1. For applicants residing outside Hong Kong, they could send a person in Hong Kong to bring along the document and pay the fee in cash in person and collect the apostilled document on behalf of him/her.

2. Alternatively, overseas applicant who is unable to submit document by a representative in Hong Kong can send us document by post. If you send us document by post, please include a covering letter stating clearly (a) the purpose of sending us the document (i.e. for apostille service); (b) your overseas return address; (c) email address; and (d) telephone number. A fee of HK$125 per each apostille is payable. Payment may be made by way of a bank draft payable to "the Government of Hong Kong SAR". The bank draft must be in Hong Kong dollars. Moreover, any additional bank charges for the transaction is to be borne by the applicant. Please also note the risks of postal errors (e.g. creased, damaged or lost) and ensure that the document is well protected.

   For collection of the apostilled document, you could arrange pre-paid courier to collect it at your own expense or you may request us to return the apostilled document to you by registered air mail. If the apostilled document is to be returned to you by registered air mail, you shall include the postage (i.e. HK$15.50) in addition to the apostille service fee [i.e. HK$125 x (the number of apostille required) + HK$15.50) and it may take longer time if the apostilled document is to be returned by registered air mail.

   Finally, please ensure that air mail service to your area is available before sending us your application/payment if the apostille is to be returned via air mail. You may visit the following website of the Hongkong Post https://www.hongkongpost.hk/en/about_us/whats_new/service_delay_suspension/index.html to check the types of services provided by the Hongkong Post currently available to various destinations. Please note that it would be faster and more secure if you arrange pre-paid courier (at your own expense) to collect the apostilled document.