# FAQs: Attesting Hong Kong Documents > Frequently asked questions about obtaining Apostille in Hong Kong and to legalize Hong Kong documents for use in other countries - birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record certificates, academic documents and more. **Source** [Hong Kong](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-attestation-FAQs)> **Related:** [Apostille Hong Kong Documents for international use](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-Legalization-Services) · [Apostille Hong Kong Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-attest-birth-marriage-certificates) · [Apostille Hong Kong Certificates of No Criminal Conviction](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-attest-background-checks) · [Apostille Hong Kong Academic Documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-apostille-academic-documents) · [Hong Kong Incorporation Documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-apostille-incorporation) · [Hong Kong Absence of Marriage Record](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-apostille-certificate-no-impediment) · [Get a Quotation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry) --- ## General Questions ### Can Hong Kong documents be legalized by Apostille? Yes - Hong Kong is a member of the Apostille Convention. Hong Kong documents can be legalized for use abroad with an Apostille Stamp when destined for other signatory countries without additional certification by the destination country. When Hong Kong documents are required for non-apostille countries, such as United Arab Emirates - Qatar - Thailand - Taiwan - Vietnam they need additional authentication by the embassy of the destination country. For further information about Apostille certification in Hong Kong, see: [Hong Kong Apostille Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-Legalization-Services) ### What types of documents can be legalized in Hong Kong for use abroad? Apostilles from the Hong Kong high court can be applied to the original copies of public documents signed by an official party such as a Hong Kong SAR Government recognized officer, including: - [Birth, death and marriage certificates](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-attest-birth-marriage-certificates) - [Certificates of no Criminal Conviction](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-attest-background-checks) issued by the Hong Kong Police# - [Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-apostille-certificate-no-impediment) - [Hong Kong incorporation documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-apostille-incorporation) (Business Registration Certificates and Certificates of Incorporation) - Other documents can be apostilled when certified by a notary public, including marriage certificates signed by civil celebrants or issued by the church/temple, powers of attorney, certified translations and certified true copies.To confirm whether your document is eligible for apostille authentication in Hong Kong, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) and Isarey’ll check your document free of charge. For further information about Isarey's Hong Kong apostille services and for assistance obtaining official copies of Hong Kong documents, see: [Hong Kong Apostille Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-Legalization-Services) ### How long does it take to obtain an apostille on a document in Hong Kong? Hong Kong documents such as police checks and birth certificates can be notarized and certified with an apostille from the High Court in **2 - 4 business days** (HONG KONG: Current processing times for apostilles from the High Court is 2-4 business days. Judicial holidays such as during Chinese New Year will cause delays in processing. NOTE: All processing times are estimated. Actual processing time is dependant on the authentication authority and is subject to change without prior notice.) For further information about authenticating documents issued in Hong Kong, please see: [Hong Kong Apostille Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-Legalization-Services) ### Where can I see reviews of Isarey's Hong Kong Attestation and Apostille Services? You can see reviews from past clients who have used Isarey's attestation and apostille services: - [ISAREY reviews on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/isarey-document-attestation.com) - [ISAREY reviews on Google](https://goo.gl/maps/cuvbEYN25Xg5b8jg7) ### What is a Hong Kong Apostille Stamp and why would I need one? A Hong Kong Apostille is a certificate that is affixed to a public document. It certifies the authenticity of the signature appearing on the document as that of an authorized public official in Hong Kong and confirms the capacity of that official. Hong Kong Apostille stamps are often required when submitting a Hong Kong document, such as a birth certificate, to the authorities of a foreign country or to a foreign embassy in Hong Kong (for example, as part of a visa or citizenship application). Apostilles are recognised by the authorities and embassies of countries that are members of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) For more information on Apostilles, see: [The ABCs of Apostilles (PDF)](https://assets.hcch.net/upload/abc12e.pdf) ### What is document legalization in Hong Kong? Document legalization (or attestation) is a procedure which authenticates a public Hong Kong document so that it can be submitted in another country for official or legal purposes - for example, if you need to submit a Hong Kong birth certificate to the authority or embassy of another country, it will often need to be legalized. Legalizing a document in Hong Kong certifies the authenticity of the signature appearing on the document as that of an authorized public official in Hong Kong and confirms the capacity of that official. - Because Hong Kong is a member of the Apostille Convention, Hong Kong documents can be legalized by means of an Apostille Stamp when being submitted to countries that are also members of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) - If a Hong Kong document is required for a country that is not a member of the Apostille Convention, it will need to be legalized both by Hong Kong authorities and by the embassy of the recipient country (embassy in Hong Kong or non-resident embassy accredited to Hong Kong). See: [Document legalization - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Document_legalization) ### What services does Isarey Certification Services provide in Hong Kong? Isarey Certification Services provides a range of services in Hong Kong including Apostille and legalization services, notarization services, certified translation services and document retrieval services. ### What do Hong Kong Apostilles and legalizations look like? Hong Kong Apostilles follow the standard format laid down in the Apostille Convention. Some examples of Hong Kong documents certified with Apostille stamps: - [Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate with Apostille Stamp](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Hong-Kong-Business-Registration-Certificate) - [Hong Kong Birth Certificate with Apostille](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Hong-Kong-birth-certificate-Apostille) - [Hong Kong CNCC with Apostille](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Hong-Kong-CNCC-Apostille) - [Hong Kong Single Status Certificate with Apostille](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Hong-Kong-Single-Status-Certificate-Apostille) - [Hong Kong Certificate of Incorporation with Apostille](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Hong-Kong-Certificate-Incorporation-Apostille) - [Hong Kong Marriage Certificate with Apostille](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Hong-Kong-Marriage-Certificate-Apostille) - [Hong Kong Company Particulars Report with Apostille](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Hong-Kong-Company-Particulars-Report-Apostille) - [Hong Kong Divorce Decree with Apostille Stamp](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Hong-Kong-Divorce-Decree-Apostille) See [What does an Apostille look like?](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/FAQs-Document-Attestation#faq_236_s) ## Birth, death and marriage certificates ### How can I obtain a copy of a Hong Kong birth, marriage or death certificate? Hong Kong birth, death and marriage certificates can be ordered online from the Immigration Department. Applications for marriage certificates made by persons other than the bride or groom, and applications for birth certificates made by persons other than the registered person (or parent where the registered person is under 18) must be submitted by post. - [Apply Online for Hong Kong Birth, Death or Marriage Records](https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/bdmreg/applybdm.htm) - [Online Application for Birth Certificates](https://www.gov.hk/en/apps/immdes2bdmbirth.htm) - [Online Application for Death Certificates](https://www.gov.hk/en/apps/immdes2bdmdeath.htm) - [Online Application for Marriage Certificates](https://www.gov.hk/en/apps/immdes2bdmmarriage.htm) - [FAQs - Applications for Hong Kong Births/Deaths/Marriage Records](https://webapp.es2.immd.gov.hk/applies2-client/static/faq/search-birth/en-Isarey/bdm_submission_faq.html) - Once the application is submitted, Isarey can collect the issued certificate from the Immigration Department for authentication by the High Court. For further information about obtaining Hong Kong death, marriage and birth certificates and obtaining apostilles in Hong Kong, please see: [Birth, death and marriage certificates](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-attest-birth-marriage-certificates) ### How can I obtain an Apostille on a Hong Kong Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record? An Apostille for a Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record from Hong Kong can be obtained from the High Court. Applications for a Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record can be submitted online with a Hong Kong ID card. Applicants who do not hold an ID card must submit in person or by post. - [FAQs - Online Applications for Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record](https://webapp.es2.immd.gov.hk/applies2-client/static/faq/camr/en-Isarey/camr_submission_faq.html) - [Apply online for Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record](https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/bdmreg/applycamr.htm) - [Application for Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record](https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/marriage/Certificate_of_Absence_of_Marriage_records.html) - Isarey can assist with submitting and collecting applications in Hong Kong and with apostilles and consular attestation in Hong Kong. For further information, please see: [Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-apostille-certificate-no-impediment) ### How can I obtain an apostille for a Hong Kong birth, death or marriage certificate? Apostilles for Hong Kong birth, death and marriage certificates can be obtained from the High Court. Apostilles can be applied to original birth and death certificates issued by the General Register of Births and Deaths, and marriage certificates signed by the Deputy Registrar of Marriages. Apostilles can be applied to original certificates or to true copies certified by a notary public. Marriage certificates signed by civil celebrants or issued by a church or temple can only be apostilled as notarized copies (a certified copy must be obtained from the Record Office of the Marriage Registry if the apostille is required on an original certificate).For further information about authenticating Hong Kong certificates for use abroad, see: [Birth, death and marriage certificates](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-attest-birth-marriage-certificates) ### I need an apostille for my Hong Kong birth, death or marriage certificate - do I need to provide an original certificate? To obtain apostilles on Hong Kong birth, death and marriage certificates, the original certificate is required or a true copy certified by a Hong Kong notary public. ## Corporate documents ### How do I obtain an apostille for company registration documents issued in Hong Kong? Hong Kong Certificates of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificates can be authenticated for use abroad with an Apostille stamp from the High Court. Certificates required for legal use in countries that are not members of the Apostille Convention also require attestation by the Hong Kong consulate of the recipient country (e.g. Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates). Business Registration Certificates and Certified extracts of information on the Business Register can be obtained online: - [Application for Supply of Information on the Business Register](https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/taxes/etax/services/application_for_supply_of_information_on_the_br.htm) - Certificates of Continuing Registration (Good standing) and Company Particulars Search Reports can be obtained from the Companies Register. - [Companies Registry’s e-Services Portal](https://www.e-services.cr.gov.hk/ICRIS3EP/system/home.do) - [PDF: Certificate of Continuing Registration (Companies Registry)](https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/publications/docs/29-e.pdf) - [FAQs - Hong Kong Company e-search service](https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/electronic/e-servicesportal/faq/e-search.htm) - For information about authenticating Business Registration Certificates and other incorporation documents, and for assistance obtaining certified copies, please see: [Hong Kong incorporation documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-apostille-incorporation) ## Criminal record certificates ### Do Hong Kong Criminal Record Certificates have an expiry? Hong Kong Certificates of No Criminal Conviction do not have an expiry date. But if your certificate is more than 3 months old, you should check with the authority that has requested the certificate that they do not require a new issue. ### Where can I get my fingerprints taken for a Hong Kong Criminal Record certificate? To get your fingerprints taken in Hong Kong to apply for a Certificate of No Criminal Conviction, see: [Fingerprints - Hong Kong](https://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/11_useful_info/cert_no_crime.html#:~:text=Fingerprint%20Taking%20Service) To have your fingerprints taken outside Hong Kong, contact the local police force. For more information on having your fingerprints taken in different countries, see: [Getting your fingerprints taken](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-attestation-FAQs#faq_171_s) ### How can I obtain a Hong Kong Certificate of No Criminal Conviction? Certificates of No Criminal Conviction can be obtained from the Hong Kong Police Force. You will need to provide fingerprinting and a letter from a foreign consulate or immigration authority stating that a criminal record is required. The Hong Kong Police Force will not send the certificate to the applicant but directly to the requesting authority, it will need to be collected and then forwarded to Hong Kong for an apostille. For further information on how to apply, see: - [Hong Kong Police: Certificate of No Criminal Conviction](https://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/11_useful_info/cert_no_crime.html) - [FAQs Certificate of No Criminal Conviction (Hong Kong)](https://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/11_useful_info/cert_no_crime_faq.html) - For information about authenticating Hong Kong Certificates of No Criminal Conviction, see: [Apostille Certificates of no Criminal Convictions](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-attest-background-checks) ### How can I obtain an apostille for a Hong Kong Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)? Apostilles on Hong Kong Certificates of No Criminal Conviction can be obtained from the High Court. The original certificate is required. Isarey can assist with obtaining apostilles and can also collect certificates that have sent by the police to consulates in Hong Kong.For further information about obtaining and authenticating Hong Kong Certificates of No Criminal Conviction, please see: [Apostille Certificates of no Criminal Convictions](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-attest-background-checks) ## Divorce ceritifcates ### How can I obtain a Hong Kong Apostille on a divorce decree or judgement? A Hong Kong divorce certificate can be authenticated with an Apostille from the High Court. You can get an official copy of the decree absolute from the [Family Court Registry](https://tel.directory.gov.hk/0121000016_ENG.html). It must be stamped by the District Court. ## Academic documents ### How can I legalize a Hong Kong degree certificate for submission to Qatar? Hong Kong degree certificates required for submission to the authorities of Qatar or for Qatari visa applications can be attested at the consulate of Qatar in Hong Kong. In addition to the Graduation Certificate (original or certified copy), an original copy of the transcripts must also be submitted. Both documents must be notarized and authenticated by the High Court. The Consulate of Qatar will not legalize degrees conducted online. ### How can I legalize a Hong Kong degree certificate for submission to the United Arab Emirates? Hong Kong degrees and university transcripts can be attested at the UAE consulate. Before submission to the consulate, certificates and diplomas must be certified by a notary and authenticated by the High Court. The original diploma must be sent to Hong Kong for certification by Isarey's notary - a true copy can then be made and attested at the consulate. for further information about attesting academic certificates in Hong Kong, please see: [Apostille Hong Kong university degrees](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-apostille-academic-documents) ### How can I legalize a Hong Kong degree certificate for submission to Saudi Arabia? Hong Kong university degree certificates and transcripts can be authenticated for submission to Saudi authorities with an Apostille stamp issued by the High Court. Original certificates must be sent to Hong Kong for certification by a notary. Since Saudi Arabia joined the Apostille Convention, attestation by the Saudi Consulate in Hong Kong is no longer necessary. ### How can I obtain an apostille for my Hong Kong University Degree and Transcripts? Apostilles for degrees certificates and transcripts issued by Hong Kong universities and other academic documents can be obtained from the High Court. Certificates must be certified (as authentic originals or true copies) by a Hong Kong notary public for submission to the High Court. Degrees required for submission to Qatar, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates must be attested by the recipient country's consulate after authentication by the High Court.For further information about authenticating Hong Kong university certificates, please see: [Apostille Hong Kong university degrees](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-apostille-academic-documents) ## Notarized documents ### How can I obtain an apostille for a Hong Kong Power of Attorney? A power of attorney or affidavit witnessed and certified by a Hong Kong notary can be authenticated with an Apostille stamp from the High Court and attested at foreign consulates. ## Other documents ### How can I obtain a Hong Kong Apostille to certify a passport, driving licence or other ID document? A notarized true copy can be made of ID documents such as Hong Kong passports, which can then be authenticated by the High Court with an Apostille Stamp. For further information about Isarey's Hong Kong notary and apostille services, please see: [Hong Kong Attestation Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Hong-Kong-Legalization-Services)