Notarization

Notarization authenticates the signing of a document and/or authenticates that a copy of a document is a true copy. The Notary Public provides certainty to the end user that fraud has not taken place, the document is valid and the signature is true.

Notarized document as signed by the notary and sealed with the notary’s official seal which clarify that the person authenticating is a notary, or attach the notary’s certificate as a proof.

Apostille

Apostille is a verification by the Hong Kong High Court that the notary is an authentic notary in Hong Kong and therefore the document can be relied on. Documents can only be apostilled between jurisdictions who are a party to the Hague Convention.

Legalization

Legalization can be administered by the embassy or consulate of the foreign country in which the document will eventually be used. In most cases, notary and/or apostille are required before an embassy or consulate will accept a document for legalization.

China Attestation

Documents issued in Hong Kong and matters occurred in Hong Kong needed to be used in Mainland China require attestation, certification or witnessing by a China-appointed attesting officer. It is usually called “attesting” services instead of “notarial” services.