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Apostille Hong Kong: How to Get an Apostille in Hong Kong (2026 Update)
- David Ravenscroft
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Author: David Ravenscroft, Senior Notary Public | Dhruvika Malkan, Notary Intern
Navigating the process of obtaining an Apostille in Hong Kong can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with local procedures. Whether you need authenticated documents for immigration, corporate filings, overseas marriage, academic applications or commercial work, understanding the requirements will help you avoid delays.
This guide explains the complete 2026 process for both paper and electronic Apostille services, including fees, processing times and important rules set by the Hong Kong Judiciary. It also highlights when individuals and businesses may find professional assistance useful.
What Is an Apostille?
An Apostille is an internationally recognised authentication under the 1961 Hague Convention. It verifies the signature of a Notary Public or Government Official and takes the form of a certificate by the Registrar of the High Court. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, powers of attorney and company documents are some examples of documents that can be apostilled.
An Apostille allows your documents to be recognised in more than 100 jurisdictions. The effective parties are under the List of Contracting Parties to the Hague Convention as of 17 December 2025.
Apostille Hong Kong Requirements
Before applying, make sure you have:
Original signatures (photocopies are not accepted for Apostille services)
Certified true copies issued by the relevant government office if the original document is not directly available (for example, civil celebrant marriage certificates)
How to Get an Apostille in Hong Kong (Paper Based Process)
Paper‑based Apostille applications are processed by the Apostille Service Office of the High Court Registry.
1. Prepare or Notarise Your Document
Your document must be either an original document or a certified true copy by the appointed Government Officer or Notary Public. The Apostille Service Office checks the signatures and seals against its internal registry.
2. Appointment (Optional)
Appointments are available for apostilling but not mandatory. Booking is recommended for same day processing because appointments take priority over walk-in cases.
3. Submit Your Application
Submit documents in person at the Apostille Service Office at Counter no. 5, LG1, High Court Building, 38 Queensway, Hong Kong. In the submission form, provided by the High Court Apostille Service Counter, you must identify the country for which the apostille is required.
4. Payment
The Apostille fee is HKD 125 per document. Payment methods include cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, or cheque on LG 2/F, High Court Building, 38 Queensway, Hong Kong.
5. Processing Time
Most applications are completed within two working days.
E Apostille in Hong Kong (Digital Process)
Hong Kong has introduced a digital Apostille system that allows online submission, payment and document retrieval. The system follows the guidelines of the Hague Convention.
1. Submit Digitally Signed PDFs
Documents must be digitally signed and submitted through the Judiciary portal. The service is initially available to registered Notaries Public, with phased expansion planned.
2. Online Payment
The Apostille fee of HKD 125 is paid electronically through the portal.
3. Processing Time
Processing takes about two working days. The applicant may download from the Judiciary portal a digitally signed PDF that includes both the underlying document and the e Apostille. The digital seal replaces the wet ink stamp used in paper Apostilles.
Apostille Service Office Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Closed on weekends and public holidays
Need Assistance with Your Apostille in Hong Kong?
Ravenscroft and Schmierer provides professional support for notarisation, certified copies and both paper and e-Apostille applications. Our team can guide and manage through the entire process.
Contact Ravenscroft and Schmierer today for reliable Apostille Hong Kong assistance.
FAQ: Apostille Service in Hong Kong
What is an Apostille in Hong Kong?
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the High Court Registry that verifies the authenticity of signatures of Notary Public and certain Government Officers. It allows the document to be recognised in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
What documents can be apostilled in Hong Kong?
Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, company documents from the Companies Registry, powers of attorney and academic certificates.
What is the difference between a paper Apostille and an e Apostille?
Both formats have identical legal effect. The difference lies in the form of the seal. A paper Apostille includes a physical stamp, while an e Apostille contains a digital seal issued through the Judiciary portal.
Are photocopies accepted for Apostille services?
No. Photocopies are not accepted. You must submit original documents or photocopies certified as true copies by a Notary Public are acceptable.
Do I need notarisation before applying for an Apostille?
Not always. Public documents issued directly by Hong Kong government departments usually do not require notarisation. Private documents or documents not issued by a government office require notarisation or certification by a Notary Public before submitting for Apostille.
Can I get a certified true copy apostilled?
Yes. Certified true copies issued by a Government Office or a Hong Kong Notary Public can be apostilled.
Can I apply for Apostille services from overseas?
Yes. Applicants outside Hong Kong can courier documents to us in Hong Kong to process.
Do I need to be in Hong Kong to apply for an Apostille?
No. A representative aged 18 or above can submit the application for you.
How long does Apostille processing take in Hong Kong?
The standard processing time is two working days for both paper and e Apostille applications. Complex cases or overseas submissions may take longer.
How much does an Apostille cost in Hong Kong?
The fee is HKD 125 per document. Cash and electronic payments are both accepted.
Where do I submit paper Apostille applications?
Applications are submitted in person at the Apostille Service Office on LG1/F of the High Court Building, 38 Queensway, Hong Kong. Payments are handled on a different floor as directed by the Registry.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are optional. Booking is recommended during busy periods or if you require same day processing, because walk in applications may involve waiting time.
What is the processing time for the e Apostille system?
Processing for e Apostilles typically takes about two working days.
Who can use the e Apostille system?
As of the current rollout, the system is available to Hong Kong Notaries Public, with planned phased expansion to other users.
What if the destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
If the receiving country does not accept Apostilles, documents usually go through full legalisation by the relevant Consulate.
Can corporate documents be apostilled?
Yes. Common corporate documents include Certificates of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificates, Annual Returns, board resolutions and notarised company documents.
Can I apostille documents for use in China?
No. You must consult a China-Appointed Attesting Office (CAAO) to attest and certify documents issued in Hong Kong for use in Mainland China
Do Apostille documents expire?
The Apostille itself does not expire. However, certain underlying documents, such as company records or criminal record checks, may have validity periods depending on the recipient’s requirements.
How can I book Apostille, notarisation or certified copy services?
You can arrange Apostille, notarisation and certified true copy services through Ravenscroft and Schmierer. Our team manages preparation, submission and collection, including applications from overseas clients.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice of any kind. You should seek your own personal legal advice before taking legal action. We accept no liability whatsoever for loss arising out of the use or misuse of this article.
For specific advice about your situation, please contact:
Senior Consultant
+852 2388 3899
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