Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need an Apostille or Embassy Legalization?

This is the most common question we get asked by our customers. Whether you need embassy legalization or an apostille depends on the country where the document will be used and the country where the document was issued. If the country where the document will be used and the country that issued the document are parties to the Hague Convention, then the document requires an apostille. However, if the country that issued the document or the country where the document will be used is not a party to the Hague Convention, then the document requires embassy legalization.


You can check this by selecting the country where the document was issued from the menu and selecting the country where it will be used. For more information, see the ORDER NOW page.

What types of documents can be certified or authenticated?

Apostille Services Hong Kong operates in many countries around the world through our strategically located offices, network partners and trusted agents.

We have compiled an illustrative list of documents that can be certified or apostilled in the various countries where we operate. Check out the list of documents under Apostille and embassy legalization services. Also, check out the countries we serve under Global apostille and embassy legalization services.

However, don't be discouraged if you don't see your document on this list. Apostille Services Hong Kong is constantly working to expand our services to handle a wider range of documents. Please Contact us and we will let you know if we can help you. You can also send us a scanned copy of your document via our Contact us form and we will review it for free and get back to you quickly.

I would like to cancel my request for an apostille. How can I do it?

If you decide to cancel your request, please contact us in writing (by fax or email) to cancel it. 

 

If we have not started processing it, we will refund 100% minus the shipping charges if we ship your documents back to you. 

 

If we have begun the process, we will not be able to issue a refund or it can be issued partially (depending on how many services you have requested). 

 

To view our Terms and Conditions, please click here.

After I send you my documents, how much time will it take for the documents to be processed and returned to me?

The processing time will depend on the type of document, on the state where the document was issued and the country for which the document is destined. We mostly finish the service less or within the promised processing time; however, occasionally the process might be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as regulations change or natural disaster.

 

The processing time does NOT include the shipping time. Please allow an extra 2 working days for domestic and 4-5 working days for international delivery to send the finished document(s) to you.

 

We will start processing your documents as soon as we receive them. If the documents have proper seal(s) and signature(s), we will start processing them right away. In some cases, if the documents require additional certification, the process will take longer. If you can, please contact us in advance so we can review your scanned documents before you mail them to us and save processing time.

Can I notarize a copy of Birth Certificate?

Birth certificates, like any other vital record documents, are publicly recordable documents, a certified copies of which are available through appropriate vital records office. 

 

In most states the laws specifically forbid notary public making copies or notarizing them for apostille purposes. 

 

However, we can obtain the apostille for vital records using the digital copy file if you are sure that the receiving party accepts it.

Which countries accept apostille documents?

 For a list of the countries that accept apostilles, please visit the Status Table provided by the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

What is the Hague Convention?

The Hague Convention of 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization of Foreign Public Documents is an international agreement, 

which simplified the authentication process of public documents to be used in nations that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention. 

 

The United States signed this agreement on Oct. 15, 1981. 

 

Only those nations who are party to the Hague Apostille Convention recognize the apostille certification.

What is an apostille?

It's actually a High Court certification of an eligible document, such as a power of attorney or other notarized document that we notarize. The High Court will affix a 'sticker' with the certification wording printed with its 'printed signature' and 'seal'.

 

The Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization of Foreign Official Documents, Apostille Convention, or Apostille Treaty is an international treaty drafted by the Hague Conference on Private International Law that specifies the manner in which documents issued in one of the signatory countries may be authenticated for legal purposes in all other signatory countries. This certification is called an apostille (French: authentication), which is the international equivalent of a notarization under national law. As mentioned earlier, in Hong Kong, this is done by the High Court.