General Information

Q: What is an Apostille?
A: An apostille is a certification that verifies a document issued in one country is legitimate and can be recognized for legal purposes in other countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Q: What is the Hague Apostille Convention?
A: The Hague Apostille Convention is an international treaty that simplifies the process of certifying legal documents for use in other member countries. It eliminates the need for double certification by providing a single certification called an apostille.

Procedure

Q: How is an apostille affixed to a document?
A: Apostilles are affixed by designated competent authorities. These authorities vary by country and can include government offices, courts, or embassies. For example, in Hong Kong, the High Court Registrar affixes apostilles.

Q: What types of documents are eligible for an apostille?
A: Documents eligible for an apostille include public documents such as marriage certificates, birth and death certificates, business registration certificates, and documents notarized by a notary public or Commissioner for Oaths.

Specific Examples

Q: Can you give an example of how a document gets an apostille in Hong Kong?
A: In Hong Kong, a document notarized by a notary public can be taken to the High Court Registrar, who will affix the apostille, making it valid for use in other member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Q: What happens if intermediate certifications are required?
A: Sometimes, a document must be certified by a local authority before it can get an apostille. For example, in New York City, a birth certificate must first be certified by the City Clerk and then by the County Clerk before getting an apostille from the New York Secretary of State.

Information on Apostille

Q: What information is included in an apostille?
A: An apostille includes the following information:

• Country of origin
• Name and capacity of the person who signed the document
• Seal or stamp of the authority
• Location and date of certification
• Apostille registration number
• Seal/stamp and signature of the issuing authority

Eligible Documents

Q: What are examples of public documents eligible for an apostille?
A: Most common examples include:

• Marriage certificates signed by a Deputy Registrar of Marriage
• Birth and death certificates

Q: What documents signed by a notary public are eligible for an apostille?
A: Examples include:

• Power of attorney
• Certified true copies of documents
• Affirmations or declarations witnessed by notaries

Legalization for Non-Signatory Countries

Q: What if the country where I need to use my document is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
A: If the country is not a signatory, the document must go through a different legalization process. This usually involves certification by the foreign ministry of the country where the document originated, followed by certification by the foreign ministry of the country where the document will be used.

Q: Can you give an example of the legalization process for non-signatory countries?
A: For example, Canadian documents for use abroad must be certified by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa or a Canadian consular official, and then by the relevant government office or consulate of the receiving country.

Choosing Yip, Tse & Tang for Apostille Services

Q: Why should I choose Yip, Tse & Tang for apostille services?
A: Yip, Tse & Tang offers comprehensive notary and apostille services with experienced notaries public who can handle your needs efficiently. We provide convenient service locations in Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and Tuen Mun, and offer same-day service for simple notarizations at competitive prices.

For more information or to schedule an apostille service, please contact us at 68889999 (WhatsApp or Tel).