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Hong Kong documents for use in Mainland China

Mainland authorities do not accept apostilles on Hong Kong documents. We arrange China-Appointed Attesting Officer (CAAO) attestation instead – from HK$4,600.

How CAAO attestation works

  1. We review what the Mainland authority (bank, court, AMR, notary office) has asked for.
  2. A China-Appointed Attesting Officer prepares the attestation and you sign before them, or they certify your Hong Kong document.
  3. The document is sent to China Legal Services (H.K.) Ltd for checking and sealing.
  4. We return the sealed attestation to you, ready for use in the Mainland.

Common uses

  • Registering or changing a WFOE, representative office or joint venture
  • Powers of attorney for property sales, bank matters or litigation
  • Marriage registration and single-status declarations
  • Inheritance and estate matters
Attestation fees depend on the number of pages and whether a statement must be drafted. We confirm a fixed price after reviewing your documents.

Mainland China FAQs

Why can't I use an apostille in Mainland China?

Hong Kong and the Mainland are part of the same country, so the Hague Apostille Convention does not apply between them. Hong Kong documents are instead attested by a China-Appointed Attesting Officer (CAAO).

What is a China-Appointed Attesting Officer?

A senior Hong Kong lawyer appointed by the Ministry of Justice of the PRC to attest Hong Kong documents for use in the Mainland. The attested document is then checked and sealed by China Legal Services (H.K.) Ltd before it is valid.

Which documents are commonly attested?

Company documents for setting up or changing a WFOE or joint venture, powers of attorney for property or litigation, marriage and birth records, single-status declarations and declarations for inheritance.

How long does CAAO attestation take?

Usually 2–3 weeks, including drafting, signing before the attesting officer and the sealing step at China Legal Services (H.K.) Ltd.

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