How Hong Kong Treats a Singapore Apostille
Hong Kong has applied the Apostille Convention since before 1997, and China confirmed that it continues to apply there. So an apostille for Hong Kong from Singapore is the last step; nothing further is needed in Singapore.
Two points confuse people. First, China's own accession in November 2023 changed the route for mainland China, not for Hong Kong — Hong Kong was already covered. Second, the apostille is not addressed to any country: the same SAL certificate works in Hong Kong, the mainland or anywhere else that accepts apostilles. If you have documents for both places, one apostille per document is enough, though the receivers' other requirements may differ. Mainland receivers usually want a Chinese translation; see our China document apostille page.
English is an official language in Hong Kong, so banks, solicitors and the courts there generally work with English documents without a translation.
| Hong Kong | Mainland China | |
|---|---|---|
| Final Singapore step | SAL apostille | SAL apostille |
| Chinese translation | Not normally needed for English documents | Usually requested |
| Typical documents from our clients | POAs, declarations | COC, degrees, company papers |
At the time of writing, SAL charges S$87.20 (incl. GST) to authenticate a notarised document such as a POA, and S$10.70 to apostille a Singapore government certificate directly. What SAL checks before it will apostille anything is set out on our SAL apostille service page.
Powers of Attorney for Hong Kong Banks and Property
A power of attorney for Hong Kong is usually drafted by the Hong Kong bank or solicitor who will rely on it, signed by you in person before a Singapore Notary Public, and then apostilled by SAL. Using the receiver's own wording avoids most rejections.
The situations we see most often:
- Bank accounts. Appointing a family member to operate or close a Hong Kong account. Many banks insist on their own POA form and will not accept a general one.
- Selling or letting a flat. A Hong Kong solicitor prepares a POA for the conveyancing; the attorney then signs the sale documents on your behalf in Hong Kong.
- Estate matters. Authorising someone in Hong Kong to deal with a relative's estate.
- Declarations. Statutory declarations of identity, address or relationship requested alongside the POA.
Before you come to sign, check these with the Hong Kong side:
- Is the POA in their final form, with names and identity numbers exactly as in your passport?
- Do they want the apostilled original couriered to them, or to you?
- Does the POA need anything done after it arrives in Hong Kong — for example, registration by their solicitor before a property transaction? That is their step, but it affects your timeline.
Hong Kong POAs are governed by Hong Kong's Powers of Attorney Ordinance, and whether a particular form meets it is a question for a Hong Kong solicitor. We do not draft Hong Kong legal documents; we make sure the signing, the notarial certificate and the apostille are right. How to choose the right kind of POA in general is on our power of attorney attestation page.
What the notary will need
- Your passport, and NRIC or FIN if you have one
- The POA unsigned, with every blank completed
- If you sign for a company: evidence of your authority, such as the ACRA Business Profile and a board resolution
The notary must be satisfied that you understand the document and are signing of your own free will. If the POA is in Chinese only, you will need an English version so the notary can be sure of that.
Signing at Home: Mobile Notary for Hong Kong Documents
If coming to our office is difficult, our Notary Public can witness your Hong Kong POA or declaration at your home, office, hospital bed or hotel in Singapore. You still sign in person — the notary comes to you — and we then take the document to SAL and courier it to Hong Kong.
This is how many of our Hong Kong jobs run. One recent client needed a POA for Hong Kong signed at home, apostilled and couriered — three steps, and the client never left the flat. It suits elderly parents, people with small children, and anyone who cannot take time off during office hours.
A few things to know before booking a home visit:
- Everyone signing must be present at the same visit, with original ID.
- For a hospital or nursing home signing, the notary must be able to confirm the person understands the document; they may decline if in doubt.
- Have the final Hong Kong document printed and ready, but do not sign it before the notary arrives.
Fees for the visit are separate from the notarial and SAL fees; see our mobile notary service page for how visits are priced and booked.
Hong Kong Apostille Questions
Does Hong Kong accept an apostille from Singapore?
Yes. The Apostille Convention applies in Hong Kong, so an SAL apostille completes the Singapore side. No consulate or embassy stamp is needed afterwards.
Is Hong Kong treated the same as mainland China?
For the apostille itself, yes: the same SAL certificate is used. The receivers differ, though — mainland authorities usually want a Chinese translation, while Hong Kong ones normally accept English.
Can I sign the POA first and bring it to the notary later?
No. The notary must see you sign, so leave the signature blank until you are in front of them. A document signed beforehand usually has to be printed and signed again.
My Hong Kong bank sent its own POA form. Can I use it?
Yes, and that is usually the safest choice. Complete it but do not sign; we will witness the signature and apostille it.
How long does it take to get a Hong Kong POA apostilled?
Signing can usually be arranged within a few working days, and SAL usually processes the POA on the spot once we submit it. International courier to Hong Kong then adds a few days. SAL's timing is outside our control.
Can you send the apostilled POA straight to my solicitor in Hong Kong?
Yes. Give us the solicitor's address and contact number, and we will courier it and send you the tracking details.
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Disclaimer: We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice, including on Hong Kong law. Acceptance of any document is decided by the Hong Kong receiver. Fees and requirements are as stated on the "Last verified" date and may change. Last verified: 1 October 2026.