What is a Certified True Copy?
When a document is examined, checked and certified by official bodies like the CPAs, Lawyers or the Court, this document is then be Certified as aTrue Copy. While certified true copies are used to show that there has been no interference, and no changes made, when copying an important document. They are used frequently when you need to provide important paperwork, but you can’t hand over the original as you need to retain it for future use.
When do you need a Certified True Copy?
Whenever you need one for bank account opening or to proof on your business, bans and related bodies will ask for a certified true copy of documents. But it is often using to apply for opening a business bank account. The banks will request to provide documents that are certified as true copies of the original. Furthermore, only a professional person can sign a certified document as a true copy of the original.
Who can certify your documents in Hong Kong?
- Notary public practising in Hong Kong;
- Solicitor practising in Hong Kong;
- Certified public accountant (practising) within the meaning of section 2 of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council Ordinance (Chapter 588 of the Laws of Hong Kong)
- Officer of the court in Hong Kong who is authorised by law to certify documents for any judicial or other legal purpose;
- Professional company secretary practising in Hong Kong;
- Licensee of trust or company service provider as defined by section 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Chapter 615 of the Laws of Hong Kong); or
- Consular officer of user’s home country, in the case of a non-Hong Kong resident.
What is a Certified True Copy Format?
In most cases, the document should include the following:
- Certifier’s signature and printed name
- Date of certifying
- Position of the person certifying the document
- The statement: I confirm that this is a true copy of the original – or words to that effect
- Number of pages included
Before sending a document to certify, you better check with the individual bank. In case they have any specific needs.
In Hong Kong, your certified true copies should in English or Chinese. If your original documents are in a different language, you need to translate them in advance.
How to prepare your original documents?
- Proper scanned
- Same size of the original document
- Fully scan of the whole page of the original document
For further information, please contact us.
You may want to read: Certifying a Passport Copy by CPA, Lawyers or Notary Public