Chinese Attesting Office Hong Kong | CAAO Notarisation Services | Deep Blue CPA
Professional notarisation services by a China-Appointed Attesting Officer (CAAO) for documents to be used in Mainland China.
Our Notarization Services
China-Appointed Attesting Officer (CAAO) Services in Hong Kong
A China-Appointed Attesting Officer (CAAO) is a Hong Kong solicitor who has obtained additional qualification from the Ministry of Justice of the People's Republic of China to notarise documents for use in Mainland China. Under the Arrangement between the Ministry of Justice of the PRC and the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, only CAAOs are authorised to certify Hong Kong documents so they are legally recognised by Chinese government authorities, courts, banks, and other institutions.
At Deep Blue CPA, we coordinate with experienced CAAOs — all of whom are qualified Hong Kong solicitors — to provide complete notarisation and document transfer services for individuals and businesses needing to use Hong Kong documents in Mainland China.
When You Need CAAO Notarisation
- Cross-border business — Registering a Hong Kong company in China, establishing a WOFE or representative office, or submitting audit reports and financial statements to Chinese authorities.
- Property transactions — Buying, selling, or mortgaging property in Mainland China as a Hong Kong resident.
- Personal matters — Marriage registration, divorce proceedings, adoption, inheritance, or proving identity and family relationships in China.
- Legal proceedings — Presenting evidence or documents in Chinese courts or administrative tribunals.
- Education and employment — Verifying academic qualifications or professional experience for work or study in Mainland China.
The Complete CAAO Process: Notarisation and Document Transfer
Unlike ordinary notarisation, CAAO notarisation involves a mandatory document transfer process through China Legal Service (H.K.) Ltd. (中國法律服務（香港）有限公司). This is essential for Mainland Chinese authorities to accept your documents.
- Document review — We review your documents and confirm the appropriate notarisation format required by the receiving authority in Mainland China.
- Document preparation — We help prepare any supporting declarations, translations, or supporting documents needed for the notarisation.
- CAAO notarisation — Your documents are submitted to a China-Appointed Attesting Officer (a qualified Hong Kong solicitor) who examines the originals, verifies their authenticity, and affixes the CAAO seal and signature.
- Document transfer via China Legal Service (H.K.) Ltd. — The notarised documents are submitted to China Legal Service (H.K.) Ltd. for official review, registration, and transfer to the designated Mainland Chinese authority. This step is mandatory. Documents not processed through China Legal Service (H.K.) Ltd. will not be accepted by Mainland Chinese authorities.
- Delivery to Mainland China — The documents are delivered to the designated Chinese authority, court, or institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a China-Appointed Attesting Officer (CAAO)?
A China-Appointed Attesting Officer (CAAO) is a Hong Kong solicitor who has obtained special qualification from the Ministry of Justice of the People's Republic of China. CAAOs are authorised to notarise Hong Kong documents for use in Mainland China. They examine the authenticity of documents and certify that they comply with Chinese legal requirements.
When do I need a Chinese Attesting Office notarisation?
You need CAAO notarisation when a Hong Kong document must be used in Mainland China, such as: registering a Hong Kong company or establishing a WOFE in China, buying or selling property in China as a Hong Kong resident, marriage or adoption proceedings involving Mainland Chinese authorities, proving your Hong Kong identity or qualifications in China, or legal disputes or inheritance matters involving Chinese courts or notary offices.
How long does Chinese Attesting Office notarisation take?
The CAAO notarisation process typically takes 5 to 7 working days, depending on the type and complexity of the documents. Standard document sets (such as company incorporation documents or personal identity papers) are usually processed within 5 working days. The document transfer through China Legal Service (H.K.) Ltd. may require additional time.
What documents can be notarised by a Chinese Attesting Office?
CAAOs can notarise a wide range of documents including company documents (business registration, incorporation certificates, and board resolutions), identity documents (Hong Kong identity cards, passports, and birth certificates), financial documents (bank statements, audit reports, and tax returns), property documents (title deeds, sale and purchase agreements, and mortgage documents), and personal documents (marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and powers of attorney).
What is China Legal Service (H.K.) Ltd. and why is it needed?
China Legal Service (H.K.) Ltd. (中國法律服務（香港）有限公司) is the official body responsible for reviewing, registering, and transferring CAAO-notarised documents from Hong Kong to Mainland China. After a CAAO notarises your documents, they must be submitted to China Legal Service (H.K.) Ltd. for official transfer. This step is mandatory — Mainland Chinese authorities will not accept documents that have not been processed through this channel.
Can any Hong Kong lawyer perform CAAO notarisation?
No. Only Hong Kong solicitors who have obtained the China-Appointed Attesting Officer qualification from the Ministry of Justice of the PRC may perform CAAO notarisation. Not all solicitors hold this qualification.
Is CAAO notarisation the same as a CPA certified true copy?
No. A CPA certified true copy is a document certification service provided by a Certified Public Accountant, confirming that a photocopy matches the original. CAAO notarisation is a formal legal process performed by a qualified Hong Kong solicitor with China-appointed status, which includes document examination, legal certification, and mandatory transfer through China Legal Service (H.K.) Ltd. For use in Mainland China, CAAO notarisation is the legally recognised process.
Related Services
- CPA Certified True Copy — Document certification by our AFRC registered CPA for non-Mainland China purposes.
- Notarization & Apostille — Apostille certification for Hague Convention countries.
- Vietnam Consular Legalisation — Consular legalisation for Vietnam.
- China WOFE/WFOE Registration — Company registration services for entering the China market.