Hong Kong accepts apostilles under China's membership of the Hague Apostille Convention, so a Maryland apostille is enough there.
The apostille only confirms the signature and seal on your document. Each office in Hong Kong still sets its own rules about how recent the document must be and whether it needs a translation into Chinese.
Vital records for Hong Kong
- Certified copySigned and sealed by a Maryland official
- Maryland Secretary of State16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 · $5 per document
- Apostille attachedValid in every Hague Convention country
Notarized documents for Hong Kong
- Sign before a Maryland notaryThe notary's stamp names their county.
- Clerk of the Circuit Court (notary’s county)Authenticates the notary · about $1 per document
- Maryland Secretary of State16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 · $5 per document
- Apostille attachedValid in every Hague Convention country
Cost for Hong Kong
| Option | Per document |
|---|---|
| Vital record, you mail it yourself | $5 |
| Any Maryland document, we file it | $50 |
| Notarized, we handle the clerk too | $50 + $1 |
| Federal (FBI check) | $57 |
Hong Kong: common questions
Is a Maryland apostille accepted in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong accepts apostilles under China's membership of the Hague Apostille Convention, so a Maryland apostille is enough there.
Do I need a translation for Hong Kong?
Often. Official business in Hong Kong is conducted in Chinese and English. If your document is in English, the receiving office may ask for a certified translation into Chinese, usually made after the apostille is attached.
Can I apostille a birth certificate for Hong Kong myself?
Yes. A certified Maryland birth certificate goes straight to the Secretary of State with a $5 fee. Our free guide explains each step.
What if my document for Hong Kong is notarized?
Then the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the notary's county must authenticate it first. We handle both offices for you.