Before Chinese New Year: 5 Documents You May Need to Get Notarised in Hong Kong
As the Year of the Horse approaches in 2026, the streets of Hong Kong are transforming. Red lanterns are swaying in Central, the fragrance of narcissus bulbs is filling the air in Mong Kok, and the collective anxiety of “getting everything done before the holiday” is reaching its annual peak.
For many, the Lunar New Year is about lai see and a well-deserved trip to Japan or Europe. But in the world of cross-border business and international families, CNY is also a hard deadline to meet. In Hong Kong, the city pauses for several days, and more importantly, government offices and consulates often have extended closures.
If you have international dealings, waiting until the final day of the Lunar calendar to find a notary public is a recipe for stress. At Andrew Wang Solicitor and Notary Public, we’ve seen it all-from last-minute property deals to urgent travel authorizations.
To help you navigate the festive rush, here are the five documents you should consider getting a notary cert for before the firecrackers start popping.
1: Travel Consent for Minors (The “Ski Trip” Essential)
With the holiday season comes the Great Hong Kong Exodus. Many families take advantage of the school break to hit the slopes in Niseko or visit grandparents in Australia.
However, modern border control is stricter than ever. If a child is traveling with only one parent, or with grandparents/helpers, many countries require a Travel Consent Letter. This document proves that the non-accompanying parent has permission for the trip.
Without a signature from a notary, you might find yourself stuck at the boarding gate rather than enjoying a hot chocolate in the mountains. A notary public verifies the identity of the signing parent, ensuring the document holds weight with international immigration authorities.
2: Power of Attorney (POA) for Property and Banking
The start of a new year often coincides with “spring cleaning,” not just of your home, but of your financial portfolio. We are seeing a surge in 2026 of Hong Kong residents managing properties in the UK, Canada, or Mainland China.
If you plan to buy, sell, or lease property abroad while you are busy celebrating in Hong Kong, you will likely need to appoint a representative via a Power of Attorney. Because these are legal documents intended for use outside of Hong Kong, a standard witness isn’t enough; you need a notary to formalize the document.
Getting your notary cert issued before the CNY break ensures that your overseas agent can act on your behalf even while you are offline, enjoying your turnip cake.
3: Proof of Identity and Marital Status (The “Year of the Horse” Weddings)
2026 is predicted to be a popular year for milestones. If you are planning a destination wedding or moving abroad for a new job in the second quarter of the year, you’ll need to prove who you are.
International authorities often require notarized copies of:
●Passports and HKIDs
●Marriage Certificates
●Certificates of Absence of Marriage Record (Single Status)
A notary public provides the “gold standard” of verification. At Andrew Wang Solicitor and Notary Public, we ensure your copies are certified correctly so they are accepted by foreign embassies, saving you from a bureaucratic nightmare during the holidays.
4: Corporate Documents and Board Resolutions
Business doesn’t stop, but banks and regulators do. If your company is opening a new offshore bank account or entering a contract with an international partner, they will demand notarized corporate “incumbency” or board resolutions.
Since many directors travel during CNY, getting everyone in one room to sign in front of a notary becomes nearly impossible once the holiday starts. Proactive firms handle their notary requirements in the weeks leading up to the New Year to ensure their “Business as Usual” remains true when the office reopens.
5: Educational and Professional Qualifications
Thinking of a career move or applying for an MBA overseas? Whether it’s an HKU degree or a professional license, foreign institutions need to know your credentials are authentic.
A notary cert attached to your transcripts or certificates acts as a bridge of trust between Hong Kong’s education system and the rest of the world. Don’t let your application sit in a pile because you forgot to get your documents notarized before the 15th day of the Lunar month!
6: Why Timing Matters: The Apostille Factor
It’s not just about the notary. Most documents intended for international use require an Apostille from the High Court of Hong Kong or legalization by a specific Consulate.
During the Chinese New Year period, the High Court and various consulates have specific holiday hours. A process that usually takes two days could stretch into two weeks if caught in the holiday backlog. By visiting a notary public now, you beat the rush and ensure your documents are “ready to fly” before the city goes into holiday mode.
7: Transparency: The Notary Price Question
We know what you’re thinking: “How much is this going to cost me during the peak season?” One of the most common searches this time of year is for a competitive notary price. At Andrew Wang Solicitor and Notary Public, we believe in transparent pricing. Our goal is to provide efficient service that respects both your timeline and your budget.
While the notary price can vary depending on the complexity of the document and whether an Apostille is required, we provide clear quotes so you can plan your holiday spending accordingly (and keep more money in your lai see envelopes!).
8: The “Andrew Wang Solicitor and Notary Public” Difference
Why choose us for your pre-CNY preparations?
●Speed: We understand the urgency of the “last boat” before the holidays.
●Expertise: Our team is well-versed in the specific requirements of different
jurisdictions.
●Convenience: Located in the heart of Hong Kong, we make it easy to drop in and get your notary cert handled.
A Quick Checklist for Your Visit:
- Original Documents: Bring the original passport, ID, or certificate.
- ID Proof: Ensure your own identification is valid and not expired.
- Instructions: If your foreign lawyer provided specific wording for the notary, bring that along!
- Appointment: Book early! The week before CNY is our busiest time of the year.
9: Conclusion: Start the Year of the Horse with Peace of Mind
There is an old Chinese proverb suggesting that we settle our debts and clear our “unfinished business” before the New Year to ensure good luck. In 2026, “unfinished business” often means paperwork.
Don’t let a missing notary cert be the dark cloud over your festive celebrations. Whether you are heading to the airport or just looking forward to a quiet week at home, getting your legal documents in order is the ultimate “spring cleaning” for your soul.
Ready to get started? Contact aw@notarywang.com today to check our holiday hours or get a quick quote for our notary services.
From all of us at Andrew Wang Solicitor and Notary Public, we wish you a prosperous, smooth, and legally-compliant Year of the Horse! Kung Hei Fat Choy!
The information provided is for reference only and is not meant to be legal advice.
