How to Smoothly Obtain a Hong Kong Same Person Certificate in China? Comprehensive Analysis Here!

How to Obtain a Hong Kong Same Person Certificate in Mainland China A Comprehensive Guide

In today's era of globalization and increasing cross-border communication, more individuals and businesses are dealing with legal matters involving Hong Kong and Macau. Among these, the same person certificate-a key legal document for confirming identity across jurisdictions-is widely used in various scenarios such as bank account opening, property transactions, inheritance procedures, and company registration. In particular, mainland residents who need to prove that they are the same individual referenced under a Hong Kong identity often face challenges in obtaining this certificate. This article offers a comprehensive guide on how to smoothly obtain a Hong Kong same person certificate from mainland China.

What is a Same Person Certificate?

A same person certificate is a legal document issued by an authorized institution to confirm that two or more identity records refer to the same natural person. In Hong Kong, such certificates are typically issued by authorized agencies, lawyers, or notaries and then authenticated by China Legal Services Hong Kong-commonly referred to as the CTN Notary-before being used in mainland China. These documents are commonly required in the following situations

Banks request proof that a mainland resident is the same person as a Hong Kong account holder.

Inheritance cases require verification that the applicant matches the person named in a will.

Hong Kong-invested enterprises must confirm the identity of their legal representative during registration or change procedures.

Property transfers, loan applications, and other legal matters requiring identity confirmation between the two regions.

Why Is a Same Person Certificate Necessary?

Mainland China and Hong Kong operate under different legal systems and identity management frameworks. For example, mainland China uses ID card numbers, while Hong Kong uses Hong Kong Identity Card HKID numbers. When handling cross-border affairs, simple verbal declarations or photocopies are insufficient to meet legal requirements. A same person certificate bridges this gap by establishing a legally recognized link between identities, ensuring the legitimacy and authority of legal actions.

How to Obtain a Hong Kong Same Person Certificate in Mainland China

1. Prepare Required Documents

To apply for a same person certificate, applicants must provide sufficient identification materials for verification by the notarial authority. These usually include

Mainland resident ID card and household registration book

Hong Kong ID card or Home Return Permit for mainland residents

Proof of former names, nicknames, or English names if applicable

Supporting documents related to the application, such as bank statements, wills, or property ownership certificates

If means authorize someone else to handle, a power of attorney and the agent’s ID are also required.

2. Choose an Appropriate Processing Method

Currently, there are several ways to obtain a Hong Kong same person certificate

a. Hong Kong Lawyer Notarization + CTN Authentication Most Common Method

This is the most widely accepted method and involves the following steps

Find a qualified Hong Kong lawyer.

Sign relevant documents in front of the lawyer, who will verify your identity and issue a notarial document.

Submit the notarial document to China Legal Services Hong Kong for authentication with an official stamp.

The authenticated document becomes valid for use in mainland China.

b. Cooperation Between Mainland Notary Offices and Hong Kong Institutions

Some mainland notary offices have partnerships with the CTN office and can assist applicants in submitting documents remotely and coordinating with Hong Kong lawyers for notarization. This option is ideal for those unable to travel to Hong Kong.

c. Use of Online Platforms or Third-party Agencies

There are many professional agencies offering means agency services for same person certificates. When choosing this route, ensure the agency is legitimate, licensed, and has verified cooperation with Hong Kong lawyers to avoid fraud.

3. Key Considerations

Authenticity of Materials All submitted documents must be genuine and valid. Providing false information may invalidate the notarization and lead to legal consequences.

Timeliness Some purposes require the certificate to be valid within a specific timeframe. Plan accordingly based on your needs.

Language Requirements Notarial documents issued in Hong Kong are typically in English or Traditional Chinese. They may need to be translated into Simplified Chinese with a certified translation stamp when used in mainland China.

Costs Involved Fees generally include legal fees, authentication fees, and translation costs. Different institutions charge varying rates, so it’s advisable to inquire in advance.

Recent Developments and Trends

With deepening exchanges between mainland China and Hong Kong, notarial services have seen continuous improvement. According to 2025 media reports, China Legal Services Hong Kong has begun digitizing certain notarial services, allowing some processes to be completed online via document uploads and video identity verification-greatly improving efficiency.

Additionally, in early 2025, pilot programs were launched in several mainland cities offering one-stop cross-border notarial services, enabling residents to submit documents locally, with local notary offices coordinating directly with Hong Kong authorities to complete the process. This indicates a promising trend toward greater convenience and efficiency in obtaining same person certificates in the future.

Conclusion

For individuals or businesses engaged in cross-border legal activities, a Hong Kong same person certificate remains an essential legal instrument. While the process may seem complex, thorough preparation and using legitimate channels can help ensure smooth processing. As collaboration between the two regions continues to strengthen, obtaining such certificates is expected to become increasingly streamlined, offering stronger legal support for cross-border life and business operations.