Notary Public Affidavit Template for Hong Kong

A Notary Public Affidavit in Hong Kong is a sworn statement that has been formally certified by a notary public, creating a legally binding document that can be used in various official proceedings. When you need to make formal declarations for legal, business, or administrative purposes, this document provides the authentication and credibility required by both local and international authorities.

When do you need this document?

You will need a Notary Public Affidavit when dealing with international business transactions, property transfers involving foreign parties, or legal proceedings that require sworn testimony. Banks and financial institutions often require notarized affidavits for large transactions, loan applications, or when establishing corporate entities abroad. If you are involved in immigration matters, educational credential verification, or inheritance proceedings in foreign jurisdictions, a notary public affidavit provides the necessary legal weight to your statements. The document is also essential when Hong Kong courts require sworn evidence from witnesses who cannot appear in person, or when foreign courts need verified testimony from Hong Kong residents.

Key legal considerations

Your affidavit must contain accurate and truthful statements, as providing false information in a sworn document constitutes perjury under Hong Kong law, which carries serious legal consequences including imprisonment. The document must clearly identify you as the deponent, include your full legal name, occupation, and current address, and contain numbered paragraphs detailing your sworn statements. You must personally appear before the notary public to swear or affirm the contents, and the notary must verify your identity before administering the oath. The affidavit should include a statement of truth declaring that the contents are accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. Consider whether your affidavit will need additional authentication such as apostille or consular legalization if it will be used in foreign jurisdictions, as this affects the certification process and associated costs.

Legal requirements in Hong Kong

Under the Legal Practitioners Ordinance (Cap. 159), only qualified notaries public can certify affidavits for international use, while Commissioners for Oaths may handle certain domestic matters under the Oaths and Declarations Ordinance (Cap. 11). Your affidavit must comply with the format requirements specified in the Rules of the High Court (Cap. 4A) if it will be used in court proceedings, including proper heading, paragraph numbering, and signature requirements. The notary public must affix their official seal and signature, along with the date and place of notarization, and may require witnesses depending on the document's intended use. You must bring valid identification and any supporting documents referenced in the affidavit, and be prepared to pay the prescribed notarial fees as set by the Hong Kong Notaries Public Rules. If you require an interpreter due to language barriers, arrangements must be made in advance, and the interpreter's details will be included in the notarial certificate.