Legalization means the authentication of a signature or seal / stamp appearing on a document to make  the document acceptable in the legalising country.

1. To have a document which originates in the United Kingdom accepted in the People's Republic of China, you need to go to the Legalization Office of British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Old Admiralty Building, Whitehall, London SW1A 2LG, Tel: 020 70081111, Fax: 020 70081010, the opening hours will remain 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) to legalize the signature or seal of a British public official-such as a solicitor, notary public, registrar, official of Chambers of Commerce. Then send it to this office to legalize the signature of official of British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

2.Usually, the following documents are essential:

a. Legalization Application Form; 

b. The original document to be legalized and its  photocopy;

c. Copy of applicant's passport or company details;

d. Any other documents if this General Consulate deems necessary.

3. According to the Sino-British Agreement, Hague Convention still applies in Hong Kong after July 1, 1997, which means if the document has already been legalized by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, it can be used in HK without legalization of the Chinese Embassy.

4. Please be advised that the legalization only confirms that the signature of the authorized officers and the seal of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office attached to your document are genuine. It does not mean that this office approves of the contents of the document.

5. You are advised to have your document issued in both Chinese and English. 

6. The legalization fee is 23 pounds for each business related document or document relating to estate or property; 12 pounds for each document of other types. Please pay in cash or postal order. 

7. We need ten work days for document legalization.