Certified True Copy Services
Professional Document Certification Support
When dealing with bank account applications, immigration, education, company formation, business transactions and other administrative procedures, you may be required to provide a Certified True Copy of an original document.
WST International Accounting Services Limited provides professional Certified True Copy support for individuals and businesses. We first seek to understand the intended use of the documents and the requirements of the receiving organisation, assist with document preparation and, where appropriate, arrange certification by a suitably qualified professional.
What Is a Certified True Copy?
A Certified True Copy is generally prepared when a qualified professional or another person recognised by the receiving organisation inspects an original document, compares it with the copy and completes the required certification, signature and other relevant details.
The purpose of the certification is generally to confirm that:
“The copy corresponds with the original document presented for inspection.”
It is important to understand that certification generally confirms that the copy corresponds with the original presented. It does not necessarily verify or guarantee the authenticity, validity or legal effect of the contents of the original document.
Common Uses of Certified True Copies
Certification requirements vary between government authorities, banks, educational institutions and overseas organisations. Common purposes include:
- Banking & Financial Services
Personal or corporate bank account applications, due diligence procedures and other financial institution requirements.
- Hong Kong & Overseas Corporate Matters
Company formation, corporate submissions, shareholder or director identification and other business purposes.
- Immigration & Visa Applications
Identity, academic, corporate and other supporting documents required by immigration authorities in different jurisdictions.
- Local & Overseas Education
Certified identification documents, academic certificates, transcripts and other documents required by schools and universities.
- Mainland China & Cross-Border Business
Documents required for cross-border company establishment, commercial transactions and other corporate procedures.
- Other Administrative & Professional Purposes
Certification required by government departments, professional bodies and other receiving organisations.
Documents Commonly Certified
Depending on the intended purpose, documents may include:
- Hong Kong Identity Card
- Passport
- Proof of address
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business Registration Certificate
- Articles of Association
- Company search and corporate documents
- Director and shareholder documentation
- Other personal or commercial documents
The acceptable certification method and qualifications of the certifier should always be confirmed with the receiving organisation.
Our Certified True Copy Support
Depending on your requirements, WST International Accounting Services Limited can assist with:
Understanding Document Requirements
Helping clients understand the general documentation and certification requirements based on the intended purpose and receiving organisation.
Document Preparation
Assisting with the organisation of documents and copies to help avoid unnecessary issues caused by incomplete preparation.
Original & Copy Comparison
Comparing copies with the original documents presented in accordance with the applicable process.
Professional Certification Arrangements
Where certification by a professional with particular qualifications is required, we can assist with arranging an appropriate professional according to the circumstances.
Corporate & Bank Account Support
Where certified documents are required for company formation, company secretarial matters, bank account applications or other corporate purposes, we can coordinate the certification requirements with our related corporate services.
Confirm the Requirements Before Certification
Not every organisation has the same Certified True Copy requirements.
A receiving organisation may specify:
- Who is permitted to certify the document
- The wording required for certification
- Whether a professional qualification or registration number is required
- Whether the certification date must be stated
- Whether the certifier’s contact information is required
- Whether notarisation, authentication or another additional procedure is required
We therefore recommend confirming the receiving organisation’s latest requirements before arranging certification.
If your bank, university, immigration authority or other organisation has already provided a document checklist or certification instructions, you can provide them to WST International Accounting Services Limited so that we can help you understand the requirements.
Certification, Notarisation & Authentication
A Certified True Copy generally confirms that a copy corresponds with the original document presented.
For certain overseas or cross-border purposes, however, notarisation, authentication or another form of document verification may be required. These procedures are not necessarily the same as standard Certified True Copy certification.
It is therefore important to confirm exactly what the receiving organisation requires before proceeding.
Free Initial Consultation
If you require Certified True Copies, contact WST International Accounting Services Limited.
Simply let us know the:
type of document, intended purpose, receiving organisation, and country or jurisdiction where the document will be used.
If you have already received certification instructions or a document checklist, you may also provide them to us. We can review your requirements and provide a free initial consultation together with an appropriate certification arrangement.
Acceptance of certified documents remains subject to the requirements and final determination of the receiving organisation.