Certified True Copy

Certified True Copy , is an authorized copy of an original document certified by a professional (such as a registered practicing accountant). It serves as a true and accurate copy of the original document.

A Certified True Copy is a copy of a primary document (usually a photocopy) with an endorsement or certification that it is a true and accurate copy of the original. It serves as proof that it is a genuine copy of the primary document.

Various agencies and departments have strict procedures for administrative approval matters and specific standards and requirements for submitted documents. Some institutions require that submitted document copies must be “Certified True Copies” to prove that they were copied from the original document. Certified True Copies are commonly used for:

  • Opening bank accounts
  • Purchasing properties
  • Establishing registered offshore companies
  • Applying for overseas immigration
  • Applying for overseas education

Our Certified True Copy services come with 3 guarantees: (Direct from the accounting firm, personal follow-up, and confidence guarantee)

We write a document copy with the WS CPA Limited “Certified True Copy” stamp and signed by a registered practicing accountant in Hong Kong.

We issue a certification from WS CPA Limited to prove the authenticity of the certified documents and the Hong Kong practicing accountant’s certification.

We will continue to follow up and provide assistance to ensure that clients can submit the relevant certified documents.

Certified True Copy  related questions:

What is a Certified True Copy?
A “Certified True Copy” is a copy of an original document that has been certified by a third-party professional to prove that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the original document. A certified copy only means that the copy is a reproduction of the original document and does not guarantee the accuracy of the document’s contents.

What is the process for obtaining a Certified True Copy?
Only designated qualified professionals (i.e. “certifiers”) can provide Certified True Copy services for documents applicable to business operations. The format of a Certified True Copy must also meet specified requirements. The certifier must sign and date the copy of the document (clearly indicating their full name in block letters under the signature) and clearly state their position. The certifier must also clearly mark (or use a similar sentence) that the copy is a true copy and indicate the number of pages, as well as witness the relevant parties’ signatures on the document.

What are the common uses of Certified True Copies?
Opening accounts with Hong Kong/overseas banks

Hong Kong banks require that document copies submitted when applying for a business account must be authenticated “Certified True Copies.”

Typically, banks require the following documents to be “Certified True Copies”:

Company registration documents: Certificate of Incorporation (CI), Business Registration Certificate (BR)
Identification documents for company members: ID card, passport, address proof
Business proof: sales contract, bank statement
For personal accounts, banks generally require important documents such as identity verification documents, address proof, and bank records.

What is the expiration date of a Certified True Copy?
Most financial institutions and governments generally accept Certified True Copies within 3 months, with each institution having its specified requirements. If in doubt, it is best to inquire about the relevant requirements first.

Does a Certified True Copy meet legal requirements?
WS CPA Limited is a registered practicing accountant and can provide Certified True Copies. Hong Kong companies, governments, and financial institutions/banks mostly accept Certified True Copies certified by our firm. We also provide 3 Certified True Copy services guarantees, and in addition to meeting the specified standards and requirements for submitted documents, we will continue to follow up and provide assistance to ensure that clients can submit the relevant certified documents.

Certified True Copies –  is a document certified by a licensed professional, such as a practicing accountant, or institution to be a true and accurate copy of an original document. For certain applications or reviews, such as opening bank accounts, overseas immigration, and overseas education applications, there are specific standards and requirements for submitted documents, and generally, the submitted document copies must be certified. Our services include: stamping the copy of the document with a Certified True Copy seal and signed by a practicing accountant, including Hong Kong/UK/Australian accountant certification for purchasing properties and opening accounts in the UK/Australia.