Have you encountered this dilemma:

  • You have already become a Canadian citizen and hold a blue passport, but your property certificate in China still shows your Chinese name and old ID number?
  • When someone wants to sell their property in China, the housing authority says, “We cannot prove that you, who hold a Canadian passport, are the person listed on the property certificate.”
  • Are large deposits, wealth management products, or stock accounts at domestic banks inaccessible due to changes in identity information?
  • They need to handle domestic inheritance or company equity, but are finding it difficult to prove “who I am”.

This common problem among new immigrants is called “identity gap.” When your status changes from Chinese citizen to Canadian citizen, your legal identity documents also change. How can you legally link your current Canadian passport and your old Chinese ID card to the same person in front of Chinese official authorities?

The answer is: You need a Declaration of Same Person issued in Canada and certified by the Hague.

As experts deeply rooted in the Canadian Chinese community, JZW Law Firm handles a large number of such cases every year, and we are keenly aware of the key points and potential risks involved. A hasty statement could very well be rejected in China, causing you to waste time and money, or even miss out on a great deal.

Why is the "Declaration of Identity" crucial?

This document is not a simple personal statement; it is a document of high legal solemnity. It is sworn by you in front of a Canadian lawyer, notarized by the lawyer, and finally apostilled by the provincial government of Canada.
The entire set of documents will provide a clear and irrefutable chain of evidence to all government departments and commercial institutions in China (such as housing management bureaus, banks, industrial and commercial bureaus, and courts), proving that:
[Your English name] holding [your Canadian passport number] is the same person as [your Chinese name] holding [your Chinese ID card number].

JZW Law's one-stop solution: precise, efficient, and authoritative.

Obtaining a “Statement of Identity” may seem simple, but it involves a series of interconnected steps. Choose JZW Law, and we will provide you with seamless, one-stop service, eliminating all your worries.

Step 1: [Precise Drafting] – Ensuring Success from the Source

A proper declaration must be watertight. We will draft a perfectly compliant, bilingual (Chinese and English) declaration for you, clearly outlining:

  • Your Canadian passport information (name, passport number, date of birth).
  • Your previous Chinese ID card information (name, ID number).
  • If there has been a name change, the name change history must also be noted.
  • Clear legal statement text.

JZW Law’s professional value: We have handled countless successful cases and are very familiar with the preferences and specific requirements of different cities and institutions in China (e.g., the Haidian Housing Management Bureau in Beijing and banks in Pudong, Shanghai) regarding document details. Our drafts are designed to pass review on the first attempt.

Step Two: [Lawyer Notarization] – Granting the document legal effect

The declaration must be signed in the presence of a qualified lawyer or notary public.

The advantage of JZW Law: You no longer need to hire a separate notary. As a law firm, our lawyers will provide you with notarization services directly, ensuring the compliance and efficiency of the process.

Step 3: [Hague Apostille] – Obtaining an international “passport”

Since Canada officially implemented the Hague Convention on January 11, 2024, the previously cumbersome three-tiered authentication process (lawyer notarization → provincial government authentication → Chinese consulate authentication) has been simplified to two steps. Notarized documents only need to be submitted to a designated provincial government department (such as the Ontario government) to obtain an apostille.

JZW Law’s one-stop service: You don’t need to figure out complicated application forms yourself, nor do you need to spend time queuing at government office buildings. You just need to hand over the documents to us, and we will handle all the submission, tracking, and collection processes for you, delivering the final certified documents to your hands.

Why can't we just do it ourselves? What are the risks?

Potential problems that may arise if you do it yourself:

  • Non-standard content: Self-drafted statements may omit key information, resulting in them being deemed invalid in China.
  • Unfamiliarity with the process: Not understanding the latest Hague Apostille process may lead to incorrect or delayed document submission.
  • High time cost: Researching and handling the process yourself will consume a lot of your valuable time and energy.
  • The risks are enormous: an invalid document could render millions of dollars in assets in your country unmanageable, with incalculable opportunity costs.

Choosing JZW Law means choosing peace of mind and protection.

When you are in Canada and need to manage core assets in China, you need a trustworthy legal partner who is proficient in both countries’ systems.

  • One-stop service: We handle everything from drafting to final certification, saving you time and effort.
  • Extensive experience: A vast portfolio of successful cases ensures your documents travel smoothly in China.
  • Barrier-free communication: We offer fluent Mandarin, Cantonese, and English services to accurately understand your needs.
  • Efficient and convenient: Optimized processes ensure the fastest processing time for you.

Don’t let “identity gap” become a stumbling block in managing your domestic assets. Consult us before taking any action.

JZW Law Firm is your strongest legal bridge connecting Canada and China.

JZW Law Firm boasts a team of experienced lawyers fluent in both Chinese and English, providing professional legal services. We specialize in handling complex issues related to property division, corporate equity, trusts, and overseas assets. We offer initial consultations; please contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal assistance, please consult a professional lawyer.