Consular Legalisation in Vietnam: Documents and Step-by-Step Procedure
This page is the procedure. For the concept and when it is needed, see consular legalisation explained.
Which authority
| Direction | Where to file |
|---|---|
| Foreign document for use in Vietnam | Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the issuing country, or the Consular Department / provincial Department of Foreign Affairs in Vietnam after the foreign authority has certified it |
| Vietnamese document for use abroad | Consular Department or provincial Department of Foreign Affairs, then the destination country mission in Vietnam |
What to submit
- Application form for legalisation or certification
- The original document plus a copy
- Identity document of the person filing, or authorisation if filed by an agent
- Translation where the receiving authority requires it
Order of operations
Legalise first, then translate and notarise. A translation prepared before legalisation has to be redone, because the legalisation stamp itself must appear in the translated set — the single most expensive mistake in this procedure.
Timing
Typically 5–7 working days at the receiving authority, plus courier time if the document travels internationally, plus 1–3 working days for notarised translation. Plan four to six weeks for documents coming from abroad.
Documents that usually need it
Degrees and experience letters for work permits, criminal record certificates, marriage and birth certificates for family residence cards, and foreign corporate documents for investor files.
