1. What is Consular Legalization?
Consular legalization is the act by which a competent Vietnamese authority certifies the seal, signature, and title on foreign documents so that they can be legally used in Vietnam.
The most common documents requiring this procedure include:
- Personal Documents: University Degrees, Diplomas, Transcripts, Criminal Records (Police Checks), Birth Certificates.
- Marital Documents: Affidavit of Single Status, Marriage Certificates.
- Corporate Documents: Business Registration Certificates, Company Charters, Appointment Letters (for investors).
2. The Standard 3-Step Process
Many expats mistakenly believe that a simple notarized translation is sufficient. In reality, the legal process must follow this strict sequence:
Step 1: Notarization & Authentication in the Origin Country
Before reaching Vietnamese authorities, the original document must be:
- Notarized by a Public Notary in the issuing country.
- Certified/Authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent authority) of that country.
Step 2: Legalization at the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate
This is the crucial step. You must submit the authenticated documents from Step 1 to the Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam located in that foreign country to obtain the Consular Legalization stamp.
This stamp confirms the document is cleared for use in Vietnam.
Step 3: Notarized Translation in Vietnam
Once the document bears the seal of the Vietnamese Embassy, it is brought to Vietnam to be:
- Translated into Vietnamese.
- Notarized at a Justice Division or a licensed Notary Office in Vietnam.
3. Why Use Professional Services?
Navigating this bureaucratic maze can be challenging due to:
- Geographical Barriers: You are in Vietnam, but the documents need stamps from abroad.
- Complex Regulations: Each country (USA, UK, Australia, Korea, China, etc.) has specific requirements for authentication.
- Risk of Rejection: Minor errors in format or seals can lead to rejection, causing significant delays to your work or residence plans.
Need Fast & Accurate Legalization Services?
Don’t let paperwork delays affect your job or investment in Vietnam. If you need assistance with Consular Legalization (even for difficult cases or documents from countries without diplomatic missions in Vietnam), contact us today:
📞 Contact DHH Law Firm Today
🏢 Main Office: 2nd Floor, 829 Huynh Tan Phat Street, Phu Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📞 Hotline:
+84 89 9352 777 (Vietnamese)
+84 89 9351 777 (English)
🌐 Website: www.dhhlawfirm.vn
📧 Email: contact@dhhlawfirm.vn
✨ DHH Law Firm – Your trusted legal partner for family and foreign-related civil procedures in Vietnam.
