What is Consular Legalization for foreigners?
Pursuant to Article 2 of Decree 196/2025/ND-CP, consular legalization for foreigners is the certification of seals, signatures, and titles on foreign documents and papers by Vietnamese competent authorities so that such documents may be recognized and used in Vietnam.
In essence, this is a formal procedure to verify the authenticity of legal identifiers on a document. A prominent highlight of Decree 196/2025/ND-CP is the implementation of Electronic Consular Legalization. This allows for verification via digital identifiers and QR codes, streamlining the process for foreigners whether they are currently residing in Vietnam or abroad.
When is Consular Legalization for foreigners required?
Under Article 8 of Decree 196/2025/ND-CP, consular legalization for foreigners is a prerequisite for foreign documents to hold legal validity in the following transactions:
- Personal Legal Dossiers: Legalization of Degrees, Certificates of Experience, and Criminal Records (Police Check) for Work Permit applications.
- Residency and Civil Status: Marriage Certificates, Certificates of Celibacy (Single Status), or Birth Certificates required for Temporary Residence Card (TRC) applications or marriage registration with Vietnamese citizens.
- Investment and Business Activities: Legalization of the parent company’s Business License, Charter (Articles of Association), or Power of Attorney to establish representative offices, branches, or to execute capital contributions and investments in Vietnam.
Note: Certain documents may be exempt from consular legalization under International Treaties, Judicial Assistance Agreements, or the principle of reciprocity. DHH Law Firm will verify and provide detailed consultancy on these exemptions to optimize costs for our clients.
Procedure for Consular Legalization for foreigners at DHH Law Firm
The process for consular legalization for foreigners at our firm is strictly established in accordance with Chapter III of Decree 196/2025/ND-CP, comprising the following steps:
Step 1: Consultation and Document Appraisal Our attorneys will verify the validity of the seals and signatures from the country of origin. We advise on cases requiring consular certification at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country prior to performing legalization in Vietnam.
Step 2: Notarized Translation and Application Completion We provide support for notarized translations into Vietnamese or English and prepare the Consular Legalization application form in accordance with the latest templates issued under Decree 196/2025/ND-CP.
Step 3: Submission and Professional Processing We represent clients in submitting dossiers directly to the Consular Department (Hanoi), the Department of Foreign Affairs (HCMC), or via the National Public Service Portal. We closely monitor the appraisal process to promptly address any supplementary requests from diplomatic authorities.
Step 4: Result Delivery We collect the results (physical legalization stamps or electronic verification codes) and deliver them directly to the client. Additionally, we provide support for subsequent procedures such as Work Permits or Temporary Residence Cards upon request.
CONTACT DHH LAW FIRM
🏢 Head Office: 2nd Floor, No. 829 Huynh Tan Phat Street, Phu Thuan Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
📞 Hotline:
+84 89 9352 777 (VN)
+84 89 9351 777 (EN)
🌐 Website: www.dhhlawfirm.vn | 📧 Email: contact@dhhlawfirm.vn
