In the process of international integration, the use of foreign documents in Vietnam is increasingly popular, serving purposes such as visa application, work, study abroad, marriage, business investment. However, before having legal value in Vietnam, these documents need to be consular legalization and Notarized translation.
The article below will provide detailed instructions on standard procedure to have foreign documents legally recognized in Vietnam.
1. Do foreign documents need consular legalization?
Not all foreign documents require consular legalization. Some cases are exempt from legalization Consulates under bilateral agreements between Vietnam and the country issuing the documents.
✅ If the document is exempt from consular legalization: You can skip the legalization step and go straight to notarized translation.
❌ If not exempted, you are required to carry out consular legalization before translating and notarizing documents.
2. Procedure for consular legalization of foreign documents in Vietnam
There are two options for consular legalization of foreign documents depending on the location of your documents.:
Option 1: Legalization in the country of document issuance
If your documents are still abroad, you can follow this process:
✅ Step 1: Confirm the legality of the document in the country of issuance (through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an authorized notary).
✅ Step 2: Please legalize at Embassy/Consulate General of Vietnam in the country of issue.
✅ Step 3: After the document has been legalized, you bring it back to Vietnam to continue. Notarized translation.
🔹 Recommendation: This method is suitable if your documents have not been brought back to Vietnam.
Option 2: Consular legalization in Vietnam
If the documents are already in Vietnam, you can legalize them according to the following procedure:
✅ Step 1: Please sign Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country issuing the application on original document.
✅ Step 2: Please sign Embassy of the country issuing the application in VietnamFor example, if the document is issued in Korea, you need to legalize it in Embassy of Korea in Vietnam.
✅ Step 3: Consular legalization stamp of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.
🔹 Recommendation: This option is suitable if the document is already available in Vietnam.
📌 Important Note:
- Some countries require stamp on both original and translation, while others simply legalize the translation.
- Processing may take 3 – 10 working days depending on the embassy.
3. Notarized translation process of foreign documents in Vietnam
After the document has been consular legalization or exemption from legalization, the next step is Notarized translation.
Step 1: Prepare documents
Original or certified copy with consular legalization.
Step 2: Document Translation
- Documents to be translated Vietnamese or other languages depending on the purpose of use.
- Translation must be performed by Legally certified unit.
Step 3: Notarize the translation
- After translation, the translation needs to be Notarization in Justice Department or Notary Office.
- Completion time: 1-2 working days (can be picked up the same day if urgent).
4. Consular legalization & notarized translation services in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
If you need support Consular legalization and notarized translation in Vietnam, No.1 Translation is a reliable choice with over 16 years experience.
Why Choose No.1 Translation?
✔ Full consular legalization – Support both options, no need for customers to travel.
✔ 100% Accurate Translation – Highly qualified translator with many years of experience.
✔ Fast notarization, get it now – Support urgent notarized translation within 2 hours.
✔ Reasonable and transparent costs – Committed to no hidden costs.
✔ Online & offline support – Customers can submit documents online for quick processing.
📌 Consular Legalization Services for All Countries
No.1 Translation receive processing Consular legalization & consular certification give documents from all countries.
🔹 Legalization in the country of issue (if documents are still abroad).
🔹 Legalization in Vietnam (if the document is already in Vietnam).
Expense: Flexible quotes depending on document type and country.
Completion time: 2 – 4 weeks depending on the case
⏩ Send documents now for quick consultation & quote!
📍 Office address in Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City:
📍 Hanoi: 46 Hoang Cau, Dong Da | 152 – 154 Yen Lang, Dong Da
📍 HCMC: 187A Cach Mang Thang 8, Ward 4, District 3 | 345A Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1
📞 Hanoi Hotline: 0779 088 868 ✉ hanoi@dichthuatso1.com
📞 Hotline HCMC: 0934 888 768 ✉ saigon@dichthuatso1.com
🌐 Website: dichthuatso1.com
To legally use foreign documents in Vietnam, it is necessary to follow the procedure. Consular legalization → translation → notarization. Understanding the steps will save you time and avoid mistakes. If you need assistance, please contact No.1 Translation for quick and professional consultation and document processing!
