Vietnam: Implementation of the Apostille Convention

Vietnam officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention, an international agreement that simplifies the use of public documents across participating countries. On September 11, 2026, the Convention took effect in Vietnam and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued implementation guidance instructing ministries, government agencies and provincial authorities that eligible foreign public documents bearing a valid Apostille should no longer require consular legalization. The guidance also establishes procedures for verifying Apostilles and e-Apostilles and seeking assistance from the Ministry where authenticity is in question. 

• Simplified document preparation. For eligible documents issued in countries where the Convention applies in relation to Vietnam, an Apostille will replace the previous authentication and Vietnamese consular legalization process. This should reduce the steps and lead times involved in preparing foreign public documents commonly required for work permit and immigration applications.
• Continuing requirements. Vietnamese translation and notarization requirements will continue to apply where required and authorities may refuse a document if its Apostille cannot be authenticated, appears invalid or fraudulent, or was issued by a country without an applicable Convention relationship with Vietnam. 

Most Vietnamese diplomatic posts worldwide have confirmed with Fragomen’s Document Teams that they no longer perform consular legalization for documents from Apostille Convention member countries. Fragomen has successfully submitted apostilled documents for its filings to date. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.