Vietnam’s Apostille Transition from September 2026

Apostille Online — 18 September 2026

Vietnam joins the Hague Apostille Convention on 11 September 2026, replacing consular legalisation with apostilles for UK documents used there. Learn what this means for you.

From 11 September 2026, Vietnam officially begins implementing the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, marking a major shift in how UK documents are authenticated for use in Vietnam. This change replaces the previous consular legalisation process with a simpler, internationally standardised apostille system—making document acceptance faster and more predictable for individuals and businesses.

What Is the Apostille Convention and Why Does It Matter?

The Hague Apostille Convention streamlines the authentication of public documents used abroad. Instead of requiring multiple embassy or consular stamps, documents are verified using a single certificate called an apostille.

An apostille confirms:

• the authenticity of the signature on the document
• the capacity of the person who signed it
• the identity of any official seal or stamp

It does not verify the content of the document.

Example

A UK graduate applying for a teaching role in Vietnam will now only need an apostille from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Previously, they also needed consular legalisation from the Vietnamese Embassy.

Vietnam’s Transition Timeline

• 31 December 2025: Vietnam formally acceded to the Apostille Convention.
• 11 September 2026: The Convention enters into force in Vietnam.

From this date forward, Vietnam will accept apostilles issued by other Convention members—including the UK—without requiring additional consular legalisation.

Vietnam will also designate its own Competent Authorities to issue apostilles on Vietnamese documents, but the specific domestic regulations and decree numbers have not yet been officially published.

How This Change Affects UK Individuals and Businesses

Before 11 September 2026

UK documents such as:

• birth and marriage certificates
• degree certificates
• powers of attorney
• company incorporation documents
• commercial invoices
• certificates of origin

had to be legalised by the Vietnamese Embassy after receiving an apostille or solicitor/notary certification.

After 11 September 2026

These documents will only require:

1. FCDO apostille, and
2. (If needed) a certified Vietnamese translation for submission to Vietnamese authorities

No consular legalisation is required for apostille‑eligible documents.

Important Clarification

• ACRO police certificates can be apostilled.
• DBS certificates cannot be apostilled and may require alternative documentation depending on Vietnamese immigration requirements.

Are Previously Legalised Documents Still Valid?

Yes. Documents legalised by the Vietnamese Embassy before 11 September 2026 remain valid and do not need to be re‑legalised.

Apostilles issued before the effective date should also remain valid, as apostilles authenticate signatures rather than dates of issuance.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Some documents remain outside the scope of the Apostille Convention:

1. Diplomatic and consular documents

Documents issued by diplomatic or consular agents are not covered by the Convention and continue to require consular legalisation.

2. Documents from non‑Convention countries

If a document originates from a country that is not a member of the Apostille Convention, Vietnam may still require consular legalisation.

3. Submission requirements

Vietnamese authorities may require:

• certified translations into Vietnamese
• notarised copies
• additional administrative steps
  These relate to document submission, not the apostille itself.

Do You Need a Translation?

An apostille does not require translation. However, when submitting documents to Vietnamese authorities (e.g., for visas, employment, marriage, or business registration), a certified Vietnamese translation is often required.

This is a procedural requirement of the receiving authority—not part of the apostille process.

How to Obtain an Apostille for UK Documents

The FCDO Legalisation Office is the UK’s Competent Authority for issuing apostilles.

You may need solicitor or notary certification before apostille if your document is:

• a power of attorney
• a company resolution
• a contract
• a statutory declaration
• a certified copy

Once apostilled, your document can be submitted directly to Vietnamese authorities without further embassy legalisation.

Summary

• Vietnam joins the Apostille Convention on 11 September 2026.
• UK documents for use in Vietnam will require only an apostille, not consular legalisation.
• Documents legalised before the transition remain valid.
• Translations may be required for submission but are not part of the apostille process.
• Diplomatic documents and documents from non‑Convention countries may still require consular legalisation.
• ACRO certificates can be apostilled; DBS certificates cannot.

This change significantly simplifies the process for UK individuals and businesses working with Vietnam—reducing costs, processing times, and administrative complexity.

For more information on apostille procedures and when you might need a solicitor or notary involved, see our article on Notary Public: History and Role in Apostille Certification. If you are dealing with police certificates, our guide on Apostille for UK Police Certificates (ACRO/DBS) may be helpful.

Ready to get your UK documents apostilled for use in Vietnam? Apply with us today for fast, reliable service and expert guidance at every step.