Vietnam Adopts Apostille System to Streamline Document Authentication
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Vietnam will officially implement the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention) starting 11 September, marking an important step in simplifying cross-border administrative procedures for individuals and businesses.
Vietnam will officially implement the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention) starting September 11 (Image source: The Saigon Times)
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son signed Decision No. 330/QD-TTg on 25 February, approving a comprehensive implementation plan aimed at modernising document authentication procedures and gradually introducing electronic Apostilles (e-Apostilles).
What Will Change?
Under the new framework:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will draft a guiding decree (expected by 15 June).
A centralised digital database and Apostille stamp management system will be developed.
Applications will be submitted and processed via Vietnam’s National Public Service Portal.
Systems are expected to be fully operational before the Convention takes effect on 11 September.
Coordination with the Ministry of Public Security will be strengthened to prevent document fraud.
Between 2027 and 2030, the authority to issue Apostille certificates will gradually be decentralised to specialised provincial-level agencies to improve nationwide accessibility.
Why This Matters for Businesses
By replacing the traditional multi-step consular legalisation process with a single Apostille certificate, Vietnam aims to significantly reduce administrative burden, processing time, and costs.
This reform is particularly relevant for:
International education documentation
Labour mobility and work permits
Cross-border investment and corporate transactions
For Dutch and international businesses operating in Vietnam, the adoption of the Apostille system represents a practical improvement in administrative efficiency and legal certainty — supporting smoother cross-border operations between Vietnam and other Convention member countries.