31/07/2026
MAJOR POLICY UPDATE: Vietnam Simplifies Foreign Document Authentication Starting September 11, 2026.
For expats living and working in Vietnam, processing paperwork—such as work permits, marriage registrations, or residency applications—has historically required a tedious, multi-step "consular legalization" process for foreign public documents.
Starting September 11, 2026, this process is getting a massive and welcome upgrade 🎊
📣Under the new Decree 293/2026/NĐ-CP, foreign public documents from member countries will only require a single Apostille stamp to be legally recognized and ready for use in Vietnam.
👉 What does this mean for expats?
- Previously, foreign documents like university degrees, criminal background checks, or marriage certificates had to be authenticated by your home country's embassy or consulate, and then legalized again by Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- With this new policy, the double-step consular legalization is completely abolished for countries in the Apostille Convention. As long as your document has the Apostille stamp issued by the competent authority in your home country, it can be submitted directly to Vietnamese authorities.
🥇 Key Takeaways:
- Effective Date: September 11, 2026.
- Eligible Documents: Public documents (diplomas, police checks, birth/marriage certificates, etc.) bearing an Apostille stamp.
- Impact: Significant reduction in processing time, costs, and administrative friction for expats securing work permits, business licenses, and residency in Vietnam.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your documents, please inbox us for more information!
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