Vietnam Issues Guidelines for Apostille Certification of Public Documents

The Vietnamese government has issued Decree No. 293/2026/ND-CP, dated July 23, 2026, outlining the authority, procedures, and processes for issuing Apostille certifications for Vietnamese public documents. This decree also specifies the receipt and use in Vietnam of public documents certified by Apostille member states, as well as the verification of such certifications and state management of the convention's implementation. This move follows Vietnam's approval to implement the Hague Apostille Convention, a significant step towards simplifying the international recognition of its official documents. Previously, foreign use of Vietnamese public documents often required lengthy consular legalization processes. The introduction of Apostille certification is expected to substantially reduce these burdens, thereby facilitating international trade, investment, and legal procedures. The decree aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of cross-border document authentication, supporting Vietnam's growing engagement in the global economy. As Vietnam continues its rapid economic development under a one-party system, such measures underscore its commitment to integrating further into the international legal and economic framework. This is particularly relevant in the context of diversifying its international partnerships and managing its complex relationship with China.