Vietnam's growing economy has attracted increasing Irish business interest, and a Vietnamese community in Ireland maintains strong connections with home. Whether you are investing in Vietnam, conducting business, managing property, or dealing with family matters, you may need documents notarised in Ireland. Vietnam is not a Hague Convention member, so the process involves embassy legalisation.
Why Documents Need Notarisation for Vietnam
Vietnam is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Irish documents destined for Vietnam must go through a full authentication chain: notarisation by an Irish Notary Public, apostille by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and then legalisation by the Embassy of Vietnam. This three-step process takes longer than the standard apostille route, so plan ahead.
Common Documents Notarised for Vietnam
- Powers of Attorney: For managing property, business interests, or legal representation in Vietnam.
- Corporate Documents: Board resolutions, certificates of incorporation, and authorisations for Vietnam's Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) or the Enterprise Registration Office.
- Property Documents: Supporting documents for land use rights transactions. Vietnamese law restricts foreign ownership of land but allows long-term leases and certain apartment purchases.
- Work Permit Documents: Notarised copies of qualifications and employment references for Vietnamese work permit applications through the Ministry of Labour.
- Family Law Documents: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and supporting documents for Vietnamese civil registration offices.
- Educational Documents: Degrees and transcripts for recognition by Vietnamese educational authorities.
The Legalisation Process for Vietnam
Since Vietnam is not a Hague Convention member, the full process involves three steps:
- Step 1: Notarisation by an Irish Notary Public such as Hugh Phelan in Cork.
- Step 2: Apostille by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
- Step 3: Legalisation by the Embassy of Vietnam in London (Vietnam does not maintain an embassy in Dublin).
Once legalised by the Vietnamese Embassy, documents may also need to be certified by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Consular Department) and translated into Vietnamese by a certified translator in Vietnam. Visit our document legalisation page for more.
Business and Investment
Ireland and Vietnam have a growing trade relationship, particularly in technology, food and dairy, and education sectors. Foreign investment in Vietnam requires authenticated corporate documents for filings with the Department of Planning and Investment. Work permits for Irish nationals require notarised educational qualifications and employment records. The Vietnamese government has been encouraging foreign investment through various special economic zones and industrial parks.
Property Considerations
Vietnamese law restricts foreign ownership of land — all land in Vietnam is technically owned by the state. However, foreigners can purchase certain types of apartments and buildings on long-term leases (typically 50-70 years, renewable). Foreign-invested companies can also obtain land use rights for their operations. Powers of attorney for property matters must be fully authenticated through the three-step process. A Vietnamese lawyer is essential for navigating property transactions.
Translation Requirements
Vietnamese is the official language. All English-language documents must be translated into Vietnamese by a certified translator. This is typically done in Vietnam after the documents have been fully authenticated. Your Vietnamese lawyer can arrange translation through an authorised translation office.
How to Get Started
Contact Hugh Phelan's office in Cork to arrange notarisation of your documents for Vietnam:
- Call (021) 489 7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com
- Allow extra time for the embassy legalisation step
- Bring valid photo ID and any format requirements from your Vietnamese lawyer or the receiving authority
See our document legalisation services and document notarisation services for more.
Work Permits and Employment
Irish professionals seeking work permits in Vietnam need authenticated educational qualifications, employment references, and police clearance certificates. The Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs requires these documents to be fully authenticated through the three-step process. Vietnam's growing economy, particularly in manufacturing, technology, and education, attracts an increasing number of Irish professionals. Work permit applications should be started well in advance, as the full authentication chain plus embassy legalisation can take several weeks.
Getting Married in Vietnam
Irish citizens marrying Vietnamese nationals or other foreigners in Vietnam need authenticated certificates of no impediment and birth certificates. The Vietnamese Department of Justice at the provincial or city level handles marriage registration and requires all foreign documents to be fully authenticated through the three-step process and translated into Vietnamese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnam part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
No. Vietnam is not a member of the Hague Convention. Documents for Vietnam require notarisation, apostille, and then legalisation by the Vietnamese Embassy.
Where is the Vietnamese Embassy that covers Ireland?
The Embassy of Vietnam in London covers Ireland. Documents must be sent or presented to the London embassy for legalisation after notarisation and apostille in Ireland.
Can foreigners own property in Vietnam?
Vietnamese law restricts foreign ownership of land, but foreigners can purchase certain types of apartments and buildings on long-term leases. Foreign-invested companies can obtain land use rights. A Vietnamese lawyer can advise on your specific situation.
Need Documents Notarised?
Contact Hugh Phelan, Solicitor & Notary Public in Cork, for prompt professional service. Over 20 years’ experience with international documents.