Guide · 8 min read
Apostille and Document Legalization in Ho Chi Minh City (2026 Update)
What changed on 11 September 2026, which documents need an apostille or consular legalization, and how the Ho Chi Minh City office works.
Are you in Ho Chi Minh City and need to use documents across borders? Foreigners often need certified documents for work permits, temporary residence cards (TRC), marriage registration, business and education. Since 11 September 2026, Vietnam applies the Apostille Convention, which replaces the old consular legalization with a single certificate for most countries.
- In force
- Since 11 September 2026 (Decree 293/2026/ND-CP)
- Office in HCMC
- Department of Foreign Affairs, 6 Alexandre de Rhodes Street, Sai Gon Ward
- Fee
- VND 30,000 per document
- Processing
- 1 working day for 1–4 documents, 2 for 5–9, 4 for 10 or more
- Opening hours
- Mon–Fri and Saturday morning, 08:30–11:00 and 14:00–16:00
First, check which way your document is going
This is the most common misunderstanding. The office in Ho Chi Minh City issues apostilles for Vietnamese public documents that will be used abroad. A foreign document gets its apostille in the country that issued it.
| Your situation | What you need |
|---|---|
| A foreign document for use in Vietnam, for example a degree or criminal record from home for a work permit | An apostille from the competent authority in the issuing country, then a certified Vietnamese translation |
| A Vietnamese document for use abroad, for example a Vietnam Criminal Record Certificate | An apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City or the Consular Department in Hanoi |
| A document to or from a country that does not apply the Convention with Vietnam | Consular legalization, as before |
Which countries are covered
As of 11 September 2026, 125 countries apply the Apostille Convention with Vietnam, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea and China (including Hong Kong and Macao). The exceptions:
- Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic objected to Vietnam joining, so documents between Vietnam and these countries still need consular legalization.
- Thailand joined the Convention later. It applies from 28 February 2027. Until then, use consular legalization.
- Greenland is excluded by Denmark. The Faroe Islands are covered.
- Countries that are not members of the Convention still need consular legalization.
Some countries have separate authorities for their territories, such as the UK overseas territories, the Netherlands’ Caribbean territories, Hong Kong and Macao. Check the exact place where your document was issued.
How to get an apostille in Ho Chi Minh City
- STEP 1
Apply online
Fill in the application form (form APO/TK) on the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, and upload scans of your documents.
- STEP 2
Submit the originals
Bring the documents to the Department of Foreign Affairs, counter 5, translated and notarised where required. Pay by bank transfer using the QR code on your receipt.
- STEP 3
Collect the apostille
Return on the date on your receipt and collect your documents at counter 9.
Fees and processing times
| Number of documents | Processing time | Government fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | 1 working day | VND 30,000 each |
| 5 to 9 | 2 working days | VND 30,000 each |
| 10 or more | 4 working days | VND 30,000 each |
Fee under Circular 157/2016/TT-BTC, as announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City. Translation and notarisation costs are separate.
Not every document qualifies
The Convention covers public documents, such as court and administrative documents, notarial acts and official certificates on private documents. It does not cover diplomatic or consular documents, or administrative documents dealing directly with commercial or customs operations. Even with an apostille, the Vietnamese agency that receives your document can still check its content and translation.
Not sure whether you need an apostille or consular legalization? Send us a photo of your document, where it was issued and where you will use it. We tell you which route applies and guide you through the steps. Message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get an apostille in Ho Chi Minh City?
At the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City, 6 Alexandre de Rhodes Street, Sai Gon Ward. Submit at counter 5 and collect at counter 9.
How much does an apostille cost in Vietnam?
VND 30,000 per document, paid by bank transfer using the QR code on your receipt.
Can I get an apostille in Ho Chi Minh City for a document from my home country?
No. A foreign document gets its apostille in the country that issued it. The Ho Chi Minh City office issues apostilles for Vietnamese documents to be used abroad.
Do German, Austrian or Czech documents need an apostille?
No. These three countries objected to Vietnam joining the Convention, so documents between them and Vietnam still need consular legalization.
Are documents legalized before 11 September 2026 still valid?
Yes. Documents that were already legalized under the old procedure remain valid.