Consolidated Document number 4443/VBHN-BNG Decree on consular certification and legalization

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM Independence - Freedom - Happiness __________________

 

DECREE

Regarding consular certification and legalization

 

Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which took effect from February 1, 2012, has been amended and supplemented by:

Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which took effect from August 3, 2025.

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated December 25, 2001;

On the basis of the Law on State Agencies Representing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Abroad dated June 18, 2009;

Considering the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs^[1],

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree stipulates the authority, procedures, and formalities for consular certification and legalization; the content of state management and the responsibilities of agencies, organizations, and individuals regarding consular certification and legalization.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Decree, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. "Consular certification" means the act of a competent authority of Vietnam certifying the seal, signature, and title on documents and materials of Vietnam so that such documents and materials are recognized and used abroad.

2. "Consular legalization" means the act of a competent authority of Vietnam certifying the seal, signature, and title on foreign documents and materials so that such documents and materials are recognized and used in Vietnam.

3.^[2] "Electronic version of documents and materials" means an electronic document issued, established, or promulgated by an agency or organization in accordance with the laws on archival work, or the result of processing an electronic administrative procedure of a competent authority in accordance with the laws on electronic administrative procedures, or an electronic notarized document in accordance with the laws on notarization, or other types of documents and materials expressed and created in an electronic data format with an electronic signature of an agency, organization, or authorized person as prescribed by law.

Article 3. Content of consular certification and legalization

Consular certification and legalization only certify the seal, signature, and title on documents and materials, without implying certification of the content and form of the documents and materials.

Article 4. Requirements for consular certification and legalization

1.^[3] Vietnamese documents and materials are subject to consular certification upon request or proposal of individuals or organizations.

2. For foreign documents and materials to be recognized and used in Vietnam, they must undergo consular legalization, except in cases provided for in Article 9 of this Decree.

Article 5. Competent authorities for consular certification and legalization in Vietnam

1.^[4] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the authority to conduct consular certification and legalization within the country and implement the delegation of authority for consular certification and legalization according to the provisions of the law (hereinafter referred to as the Competent Authority within the Country).

2.^[5] Diplomatic missions, consular posts, or other agencies entrusted with consular functions of Vietnam abroad (hereinafter referred to as the Mission) have the authority to conduct consular certification and legalization abroad.

Article 6. Individuals requesting consular certification and legalization

1. Agencies, organizations, and individuals may request consular certification and legalization of their own documents and materials or those of others without requiring a power of attorney.

2.^[6] Agencies, organizations, and individuals may choose to submit applications directly to the competent authority for consular certification and legalization, send them through postal services, or submit them online in accordance with Article 15a of this Decree.

Article 7. Languages, Locations for Consular Certification and Legalization^[7]

1. The languages used for consular certification and legalization shall be as follows:

a) At the competent authority within the country: Vietnamese and English;

b) At the representative office: Vietnamese and English. The representative office may use the official language of the country where the documents are used to replace English.

2. The locations for consular certification and legalization are the offices of the competent authorities within the country and the representative offices.

Article 8. Fees for Consular Certification and Legalization[8]

1. The person requesting consular certification and legalization must pay fees according to the laws on fees and charges at the time of submitting the application.

2. In cases where the application is submitted and the results are received through postal services, the person requesting consular certification and legalization must pay postal service fees.

Article 9. Documents and Materials Exempt from Legalization^[9]

1. Documents and materials exempt from legalization under international treaties to which Vietnam and the relevant foreign countries are parties, or based on the principle of reciprocity.

2. Documents and materials transferred directly or through diplomatic channels between the competent authorities of Vietnam and the competent authorities of foreign countries.

3. Documents and materials exempt from legalization according to Vietnamese law.

4. Foreign documents that the competent state authorities of Vietnam do not require to be legalized based on those authorities' own determination of the authenticity of the documents and materials.

Article 10. Documents and Materials Not Subject to Consular Certification and Legalization^[10]

1. Documents and materials that have been altered, erased but not corrected according to the law.

2. Counterfeit documents or documents established, issued, or certified incorrectly or beyond authority, determined to be forged according to the results of inquiries or verifications by the issuing, certifying, or competent authorities.

3. Documents and materials with signatures or seals that are not original signatures or seals for non-electronic documents, except in cases where they comply with relevant legal provisions.

4. Documents and materials containing content that infringes upon the interests of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

5. Electronic versions of documents and materials without digital signatures from the competent authorities or persons, failing to ensure data integrity, authenticity, and non-repudiation as stipulated in regulations on electronic transactions, digital signatures, and electronic documents.

Article 10a. Return of Application in Cases Where Verification Does Not Yield Results^[11]

1. After fifteen days from the date of sending the request for verification and not receiving a response, the competent authority for consular certification and legalization shall urge the requested verification agency. If, thirty days from the date of sending the verification request as prescribed in Clause 6, Article 11, Clause 4, Article 13, Clause 5, Article 14, Clause 5, Article 15, Point d, Clause 3, Article 15a of this Decree, no response has been received, the competent authority for consular certification and legalization shall inform the applicant about the verification process and return the application.

2. If a response to the verification is received after the deadline specified in Clause 1 of this Article and the application has already been returned, the competent authority for consular certification and legalization shall notify the applicant to resubmit the application according to Chapter II of this Decree.

Chapter II

PROCEDURES FOR CONSULAR CERTIFICATION AND LEGALIZATION

 

Section 1. PROCEDURES FOR DIRECT OR THROUGH POSTAL SERVICES CONSULAR AUTHENTICATION^[12]

Article 11. Procedures for Consular Authentication at Competent Authorities in Vietnam^[13]

1. The person requesting consular authentication submits one set of application files including:

a) One Application Form for Consular Authentication according to the prescribed model;

b)^[14] For cases where the application files are submitted directly: present the original or a copy of the Citizen Identity Card/Citizen Card/Certificate of Personal Identification or Passport, travel documents/international travel documents still valid, or present the Electronic Identity Card;

c)^[15] For cases where the application files are submitted through postal services: submit one copy of the Citizen Identity Card/Citizen Card/Certificate of Personal Identification or Passport, travel documents/international travel documents still valid. Copies of these documents under this clause are photocopies from the originals and do not require certification;

d)^[16] Documents and materials requested for consular authentication, accompanied by one photocopy of these documents and materials to be kept at the competent authority in Vietnam.

2. In cases where it is necessary to verify the authenticity of the documents and materials requested for consular authentication, the staff receiving the application may request the person requesting consular authentication to present additional original documents and materials related to the case and submit one photocopy of these documents and materials to be kept at the competent authority in Vietnam.^[17].

3. Consular authentication shall be carried out based on:

a) Comparing the seals, signatures, and titles on the documents and materials requested for consular authentication with the officially announced seal models, signature models, and titles by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; or

b) The verification results of the competent authorities and organizations of Vietnam confirming the authenticity of the seals, signatures, and titles.

4.^[18] The consular authentication as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article applies to documents and materials issued by competent Party and State agencies and other organizations authorized to perform public service issuance, notarization, certification, and authentication.

5.^[19] The processing time limit is one working day, counted from the date of receipt of complete and valid application files for cases with one to four documents and materials. For cases with five to nine documents and materials, the processing time limit does not exceed two working days. For cases with ten or more documents and materials, the processing time limit may be longer but not exceeding four working days.

6.^[20] In cases where it is necessary to verify the authenticity of the seals, signatures, and titles on the documents and materials requested for consular authentication, immediately upon receipt of the application files, the competent authority in Vietnam will issue a letter requesting the competent authority or organization that established, notarized, certified, or authenticated the documents and materials or the superior authority to verify. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the request, the responsible authority or organization must reply in writing to the competent authority in Vietnam. Upon receipt of the reply, the competent authority in Vietnam will process and notify the result to the person requesting consular authentication.

Article 12. Authentication of Documents and Materials Presented at Competent Authorities in Vietnam^[21]

1. For documents and materials not within the scope of consular authentication procedures as stipulated in Article 11 of this Decree, but to facilitate their acceptance and use abroad and according to the wishes of the person requesting consular authentication, the competent authority in Vietnam will authenticate the documents and materials presented at the competent authority in Vietnam.^[22].

2. The authentication procedure as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article applies to the following documents and materials:

a) Documents and materials with signature models, seal models, and titles no longer available at the issuing agency or cannot be identified;

b) Documents and materials issued by the previous government before April 30, 1975.

3.^[23] The application files, procedures, and processing time limits are regulated in Clauses 1, 2, and 5 of Article 11 of this Decree. In cases stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 10a of this Decree, if the person requesting has already submitted the application files according to Article 11 of this Decree and requests the presentation authentication procedure, they do not need to resubmit the application files.

Article 13. Procedures for consular certification at the representative office ^[24]

1. The person requesting consular authentication submits one set of application files including:

a) One application form for consular certification according to the prescribed model;

b)^[25] For cases where the dossier is submitted directly: present the original or a copy of the Citizen Identity Card/Citizen Card/Certificate of Identity or Passport, valid travel documents/international travel documents or other personal identification documents as stipulated by local laws;

c)^[26] For cases where the dossier is submitted through postal services: submit one copy of the Citizen Identity Card/Citizen Card/Certificate of Identity or Passport, valid travel documents/international travel documents or other personal identification documents as stipulated by local laws. The copies of these documents mentioned in this clause are photocopies from the originals and do not require authentication;

d)^[27] Documents and materials proposed for consular certification, which have been certified by domestic competent authorities according to Article 11 of this Decree, or documents and materials issued, granted, confirmed by the Vietnamese representative office in another country, accompanied by one photocopy of these documents and materials to be kept at the representative office;

2.^[28] The representative office conducts consular certification based on comparing the seal, signature, and title in the consular certification of the domestic competent authority or the seal, signature, and title of the Vietnamese representative office in another country on the documents and materials with the sample seals, signatures, and titles announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam or the verification results as stipulated in Clause 4 of this Article;

3. The time limit for resolution is as prescribed in Clause 5 of Article 11 of this Decree;

4.^[29] In cases requiring verification of the authenticity of the seal, signature, and title on the documents and materials proposed for consular certification, immediately upon receipt of the dossier, the representative office shall issue a written request to the domestic competent authority or the representative office in another country for verification. Within two working days from the date of receiving the request, the requested authority has the responsibility to reply in writing to the representative office. Upon receiving the reply, the representative office resolves the matter and informs the result to the person requesting consular certification;

Section 2. PROCEDURES FOR LEGALIZATION OF CONSULAR DOCUMENTS DIRECTLY OR THROUGH POSTAL SERVICES^[30]

Article 14. Procedures for consular legalization at domestic competent authorities^[31]

1. The person requesting consular legalization submits one set of dossier including:

a) One application form for consular legalization according to the prescribed model;

b)^[32] For cases where the dossier is submitted directly: present the original or a copy of the Citizen Identity Card/Citizen Card/Certificate of Identity or Passport, valid travel documents/international travel documents or present the Electronic Identity Card;

c)^[33] For cases where the application files are submitted through postal services: submit one copy of the Citizen Identity Card/Citizen Card/Certificate of Personal Identification or Passport, travel documents/international travel documents still valid. Copies of these documents under this clause are photocopies from the originals and do not require certification;

d)^[34] Documents and materials proposed for consular legalization, which have been certified by foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, or other bodies authorized to perform consular functions of foreign countries;

d) One translation of the documents and materials proposed for consular legalization into Vietnamese or English, if these documents and materials are not drafted in these languages;

e)^[35] One photocopy of the documents and materials mentioned in Point d to be kept at the domestic competent authority;

2. In cases requiring verification of the authenticity of the documents and materials proposed for consular legalization, the staff receiving the dossier may request the person requesting consular legalization to present additional original documents and materials related and submit one photocopy of these documents and materials to be kept at the domestic competent authority;^[36].

3.^[37] The domestic competent authority performs consular legalization based on comparing the seal, signature, and title in the certification of the foreign competent authority on the documents and materials with the sample seals, signatures, and titles officially announced by that country to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

4. The time limit for resolution is as prescribed in Clause 5 of Article 11 of this Decree;

5.^[38] In cases where the sample signature, seal, and title of the foreign competent authority specified in Point d Clause 1 of this Article have not yet been officially announced or require verification of authenticity, the domestic competent authority requests this authority to verify. Immediately upon receiving the verification result, the domestic competent authority resolves the dossier and returns the result to the party concerned.

Article 15. Procedure and formalities for consular legalization at Vietnamese representative offices abroad

1. The person requesting consular legalization submits one set of dossier including:

a) One application form for consular legalization according to the prescribed model;

b)^[39] For cases where applications are submitted directly: present the original or a copy of the Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Certificate of Identity or Passport, entry-exit documents/international travel documents still valid for use, or present the Electronic ID or other personal identification documents as prescribed by local laws;

c)^[40] For cases where the dossier is submitted through postal services: submit one copy of the Citizen Identity Card/Citizen Card/Certificate of Identity or Passport, valid travel documents/international travel documents or other personal identification documents as stipulated by local laws. The copies of these documents mentioned in this clause are photocopies from the originals and do not require authentication;

d)^[41] Documents and materials to be consular legalized, which have been certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or another competent authority of a foreign country or the foreign representative office where the Vietnamese representative office is located or the Vietnamese representative office with concurrent functions;

d) One translation of the documents and materials to be consular legalized into Vietnamese, English, or another foreign language that the application receiving officer can understand, if such documents and materials were not drafted in the aforementioned languages;

e)^[42] One copy of the documents and materials referred to in Point d to be kept at the representative office.

2. In cases where it is necessary to verify the authenticity of the documents and materials to be consular legalized, the application receiving officer may request the applicant to produce additional original documents and materials related thereto and submit one copy of these documents and materials to be kept at the representative office.

3.^[43] The representative office conducts consular legalization based on comparing the seals, signatures, and titles in the certification of the foreign competent authority with the officially notified seal models, signature models, and titles.

4. The time limit for resolution is as prescribed in Clause 5 of Article 11 of this Decree;

5. In cases where the seal models, signature models, and titles of the authorities and persons authorized to certify consular matters from foreign countries have not yet been officially notified or need verification, the representative office requests the foreign competent authority to verify. Upon receipt of the verification results, the representative office processes the application and delivers the outcome to the applicant.

Section 2a. PROCEDURE AND FORMALITIES FOR CONSULAR CERTIFICATION AND CONSULAR LEGALIZATION ON THE ELECTRONIC ENVIRONMENT^[44]

Article 15a. Receiving and processing requests for consular certification and consular legalization on the electronic environment^[45]

1. The person requesting consular certification and consular legalization submits an online application as follows:

a) Logging into the National Public Service Portal account using an electronic identity account in accordance with the law on electronic identity and authentication; providing information according to the interactive electronic form, uploading the electronic version of the documents and materials to be certified for consular certification and consular legalization.

b) For applications for consular legalization, the applicant must upload the electronic version of the translation of the documents and materials to be consular legalized into Vietnamese or English, if such documents and materials were not drafted in the aforementioned languages.

2. After completing the submission of the application, the applicant is issued one administrative procedure application number to track and check the progress of the application processing or access to complete the application upon request of the competent authority for consular certification and consular legalization. The applicant is responsible for retaining and ensuring the confidentiality of the administrative procedure application number.

3. On the same working day, upon receipt of an online application for consular certification and consular legalization, the competent authority for consular certification and consular legalization will immediately check the accuracy and completeness of the application.

a) If the application is incomplete or non-compliant, the applicant is required to supplement and complete the necessary documents according to the Supplement and Completion Application Form;

b) If the application is complete as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and does not fall under the cases specified in Articles 9 and 10 of this Decree, then immediately notify the applicant via email or send a message to the applicant's mobile phone or through the National Public Service Portal notification function;

c) The application will only be officially accepted for processing and issuance of the Receipt and Result Delivery Notice after being completed, supplemented, ensured to be complete and compliant, and fees paid as prescribed.

The processing time limit is as prescribed in Clause 5 of Article 11 of this Decree and starts from the date of issuance of the Receipt and Result Delivery Notice or sending a result delivery notice message to the applicant.

d) In cases where the electronic version of the documents and materials falls under the cases specified in Articles 9 and 10 of this Decree, the application receiving office refuses to accept the application, stating the reasons according to the Refusal to Process Application Form sent to the applicant via the method prescribed in Point b of this Clause.

đ) In cases where verification, clarification, or other reasons prevent timely delivery of the result, the application receiving office sends an Apology Note and reschedules the result delivery date via the method prescribed in Point b of this Clause. The application receiving office implements the verification process as prescribed in Clause 6 of Article 11, Clause 4 of Article 13, Clause 5 of Article 14, and Clause 5 of Article 15 of this Decree.

4. The certification and legalization of electronic versions of documents and materials are carried out based on:

a) Verifying the authenticity of the electronic signature of the competent authority or organization of Vietnam on the electronic version of the documents and materials to be certified for consular certification in accordance with relevant laws on electronic transactions, digital signatures, and digital certificates; or

b) Verifying the authenticity of the electronic signature of the diplomatic representative office, consular office, or other entity authorized to perform consular functions of a foreign country in Vietnam, officially notified and introduced through diplomatic channels on the electronic version of the documents and materials to be consular legalized at the domestic competent authority or verifying the authenticity of the electronic signature of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or another competent authority of a foreign country where the Vietnamese representative office is located or the Vietnamese representative office with concurrent functions, officially notified and introduced through diplomatic channels on the electronic version of the documents and materials to be consular legalized at the foreign representative office.

c) The result of verification by the competent authority in Vietnam confirming the authenticity of the digital signature on the electronic document of the paper document or material requested for consular certification or the result of the response from the competent authority abroad confirming the authenticity of the digital signature on the electronic document of the paper document or material requested for legalization.

5. The person requesting consular certification or legalization on an electronic environment shall receive the result as an electronic document with an electronic certification seal and digital signature of the competent authority for consular certification or legalization sent via email, the electronic data management system of that organization or individual, or sent to a digital device through a suitable data transmission method ensuring security and confidentiality.

6. The digital signature of the competent authority or person authorized to certify consular certification or legalization shall be implemented in accordance with the legal provisions on specialized digital signatures for official duties.

7. The model of the Application Form for Acceptance of Documents and Appointment of Result Delivery, the Supplement and Completion Request Form, the Refusal to Process Form, the Apology and Rescheduled Delivery Date Form shall be carried out in accordance with the legal provisions on implementing the single window mechanism in administrative procedure handling.

Section 3. RECORDS OF CONSULAR CERTIFICATION AND LEGALIZATION

Article 16. Components of the records of consular certification and legalization

The records of consular certification and legalization include:

1. The application form for consular certification and legalization.

2. Copies of the documents and materials submitted by the person requesting consular certification and legalization.

3. Written documents from the competent authority regarding verification (if any) and other related documents.

Article 17. Recordkeeping System for Consular Certification and Legalization Records

1. The competent authority for consular certification and legalization must strictly manage and implement safety measures for consular certification and legalization records.

2. The records of consular certification and legalization shall be numbered in chronological order consistent with the entries in the Consular Certification and Legalization Register (as prescribed). The Consular Certification and Legalization Register shall be maintained in printed form and may also be managed using software on a computer.

3. Retention period:

a) Retain for a period of 10 years for the Consular Certification and Legalization Register, computer management software, records of cases involving counterfeit documents or incorrect issuance, and related verification documents.

b)^[46] Retain for a period of two years for consular certification and legalization records not falling under point a of Clause 2 of this Article.

4.^[47] The competent authority for consular certification and legalization shall be responsible for providing information related to consular certification and legalization when requested in writing by a competent state agency for supervision, inspection, audit, investigation, prosecution, trial, and enforcement.

5.^[48] The storage of records for consular certification and legalization procedures in an electronic environment shall be carried out in accordance with the legal provisions on the storage of electronic administrative procedure records.

Chapter III

STATE MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUTHORITIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS REGARDING CONSULAR CERTIFICATION AND LEGALIZATION

 

Article 18. Content of State Management on Consular Certification and Legalization

1. The Government shall uniformly manage state affairs concerning consular certification and legalization.

2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be responsible before the Government for implementing state management over consular certification and legalization, with the following duties and powers:

a) To take the lead in drafting, promulgating, or submitting to competent authorities for promulgation legal normative documents or proposing the signing and accession to international treaties related thereto;

b) To take the lead and coordinate with ministries, sectors, and localities in guiding and organizing the implementation of this Decree;

c) To take the lead in publicizing laws, inspecting, auditing, and handling violations of regulations on consular certification and legalization;

d) To summarize, report to the Government, and conduct national statistics on consular certification and legalization;

đ) To implement international cooperation with other countries on consular certification and legalization; to take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors in deciding the principle of reciprocity in consular certification and legalization with other countries;

e)^[49] To train and provide specialized training for staff members of specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees directly under the Central Government to ensure they meet the conditions necessary for performing consular certification and legalization tasks upon receiving delegated authority;

g)^[50] To issue, guide the use and management of standard forms, documents, and the introduction of standard seals, signatures, and titles serving consular certification and legalization work;

h)|||^[51] To manage, connect, and share data on legalization with the National Public Service Portal, central and provincial administrative information systems to utilize the results of legalization in related administrative procedures for individuals and organizations;

Article 19.^[52] (Repealed)

Article 20. Responsibilities of Agencies and Organizations Establishing, Notarizing, Certifying, and Recognizing Documents and Materials

1. To bear responsibility according to the provisions of the law regarding the authenticity, content, and form of documents and materials;

2.^[53] To promptly notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the seals, signatures, titles, and authorization periods of agencies, organizations, and authorized persons issuing, notarizing, certifying, and recognizing documents and materials, and to immediately notify any changes; to review annually the seals, signatures, and titles of agencies and organizations to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

3. To coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in managing state affairs concerning consular certification and legalization within their scope of duties and powers;

4. To coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in verifying documents for consular certification and legalization purposes.

Article 21. Responsibilities of Relevant Agencies, Organizations, and Individuals

1. Agencies, organizations, and individuals requesting consular certification and legalization shall be responsible for:

a)^[54] Bearing legal responsibility for the purpose of use and the content and authenticity of the documents and materials;

b) Providing relevant information to the competent authority for consular certification and legalization;

2. Vietnamese agencies and organizations when accepting and using documents and materials that have been legalized shall be responsible for:

a) Reviewing and comparing with legal provisions and other related documents to decide whether to accept or reject documents and materials that have been legally certified in the resolution and handling of matters within their functions and powers;

b) Proactively coordinating with competent authorities to verify the authenticity of foreign documents and materials when necessary.

Article 22. Handling of Violations

1. While performing duties related to consular certification and legalization, if the authorized person lacks a sense of responsibility or engages in actions contrary to the provisions of this Decree and other regulatory legal documents, they may be subject to administrative violation handling or criminal liability pursuit according to the law, depending on the severity of the violation.

2. Organizations, entities, and individuals who engage in actions contrary to the provisions of this Decree may be subject to administrative violation penalties or criminal liability pursuit according to the law, depending on the severity of the violation.

Article 23. Complaints, Accusations, and Resolution of Complaints and Accusations

Complaints, resolution of complaints, accusations, and resolution of accusations regarding violations of the law in consular certification and legalization shall be resolved in accordance with the law on complaints and accusations.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS ^[55]

 

Article 24. Effective Date

This Decree takes effect from February 1, 2012.

Article 25. Implementation organization

The Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of government-attached agencies, Chairpersons of provincial People's Committees under the central city shall be responsible for implementing this Decree./.

 

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS _____________ Number: 4443/VBHN-BNG     Place of Receipt: - Ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, and agencies under the Government; - People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities; - Minister (for signature); - Department of Legal Documents Inspection and Administrative Violation Handling, Ministry of Justice; - Official Gazette; - Government Electronic Portal; - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Electronic Portal; - To be filed: HC, LS.

CERTIFIED CONSOLIDATED DOCUMENT DEPUTY MINISTER DEPUTY MINISTER Le Thi Thu Hang

 

 

^{____________________________________}

^[1] Decision No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decision No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization shall take effect from August 3, 2025, based on the following grounds:

"Pursuant to the Law on the Organization of the Government dated February 18, 2025;"

Based on the Law on Overseas Representative Offices of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam dated June 18, 2009; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of the Law on Overseas Representative Offices of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam dated November 21, 2017;

At the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs;

The Government issues the Decree amending and supplementing certain articles of Decision No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization.

^[2] This Clause is supplemented pursuant to Clause 1, Article 1 of Decision No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decision No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, taking effect from August 3, 2025.

^[3] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 2, Article 1 of Decision No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decision No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, taking effect from August 3, 2025.

^[4] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 3, Article 1 of Decision No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decision No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, taking effect from August 3, 2025.

^[5] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 3, Article 1 of Decision No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decision No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, taking effect from August 3, 2025.

^[6] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 4, Article 1 of Decision No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decision No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, taking effect from August 3, 2025.

^[7] This is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 5, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[8] This is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 6, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[9] This is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 7, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[10] This is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[11] This is supplemented pursuant to Clause 9, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[12] The title of this Section is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 10, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[13] The name of this Article is amended pursuant to Point a, Clause 11, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[14] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 11, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[15] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 11, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[16] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 11, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[17] The phrase "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" is replaced by the phrase "Domestic Authority with Competence" pursuant to Clause 1, Article 2 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[18] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point c, Clause 11, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[19] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point c, Clause 11, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[20] The phrase "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" in this Clause is replaced by the phrase "Domestic Authority with Competence" pursuant to Clause 1, Article 2 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[21] The phrase "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" in this Article is replaced by the phrase "Domestic Authority with Competence" pursuant to Clause 1, Article 2 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[22] The phrase "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" in this Clause is replaced by the phrase "Domestic Authority with Competence" pursuant to Clause 1, Article 2 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[23] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 12, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[24] The name of this Article is amended pursuant to Point a, Clause 13, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[25] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 13, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[26] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 13, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[27] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 13, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[28] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point c, Clause 13, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[29] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point d, Clause 13, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[30] The title of this Section is amended pursuant to Clause 14, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[31] The name of this Article is amended pursuant to Point a, Clause 15, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[32] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 15, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[33] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 15, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[34] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 15, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[35] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point c, Clause 15, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[36] The phrase "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" in this Clause is replaced by the phrase "Domestic Authority with Competence" pursuant to Clause 1, Article 2 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[37] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point d, Clause 15, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[38] The phrase "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" in this Clause is replaced by the phrase "Domestic Authority with Competent Authority" pursuant to Clause I, Article 2 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[39] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 16, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[40] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 16, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[41] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 16, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[42] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 16, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[43] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 16, Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011 of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which takes effect from August 3, 2025.

^[44] This Section includes Article 15a added pursuant to point a Clause 17 Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/ND-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[45] This provision is added pursuant to point b Clause 17 Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/ND-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[46] This point is amended and supplemented pursuant to point a Clause 18 Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/ND-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[47] This point is amended and supplemented pursuant to point b Clause 18 Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/ND-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[48] This clause is added pursuant to point c Clause 18 Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/ND-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[49] This point is added pursuant to Clause 19 Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/ND-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[50] This point is added pursuant to Clause 19 Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/ND-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[51] This point is added pursuant to Clause 19 Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/ND-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[52] This provision is repealed pursuant to Clause 2 Article 2 of Decree No. 196/2025/ND-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

[53This clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 20 Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/ND-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[54] This point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 21 Article 1 of Decree No. 196/2025/ND-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, which shall take effect from August 3, 2025.

^[55] Article 3 of Decree No. 196/2025/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization, shall take effect from August 3, 2025, and is stipulated as follows:

"Article 3. Effectiveness and Transitional Provisions

1. This Decree shall take effect from March 3, 2025.

2. The provisions on electronic consular certification and legalization shall apply from January 1, 2026.

3. In cases where a person has submitted an application for consular certification and legalization before this Decree takes effect, the provisions of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization shall continue to be applied.

4. Local diplomatic agencies authorized to receive applications for consular certification and legalization under Article 5 of Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2011, of the Government on consular certification and legalization shall continue to perform their functions and duties until there are regulations on the delegation of authority under Clause 3, Article 1 of this Decree.

5. Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of government-affiliated agencies, Chairpersons of provincial and centrally-administered city People's Committees, and related organizations and individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Decree."