Vietnam | Accession to 1961 Apostille Convention to simplify immigration processes

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam acceded (agreed) to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (1961 Apostille Convention), effective Sept. 11, 2026.

Key takeaways:

The 1961 Apostille Convention is an international treaty that simplifies the administrative process for immigration documents, replacing the consular legalization process in both the country of origin and the receiving country with the issuance of an Apostille stamp in the originating country. With Vietnam’s accession, the Apostille Convention now has 129 member states.

Vietnam’s accession to the 1961 Apostille Convention is expected to reduce administrative layers in immigration matters, shorten documentation timelines and result in overall lower costs while enhancing the country’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment and skilled international talent.

The Convention will take effect on Sept. 11, 2026, pending any objections filed by other member states during the six-month transition period.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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