Vietnam is joining the Hague Apostille Convention, with effect from 11 September 2026. Until that date, Canadian documents for Vietnam need consular legalization. From 11 September 2026, a single Canadian apostille is accepted instead — no embassy step. Because the route depends on your timing, we confirm the current requirement for your document at pre-check.
| Destination status | Joining — apostille from 11 September 2026; legalization before |
| Before 11 September 2026 | Authentication at Global Affairs Canada, then Vietnamese embassy legalization |
| From 11 September 2026 | One apostille — no embassy step |
| Translation | A Vietnamese translation is typically required. We confirm at pre-check |
How your document is routed in Canada
The Canadian authority depends on where your document was issued or notarized — not on where you live. See the document guides and the by-province overview for the exact authority, fee and timeline.
Most-requested documents for Vietnam include marriage, family, business and study. Common examples are RCMP checks, birth and marriage certificates, and degrees — each with its own routing, which we confirm at pre-check.
Which route applies to you
From 11 Sept 2026
One apostille
A single apostille from the correct Canadian authority is accepted in Vietnam — no embassy step. The authority is set by where your document was issued or notarized.
Before 11 Sept 2026
Legalization chain
Until the Convention is in force, documents follow the legalization chain below.
- Notarize the document where required (we arrange it).
- Authenticate at Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa.
- Legalize at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in Canada.
- From 11 September 2026, these steps are replaced by a single apostille.
Common questions
When can I use an apostille for Vietnam?
From 11 September 2026, when the Hague Apostille Convention enters into force for Vietnam. Before that date, documents need authentication at Global Affairs Canada followed by Vietnamese embassy legalization.
What do I do if I need a document right now?
Until 11 September 2026 we run the legalization chain: notarize where required, authenticate at Global Affairs Canada, then legalize at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. We confirm the current route at pre-check.
Which authority handles my document in Canada?
It's set by where the document was issued or notarized — Québec, Ontario, BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan have their own; federal documents and all other provinces go to Global Affairs Canada.
Do I need a translation?
A Vietnamese translation is typically required. The receiving authority sets the rule, which we confirm at pre-check.
Sending a document to Vietnam?
Upload a scan and your timing — we'll confirm whether you need an apostille or legalization, and send a fixed quote within one business day.
Free pre-check