MEA ApostilleApostille for Vietnam
The Apostille Convention has been in force between India and Vietnam since 11 September 2026, replacing embassy legalisation; the change is very recent, so confirm with the receiving authority that it is accepting Apostilles.
A very recent change
Until 11 September 2026, Indian documents for Vietnam went through MEA attestation followed by legalisation at the Vietnamese Embassy or a consulate in India. Since that date the Apostille Convention has been in force between the two countries, so the expected route is now state or Chamber of Commerce authentication followed by an MEA Apostille.
Because the change is so new, some provincial departments, employers, banks and notaries in Vietnam may still be updating their procedures, and documents legalised under the old route before 11 September 2026 may be treated differently. Ask the receiving authority, your employer or your legal adviser in Vietnam to confirm the route before you start.
Who needs Indian documents in Vietnam
Demand for Indian documents in Vietnam comes largely from business and employment, as Indian companies invest in Vietnamese manufacturing, technology and trade and send managers and engineers to run their operations.
- Work permits. Foreign employees generally need a work permit, and applications commonly include a degree certificate, an experience certificate showing relevant experience and a criminal record certificate. For Indian nationals that is usually a police clearance certificate, which authorities often expect to be recently issued.
- Company set-up. Investment and enterprise registration for a foreign-invested company typically involve the investor's certificate of incorporation, a board resolution approving the project and its articles of association, and sometimes audited financial statements.
- Marriage and family. Registering a marriage in Vietnam usually calls for proof that you are free to marry, such as a single status certificate; dependants may need a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
Vietnamese translation
Vietnamese authorities usually want a Vietnamese translation, often certified in Vietnam. Ask where it should be done before ordering one; see Document Translation.
For a route check based on your documents and the authority's instructions, request a quote or use the Service Finder.
Route for Indian documents going to Vietnam
- 1
Confirm the route in Vietnam
Because the Apostille is new for Vietnam, ask the receiving authority or your employer to confirm that it accepts Apostilles and how recent each document must be.
- 2
Prepare fresh documents
Obtain a recent police clearance certificate where needed, and have copies, affidavits and company documents notarised.
- 3
State or Chamber authentication
Degrees go to the State Education Department and company documents to a Chamber of Commerce, while a PCC from a Passport Seva Kendra can typically go straight to the MEA.
- 4
MEA Apostille
The MEA Apostille now takes the place of legalisation at the Vietnamese Embassy, subject to the receiving authority confirming it.
- 5
Vietnamese translation
A Vietnamese translation is prepared and certified where the authority expects, which is often in Vietnam.
- 6
Submission in Vietnam
We return your documents by courier so that you, your employer or your adviser can file them.
Documents commonly prepared for Vietnam
Frequently asked questions
Does Vietnam accept an Indian Apostille now?
The Convention has been in force between India and Vietnam since 11 September 2026, so an MEA Apostille is now the expected route. The change is very recent, so ask the receiving authority, or your employer or adviser in Vietnam, to confirm before you start.
My documents were legalised at the Vietnamese Embassy before 11 September 2026. Can I still use them?
Possibly, but that is for the receiving authority to decide, since the legalisation was completed under the rules in place before the change. Some documents, such as police certificates, are also expected to be recent, so check before relying on older papers.
What does a Vietnam work permit application usually need from India?
Typically a degree certificate, evidence of relevant work experience and a criminal record certificate, legalised and translated into Vietnamese, along with other items your employer will list. Requirements can vary by province and job, so follow your employer's current checklist.
Can the Vietnamese translation be done in India?
Sometimes. Many Vietnamese authorities expect translations to be certified in Vietnam, by a notary or a local justice office, so confirm before arranging one here; see Document Translation.
Not sure which route your document needs?
Tell us the document and the destination country. We will confirm the route, the documents we need from you and a quotation — before you send anything.