Using UK Documents in Vietnam: Apostille & Consular Legalisation Guide (2025 Edition)
Introduction
If you need to use UK documents in Vietnam—such as a UK marriage certificate, degree certificate, or company incorporation papers—you must complete a two-step legalisation process:
1️⃣ UK Apostille legalisation (FCDO)
2️⃣ Vietnamese Consular Legalisation at the Embassy in London
What is a UK Apostille?
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It verifies the authenticity of signatures, stamps, or seals on UK documents.
- Public documents (e.g. birth certificate, court papers): can be sent directly to FCDO.
- Private documents (e.g. passport copies, university transcripts, corporate accounts): must be certified by a UK solicitor or notary first.
Legalisation Process for Vietnam
To make a UK document valid in Vietnam, you must complete both:
- UK Apostille – confirms the document’s authenticity.
- Vietnamese Consular Legalisation – confirms the Apostille itself is genuine.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Document Type
- Official UK documents: birth/marriage certificates → go straight to Apostille.
- Other documents: degree certificate, company certificate → require solicitor/notary certification first.
Step 2: Obtain the UK Apostille
- Apply online via GOV.UK Legalisation Service.
- Post the original or certified copy to the FCDO Legalisation Office.
- Receive the Apostille certificate attached to your document.
Step 3: Apply for Vietnamese Consular Legalisation
Required documents:
- Application form – Vietnamese Embassy London
- Original Apostilled document
- Clear copy of the document (including Apostille page)
- Prepaid return envelope (if by post)
Where to submit: Vietnamese Embassy in London.
Payment: cash only (no cards or bank transfers).
Processing Time & Fees
| Step | Service | Processing Time | Government Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Apostille (FCDO) | Standard | Few working days | £45 per document |
| Vietnam Legalisation | Standard | 5 working days | £40 / document |
| Express | 1 working day | £60 / document |
Key Notes
- Bundled documents: related corporate papers can be bundled → only one Apostille needed.
- Crown Dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man documents must be Apostilled locally, then legalised by the Vietnamese Embassy.
- UK Overseas Territories: e.g. Cayman Islands, Bermuda, require local Apostille + UK Apostille before Vietnamese legalisation.
- Vietnamese translations: some authorities in Vietnam require certified Vietnamese translations—confirm with your recipient.
Vietnamese Embassy in London – Consular Section
- Address: 12-14 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD
- Phone: 020 7937 1912
- Email: consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk
- Website: Vietnam Embassy London – Consular Services
- Opening hours: Mon–Fri, 09:30–12:30 (submission only)
Summary
For UK documents to be accepted in Vietnam, you must complete:
➡️ Step 1: Apostille at UK FCDO
➡️ Step 2: Consular legalisation at Vietnamese Embassy London
Plan ahead and check with the receiving institution in Vietnam for any additional requirements (e.g. translations).
Why Choose Ginkgo Advisory
We are led by practicing solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and registered with the UK FCDO Legalisation Office, Ginkgo Advisory provides:
- Solicitor certification
- UK Apostille service
- Vietnamese Embassy consular legalisation
- Bilingual English-Chinese client support
📱 WhatsApp: +44 7388 833283
💬 WeChat: GinkgoAdvisory
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