A consular certification is the verification of a local seal, signature or title on papers and documents by Vietnamese competent authority so that they can be recognised in foreign countries. Consular legalisation is the verification of a foreign seal, signature or title on documents by Vietnamese competent authority so that they can be recognised and used in Viet Nam. Consular certification and legalisation may take place through offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its representative offices abroad.
The languages used for consular certification and legalisation are Vietnamese plus the official language of the country where the document are to be used, on the language is English or French. Certification or legalisation shall be completed within one working day of the receipt of proper dossiers. If the documents consist of more than 10 papers, the processing time shall not exceed five working days.
The decree takes effect on February 2012./.-ITD