In the context of deep international integration, simplifying administrative procedures for documents involving foreign elements has become an urgent need for citizens and businesses. On February 25, 2026, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 330/QĐ-TTg to approve the Implementation Plan for the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (also known as the Apostille Convention). Hai Phong City immediately took action to implement this Convention locally through Document No. 2453/VP-TC dated March 10, 2026.
Building on the Foundation of Decree 111/2011/NĐ-CP
Prior to joining the Apostille Convention, consular certification and legalization in Vietnam were carried out according to Decree No. 111/2011/NĐ-CP. Under this regulation, "Consular certification" meant the verification of seals and signatures on Vietnamese documents by competent Vietnamese authorities for use abroad; whereas "Consular legalization" was the verification of foreign documents for use in Vietnam.
This process typically took 1 to 5 working days and required matching official samples of seals and signatures. However, this certification was limited to the seals and signatures themselves and did not certify the content or format of the document. The introduction of the Apostille Convention in Vietnam is a "revolution" intended to replace the multi-layered traditional legalization process with a single, internationally recognized "Apostille" stamp.
A Synchronous and Decisive Implementation Plan
According to the Plan issued with Decision 330/QĐ-TTg, the implementation roadmap is divided into key task groups to ensure the Convention is fully effective for Vietnam starting September 11, 2026.
- Perfecting Institutions and Communication: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is leading the development of a Decree guiding the implementation of the Convention by June 15, 2026, while simultaneously launching communication campaigns to disseminate the new regulations to the public and businesses.
- Digital Transformation and e-Apostille: A breakthrough in the plan is the construction of an electronic Apostille management and issuance system (e-Apostille). This system will allow for online applications, tracking results, and authenticating stamps in a digital environment, thereby increasing transparency and information security.
Decentralization and Local Action in Hai Phong
During the 2027–2030 period, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects to decentralize the authority to issue Apostille stamps to the foreign affairs departments of provinces and centrally-run cities. Vietnam will also participate in international forums of the Hague Conference on Private International Law and organize specialized training for officials on how to recognize Apostille stamps from other member states.
In Hai Phong, following the Prime Minister's directive, the City People's Committee Office issued a notice on March 10, 2026, conveying the instructions of Vice Chairman Hoang Minh Cuong. Accordingly, the city has assigned the Department of Foreign Affairs to play the leading role in coordinating with relevant agencies to review and study the Implementation Plan to ensure it follows the regulated roadmap.
Strategic Significance of Implementing the Convention
Hai Phong’s urgent involvement demonstrates the city leadership's vision for creating a favorable investment environment. The Department of Foreign Affairs will serve as the focal point for receiving, guiding, and verifying the authenticity of public documents, ensuring the smooth usage of documents between Hai Phong and member states of the Hague Convention.
The implementation of the Apostille Convention brings significant benefits:
- Simplifying Procedures and Saving Costs: Citizens and businesses will no longer need to travel multiple times between diplomatic agencies for document legalization. This is particularly meaningful as Hai Phong seeks to attract high-quality human resources and international experts.
- Promoting Economic Integration: As an international port city, applying universal standards for public documents makes trade, investment, and judicial transactions between Hai Phong and the world faster and more reliable.
- Enhancing State Management Capacity: A centralized electronic database for Apostille stamps will help agencies easily inspect, monitor, and prevent document forgery. The Ministry of Public Security will also coordinate closely in verifying and handling legal violations during the implementation of the Convention.
- Affirming International Standing: Participating in the Hague Convention proves the commitment of both Vietnam and Hai Phong to administrative reform that is modern, transparent, and aligned with international standards.
The deployment of the Apostille Convention is more than just a change in administrative process; it is a testament to Hai Phong's determination to enter a "new era" of public governance. With the proactive role of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Hai Phong expects to create a breakthrough in foreign affairs, contributing to the city's goal of becoming a leading international trade center in the region.