Birth Certificate Apostille for Vietnam

Korean birth certificates for use in Vietnam require embassy legalization — not apostille — because Vietnam is not a Hague Convention member. The document must first be authenticated by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), then legalized by the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul, and accompanied by a certified Vietnamese translation. This is required for EP work permit applications, FDI business registration, marriage to a Vietnamese national at a local People's Committee (UBND), and civil registration.

How to apostille a Korean birth certificate for Vietnam

1Obtain a certified copy of the Korean birth certificate from the relevant Korean municipal office
2Submit to MOFA for authentication (외교부 확인) — standard 3–7 business days
3Submit the MOFA-authenticated document to the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul for legalization
4Arrange a certified Vietnamese translation
5Submit to the relevant Vietnamese authority (UBND, Department of Justice, employer)

Requirements for Vietnam

Korean birth certificate with official municipal seal
MOFA authentication (외교부 확인) — apostille is NOT valid in Vietnam
Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul legalization
Certified Vietnamese translation
Document should typically be issued within 6 months of submission

What to look for in a specialist

Experience with the MOFA authentication → Vietnamese Embassy legalization chain

Access to certified Vietnamese translators for civil status documents

Combined authentication, legalization, and translation service

Knowledge of UBND and Vietnamese Department of Justice documentation requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apostille my Korean birth certificate for use in Vietnam?

No. Vietnam is not a Hague Convention member, so apostille is not valid. Korean birth certificates require MOFA authentication followed by Vietnamese Embassy legalization in Seoul.

What Korean birth certificate is needed for marrying a Vietnamese national?

Marriage registration at a Vietnamese People's Committee (UBND) typically requires a MOFA-authenticated and Vietnamese Embassy-legalized Korean birth certificate (기본증명서) with certified Vietnamese translation, plus a certificate of no impediment to marriage.