What is consular legalization of marriage certificates? Important considerations for this procedure

Consular legalization of marriage certificates is the process serving to authenticate the information and legal effect of this type of document for use in a country other than the issuing one. So, what kind of legalization does this document require, how does the process work, and what are the costs? Let’s find the answers to all of these questions with Thao & Co. in this article!

What is consular legalization of marriage certificates?

A marriage certificate is a government-issued legal document to male and female citizens upon marriage registration. It serves as proof of the legal union and outlines the marital and familial relationship between both parties.

A typical marriage certificate may include the following information:

1. ● Full name, middle name, date of birth, ethnicity, nationality, residence, and ID information of both parties 
2. ● Date of marriage registration
3. ● Signatures or thumbprints of both parties
4. ● Confirmation from the civil registration office.

Consular legalization of marriage certificates involves the competent authorities of Vietnam authenticating information such as the signatures and seals on the marriage certificate issued by domestic or foreign authorities to determine its validity. A marriage certificate, when authenticated by consular authorities, will have legal effect in Vietnam.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the authority in charge of consular legalization in Vietnam. In case the consular legalization of marriage certificates is required to use in a foreign country, diplomatic missions, consular departments, or other authorized offices will carry out this task.

In accordance with the regulations of Vietnam authorities, consular legalization remains valid for three months. After this period, the legalization will expire and lose its value for submission to government offices, requiring an extension of consular legalization if further use is needed.

Procedures for consular legalization of marriage certificates in Vietnam

In Vietnam, foreign marriage certificates need to be legalized to certify the information and legal effect.

There are typically two scenarios in which consular legalization of marriage certificates is needed:

In the first case, foreign-issued marriage certificates require consular legalization in Vietnam. The steps are as follows:

1. Step 1: You need to get a Consular Authentication of your marriage certificate at the diplomatic missions, consular departments of the issuing country in Vietnam.
2. Step 2: Get consular legalization at the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam in Hanoi or the HCMC Department of External Relations.
3. Step 3: Get a translation for your marriage certificate
4. Step 4: Notarize the translation at a local judicial office or a private notary office.

The second scenario is marriage certificates issued in Vietnam requiring consular legalization for use in a foreign country. The steps are as follows:

1. Step 1: Translate the marriage certificate from Vietnamese into your preferred language.
2. Step 2: Notarize the translation at a local judicial office or a private notary office.
3. Step 3: The notarized translation must undergo consular authentication at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam in Hanoi or HCMC Department of External Relations
4. Step 4: Get consular legalization at the competent diplomatic missions or the consular department of the foreign country.

The authorities in charge of consular legalization in Vietnam are:

1. ● Consular Department – Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Address: 40 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
2. ● Department of External Relations of Ho Chi Minh City – Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Address: 184 bis Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC

Required documents include:

1. ● Application for authentication/legalization of documents in the form LS/HPH-2012/TK
2. ● The original ID card, Citizen Identification, valid passport or equivalent valid document.
3. ● Original marriage certificate issued in Vietnam or in a foreign country.
4. ● Notarized copy of the marriage certificate.
5. ● Translation of the marriage certificate into Vietnamese, English, or a preferred language.

One important consideration when legalizing a marriage certificate is that the competent authority only confirms identity information, seals, and signatures but does not verify the content of the document. Therefore, when intending to legalize a marriage certificate in Vietnam for use in a foreign country or vice versa, you need to translate the original marriage certificate into the target language of the country where the document will be used. 

Hence, seeking a reputable translation service that offers notarized translation and reliable consular legalization will help you alleviate concerns, reduce time, and minimize costs during the document preparation process. An excellent example is Thao & Co., a professional translation agency providing credible certified/notarized translation and consular legalization service that you can consider.

Rates of translation and consular legalization of marriage certificate

The rates of translation and consular legalization of marriage certificates include: Translation fees, notarization fees, and consular legalization fees.

The translation rate generally depends on the source and target language pair, as well as the urgency of the project. Notarization and consular legalization fees may vary based on the authority providing notarization and legalization.

If you’re facing difficulties during the procedure or have any concerns about the consular legalization costs, our team of experienced linguists at Thao & Co. is committed to providing you with high-quality translation and seamless consular legalization at an affordable price. To receive detailed consultation on our services, please visit our Get a Quote page!

Special considerations on consular legalization of marriage certificates

This is an important procedure related to various administrative matters. Choosing an expert translation service to ensure the quality of translations can help mitigate risks and future legal complications.

Thao & Co. Translation Company is committed to delivering high-quality translations. This means highly accurate translations with an absolute commitment to client confidentiality.

Furthermore, our streamlined notarization and consular legalization process can ensure swift and hassle-free assistance. Throughout the entire process, clients can easily track progress or address any concerns through Thao & Co.’s proprietary platform.

With reasonable rates, high-quality translation, and efficient work processes, choosing Thao & Co. ensures peace of mind when it comes to your translation and consular legalization needs.

Please click on the Get a Quote button or contact us directly at our hotline (+84) 846 766 788 for a free consultation on notarized translation and consular legalization of marriage certificates at Thao & Co.!