Degree Authentication: Procedures, Costs, and Practical Advice

Table of Contents

The degree authentication or legalisation is a mandatory procedure to verify the value of foreign degrees, enabling them to be officially recognized in Vietnam. In this article, we will provide you with information on all relevant aspects of this topic.

About foreign degree authentication in Vietnam

Consular Legalization of degrees enables them to be recognized and valid for use in Vietnam or abroad. This process involves certifying the signature, seal, and title of the individual presented on the degree.

Consular authentication of documents in general and foreign degrees in particular is valid for three months from the date of the legalization process as indicated on the authentication certificate.

Why is the consular legalisation of bachelor’s degree documents necessary?

The rapid integration to keep up with global trends has elevated the international standing of Vietnam, transforming it into a hub for investment and global trade. The increasing number of Vietnamese people living and working abroad, as well as foreigners coming to Vietnam to look for new opportunities, has led to a rising demand for consular legalization services for various documents.  

Apart from legalizing degrees for work purposes, this process is also used for studying abroad, applying for scholarships, seeking foreign employment, and more.

The types of degrees that typically require consular legalization and translation include:

  1. Diplomas (secondary, high school, undergraduate, postgraduate, etc.)
  2. ● Certificates of outstanding course completion or academic achievements
  3. ● Language or professional certificates
  4. ● Course completion certificates
  5. ● Work experience certificates

Accurate translation plays a crucial role in the consular legalization process for both individuals and businesses. Poor translation quality could negatively impact procedures like work permit applications, scholarship applications, student visa procedures, etc.

Therefore, choosing a professional translation service is essential. It should be carried out by experienced native linguists. Besides, clients may choose a translation agency that offers additional services to ensure a higher quality, faster, and more straightforward process.

Consular Authentication Example - Thao & Co.
Sample of Consular Legalization

Procedures for degree authentication issued in Vietnam

There are two cases where the legalisation of bachelor’s degree documents is required in Vietnam: Legalizing foreign degrees for use in Vietnam and legalizing Vietnamese degrees for use in foreign countries.

Before proceeding with the degree legalization, you need to prepare the following documents:

  1. ● Application for authentication/legalization of documents in the form LS/HPH-2012/TK (fill out online Legalized Registration)
  2. ● Original/photocopy of requester’s identification document (ID card, passport, or equivalent valid document)
  3. ● The original degree
  4. ● One (01) certified copy of the degree
  5. ● Translation of the degree
  6. ● Copy of the translated degree

Authorities in charge of Consular Legalization in Vietnam:

Consular Department – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Address: 40 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Department of External Relations of Ho Chi Minh City – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 Address: 184 bis Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Other local foreign affairs offices
Departments/Offices/Divisions of Foreign Affairs in municipal provinces and cities

Procedures for legalizing foreign degrees for use in Vietnam

Step 1: Apply for consular authentication at the diplomatic missions of the issuing country in Vietnam

You must complete the necessary procedures to apply for consular authentication at the diplomatic missions (consulate/embassy) of the issuing country in Vietnam.

Step 2: Legalize certificates at the relevant offices under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam

You need to prepare the consular legalization documents in accordance with the regulations. Then, submit the documents to the authorities under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vietnam for the legalization process.

Step 3: Translate the degree into Vietnamese

You need to choose a professional translation agency to ensure translation quality and avoid potential document-related issues in the future.

Step 4: Notarize the translated document

Notarize the translation to complete the procedure. The foreign degree is now legalized and valid for use in Vietnam.

Procedures for legalisation of bachelor’s degree documents for use abroad

Step 1: Translate the degree into the language of the destination country

To use a Vietnamese degree abroad, first, you need to choose a translation service to translate the degree into the language of your destination country.

Step 2: Notarize the translation

Once you receive the translated degree, proceed to the competent authorities to notarize the translation. To save time, you can consider choosing a translation service that offers notarization assistance.

Step 3: Obtain consular authentication at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam

Next, prepare a complete dossier to apply for consular certification at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.

Step 4: Legalize the certificate at the diplomatic missions (consulate/embassy) of the destination country

Finally, submit the dossier and the consular-certified degree to the competent authorities of the destination country for the consular legalization process.

Due to the complexity of the procedures and the potential for errors, when choosing a translation service, consider those that offer assistance with the degree legalization process to save time and effort, as well as avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Consular Legalization Process - Thao & Co.
Consular Legalization Procedure in Vietnam

Translation and legalization rates for degrees in Vietnam

Currently, the rate for consular legalization of degrees is based on two factors: translation fees and consular legalization fees.

Translation rates generally depend on the source and target languages, as well as the level of urgency.

The consular legalization fees generally depend on the number of degrees. Currently, the consular legalization fee in Vietnam is 10 USD per seal.

Practical advice for degree authentication

Given the complexity of this procedure, the numerous documents involved, and the potential for various administrative issues, it’s essential to research the steps and requirements of the procedure in advance. Additionally, the quality of the translation during the consular legalization of degrees plays a pivotal role. High-quality translations reflect the professionalism of the document and help avoid confusion or document-related issues in the future.

At Thao & Co., we offer high-quality translation provided by experienced native linguists to fulfill your requirements:

  1. ● Translations executed by professional linguist(s)
  2. ● Transparent process and rates
  3. ● Hard and soft copies provided upon request
  4. ● Proprietary platform for clients to easily track project progress

This article has introduced the information on consular legalization of foreign degrees in Vietnam, along with all the aspects relating to this procedure.  To receive a free consultation and use services at Thao & Co., please visit our Get a Quote page and provide your information!

Source: Thao & Company
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