Since September 11, 2026, Vietnam accepts the apostille under the Hague Apostille Convention. That means U.S. documents headed to Vietnam no longer need the old multi-step legalization through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in most cases. We get Texas and FBI apostilles from our office at 6124 Hwy 6 N, Houston for $155 per document, including the government fee and return shipping.
What Changed in September 2026
Before: a document for Vietnam went through notarization, the Texas Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State and then a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
Now: one apostille from the office responsible for the document is enough: the Texas Secretary of State for Texas documents, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents such as an FBI background check. Because the change is new, confirm with the Vietnamese office receiving your documents that it accepts a U.S. apostille.
Documents We Apostille for Vietnam
- FBI background checks for Vietnam work permits and residence cards
- University diplomas and transcripts for work permits and teaching jobs
- Birth certificates for registering a child’s Vietnamese nationality or passport
- Marriage certificates and notarized single-status statements for marrying in Vietnam
- Powers of attorney for property, banking or family matters in Vietnam
- Company documents for opening or running a business in Vietnam
Working in Vietnam? The Usual Set
Vietnamese work permit applications generally ask for a criminal record check and proof of your degree. For U.S. citizens that usually means an FBI Identity History Summary with an apostille and an apostilled copy of your diploma. Your employer will confirm the exact list; we can do the fingerprints, the FBI check and both apostilles from one visit.
Vietnamese Translation
Documents used in Vietnam usually need a Vietnamese translation, and many agencies want it certified in Vietnam. For documents coming the other way, we translate Vietnamese records into English with a signed certificate of accuracy through our certified translation service.
Prices
- Texas or FBI apostille: $155 per document, including the government fee and return shipping
- Expedited apostille: $299 per document
- Notarization: $10
- FBI background check (fingerprints and electronic submission): $95
- Certified translation: $65 per document
See all prices on our pricing page.
Sending documents to another country? See all our apostille services in Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vietnam accept apostilles now?
Yes. Vietnam’s membership in the Hague Apostille Convention took effect on September 11, 2026. U.S. documents with an apostille no longer need legalization by a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in most cases.
Do I still need the Vietnamese consulate?
In most cases, no. Some Vietnamese agencies may still be updating their procedures, so confirm with the office or employer receiving your documents before you order.
How much does an apostille for Vietnam cost?
$155 per document for a Texas or FBI apostille, including the government fee and return shipping. Expedited service is $299 per document.
Can you apostille an FBI background check for a Vietnam work permit?
Yes. We take your fingerprints, order the FBI Identity History Summary Check and get the U.S. Department of State apostille. Standard FBI apostille processing takes about 3 to 5 weeks.
Do my documents need a Vietnamese translation?
Usually. Vietnamese authorities generally work in Vietnamese, and many require the translation to be certified in Vietnam. Ask the receiving office whether a translation done in the U.S. is accepted.