Vietnam document certification reforms

In late July 2026 Vietnam issued two major legal reforms aimed at modernising the handling of official documents. On 23 July the government adopted Decree No. 293/2026/ND‑CP, which brings Vietnam into full compliance with the 1961 Hague Convention on Apostille. The decree eliminates the need for separate legalisation of foreign public documents and establishes a single‑window, electronic and postal application process for obtaining apostilles.

A week later, on 29 July, a draft amendment to the Land Law was released for public comment. The proposal would allow Land Use Rights Certificates (sổ đỏ) to be issued in both paper and electronic form, giving the electronic version the same legal validity as the traditional document. The amendment seeks to digitise land‑title management, reduce paperwork, and prevent loss of records.

Together, these measures illustrate Vietnam’s broader drive to streamline bureaucratic procedures, increase digital access to official paperwork, and align domestic practices with international standards.