To work in Vietnam or apply for a work permit, a Korean-issued criminal record certificate needs legalization by the Vietnamese Embassy in Korea. Vietnam's accession to the Apostille Convention takes effect on 11 September 2026, so until then the consular and embassy legalization route is required. Apostille Korea handles issuance, notarization, consular confirmation, and embassy legalization in one stop.
What is Vietnam criminal record embassy legalization?
Vietnam criminal record embassy legalization is the procedure of obtaining official confirmation from the Vietnamese Embassy in Korea so that a Korean-issued criminal record document can be submitted to authorities in Vietnam.
A criminal record certificate is an identity-verification document used in procedures where an applicant's trustworthiness and absence of disqualifying grounds must be confirmed — overseas employment, visa applications, work permits, and long-stay approvals. For submission to Vietnam, applicants typically prepare the criminal investigation record certificate for foreign entry and residence.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Legalization route | Embassy legalization (consular confirmation, then Vietnamese Embassy final confirmation) |
| Document issued | Criminal investigation record certificate for foreign entry and residence |
| Validity | Within 6 months of issuance (per Vietnamese government standard) |
| Apostille transition | Apostille Convention takes effect for Vietnam on 11 September 2026 |
From 11 September 2026, Vietnam moves to the apostille system. Documents prepared on or after that date may use the simpler apostille route instead of embassy legalization. Until then, the consular + embassy legalization route applies.
When do you need it?
| Situation | Details |
|---|---|
| Vietnam work permit application | A required submission for verifying a foreign worker's identity and eligibility |
| Vietnam work visa application | Criminal record requested by the local employer or visa authority |
| Vietnam long-stay approval | Submitted for identity verification at long-stay application |
| Vietnam company setup / posting staff | For registering executives or posted staff of a Korean company in Vietnam |
Documents commonly submitted to Vietnam
| Document type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Personal / identity | Basic certificate, family relation certificate, marriage certificate, resident registration, criminal record |
| Academic | Diploma, transcript, degree certificate |
| Career / employment | Career certificate, certificate of employment |
| Corporate | Business registration certificate, certificate of corporate registry |
The embassy legalization process, step by step
Embassy legalization means notarization and consular confirmation in the issuing country, followed by final confirmation at the receiving country's embassy. Where the apostille is the simplified route between member states, embassy legalization is the formal route used with non-members (or before a member's accession takes effect).
- Document issuanceObtain originals from the police (criminal record), community center (basic certificate), and other authorities.
- NotarizationNotarize the document to officially confirm its authenticity.
- Consular confirmationObtain consular confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a designated body.
- Vietnamese Embassy legalizationThe Vietnamese Embassy in Korea gives final confirmation for recognition in Vietnam.
- SubmissionFile the legalized document with the Vietnamese body (employer, labor authority, etc.).
How to apply with Apostille Korea
Apostille Korea handles everything from issuing documents for Vietnam to notarization, consular confirmation, and embassy legalization in one stop, backed by a verified service record of 300,000+ cases.
Frequently asked questions
Is a criminal record mandatory for a Vietnam work permit?
Yes. Under Vietnamese government guidance, the criminal record document for a foreign worker's work permit must be issued within 6 months of the application date. The exact document type may vary by the local employer or labor authority.
What is the difference between embassy legalization and the apostille?
The apostille is a simplified route between member states, recognized without consular or embassy legalization. Embassy legalization is used for non-members and follows notarization, consular confirmation, then embassy legalization. Vietnam's apostille takes effect on 11 September 2026, so embassy legalization is required until then.
Can a Korean criminal record be submitted directly to Vietnam?
No. Vietnamese receiving bodies may require translation, notarization, domestic consular confirmation, and Vietnamese Embassy legalization to recognize the Korean document officially.
Which documents should I prepare?
Documents for Vietnam include personal/identity documents (basic certificate, family relation certificate, marriage certificate, resident registration, criminal record), academic documents (diploma, transcript, degree certificate), career documents (career and employment certificates), and corporate documents (business registration, certificate of corporate registry). Requirements vary by receiving body.
How long does it take?
Because each stage — issuance, notarization, consular confirmation, embassy legalization — is involved, timelines vary by case. Your specialist provides an accurate estimate after intake.
Can documents other than the criminal record be legalized together?
Yes. Apostille Korea provides embassy legalization for diplomas, employment certificates, family relation certificates, corporate documents, and more — multiple documents can be processed at once.
Why Apostille Korea
- 300,000+ cases — accurate, fast processing built on extensive hands-on experience.
- Southeast Asia desk — dedicated specialists for Vietnam and the wider region.
- One-stop processing — issuance, translation, notarization, consular confirmation, and embassy legalization in one place.
- Up-to-date guidance — clear advice through Vietnam's 2026 apostille transition.