Detailed instructions for consular legalization of documents in Singapore (2025)

After Singapore company registrationMore and more businesses and customers have the need to "consular legalize" documents and papers in Singapore for use in Vietnam.

In essence, documents issued in other countries will not be considered valid for use in Vietnam if they have not been consularly legalized.

Similarly, a Vietnamese document will not be valid abroad if it has not gone through some necessary procedures and processes. So what is consular legalization? What procedures will a foreign document need to go through to be used in Vietnam?

The following article by GLA will explain what consular legalization is and the procedures for consular legalization of documents in Singapore for businesses. 

1. What is consular certification and consular legalization?

"Consular certification" is the act of a competent Vietnamese authority certifying the seal, signature, and title on Vietnamese papers and documents so that such papers and documents can be recognized and used abroad.

"Consular legalization" is the act of a competent Vietnamese authority certifying the seal, signature, and title on foreign papers and documents so that those papers and documents can be recognized and used in Vietnam.

Note: Consular certification and consular legalization only certify the seal, signature, and title on papers and documents, and do not include certification of the content and form of the papers and documents.

2. What does the consular legalization file include?

For consular legalization of foreign documents and papers for recognition and use in Vietnam, including:

1. 01 Consular certification/legalization application form No. LS/HPH-2012/TK.
2. Original identity document (ID card, passport or document in lieu of passport) in case of direct application; or 01 photocopy of identity document (ID card, passport or document in lieu of passport) in case of application by post. This document does not need to be certified.
3. Papers and documents requesting consular legalization (certified by a foreign diplomatic mission, consular office or other agency authorized to perform consular functions).
4. 01 copy of documents and papers requesting consular legalization.
5. 01 translation of the documents and papers requested for consular legalization into Vietnamese or English (if the documents and papers are not prepared in these languages). The translation does not need to be certified. The applicant is responsible for the accuracy of the translation.
6. 01 copy of translated documents.
7. 01 envelope with the recipient's address clearly written (if the application is sent by post and the results are requested to be returned by post).

In case it is necessary to check the authenticity of the papers and documents requested for consular certification, the officer receiving the application may request the applicant for consular certification to additionally present the originals of the relevant papers and documents and submit 01 copy of these papers and documents.

3. Procedures and processes for consular legalization of documents in Singapore

After establishing a company in Singapore, many GLA clients wish to have their documents (Business Registration Certificate; Certificate of Good Standing) or some documents certifying that the company has changed shareholders, directors, addresses, etc. to be consularized for use in Vietnam.

The process of consular legalization of documents for establishing a company in Singapore will go through the following steps: 

4. How does GLA support businesses in consular legalization of documents and papers in Singapore? 

GLA supports businesses in consular legalization of documents and papers in Singapore professionally and effectively, including: 

• Detailed advice on types of documents that need to be legalized, procedures, completion time and costs, helping businesses understand clearly and be proactive in the implementation process.
• Support businesses in completing complete dossiers according to the requirements of competent authorities in Singapore, ensuring accurate and complete dossiers.
• Support businesses in translating relevant documents to ensure the accuracy and validity of the translations.
• Business representatives submit documents to competent authorities and closely monitor the processing progress, promptly notify the business of results.

With GLA's services, businesses will save time and effort, while ensuring the legality of documents, facilitating transactions and business operations in Vietnam.

5. Frequently asked questions about consular legalization of documents and papers in Singapore 

Highlights

• Consular legalization of Singapore documents and papers is the process of confirming the legality of documents and papers issued by competent authorities in Singapore for legal use in Vietnam.
• Documents that need to be legalized include business establishment certificates, business operation certificates, business records and documents changing company information, etc. 
• The time to legalize Singapore documents and papers usually takes 5-7 working days.