UK consular legalization procedure
In the context of growing globalization, the use of Vietnamese documents in the United Kingdom for purposes such as studying, working, immigrating, or conducting commercial transactions is essential. However, for these documents to be legally recognized in the UK, you need to go through the process of consular legalization.
The full-package UK consular legalization service at No.1 Translation was created to resolve difficulties, helping you save time, effort, and costs. The article below provides detailed information about the UK consular legalization procedure as well as the latest 2025 updated pricing. Let’s explore!
What is UK legalization and consular certification?
Consular legalization and consular certification are two important steps in the process of validating documents between two countries to ensure that papers and documents are recognized and legally used abroad.
1. UK Consular Certification
UK consular certification is an administrative procedure carried out at the Legalisation Office – the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the competent diplomatic authority of the United Kingdom.
The purpose of this procedure is to verify the signature, seal, and title on documents or papers issued in the UK so that these documents can be legally used in another country.
For example, if you have an important document such as a birth certificate issued in the UK and wish to use it in Vietnam, the first step is to carry out consular certification at the FCO. This procedure serves to verify the accuracy and legality of the information on the document.
👉 See more: Why is consular legalization required??
2. UK Consular Legalization
Consular legalization is the next step after consular certification, carried out by the diplomatic authority of the country where the document will be used. Specifically, the competent Vietnamese diplomatic mission, such as the Embassy or Consulate General of Vietnam in the UK, will confirm the authenticity of the seal, signature, and title of the UK diplomatic officer on the consular-certified document.
Conversely, for documents issued in Vietnam that are intended for use in the UK, the consular legalization procedure will be carried out by the UK Embassy or Consulate General in Vietnam.
👉 See more: Which documents require consular legalization?
Which authority handles UK consular legalization?
The UK consular legalization process is carried out by the competent authorities in both the country where the documents are issued and the country where the documents will be used.
For documents issued in the United Kingdom (UK) to be used in Vietnam, consular legalization must be completed directly in the UK. The competent authority responsible for this procedure is the Legalisation Office – the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
For documents issued by the competent authorities in Vietnam, the consular legalization process must be completed in Vietnam, specifically:
- Documents must be certified by the Consular Department – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, or the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs.
- After that, the documents will be legalized at the UK Embassy or Consulate General in Vietnam to be legally valid in the United Kingdom.
Consular legalization procedure for documents issued in Vietnam to be used in the UK
The consular legalization procedure for documents issued in Vietnam to be used in the UK is an important step to ensure the legal validity of the documents. This process consists of three main steps as follows:
Step 1: Notarized Translation into English
First, you need to bring the original documents to a State Notary Office, the Department of Justice, or a reputable translation company to request notarized translation into English. The notarized translation ensures accuracy and is accepted by the receiving authority in the UK.
Note: Translation should be carried out at reputable institutions to avoid errors and ensure correct legal terminology.
Step 2: Apply for Consular Certification at the Consular Department or Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs
Documents to prepare:
- Consular legalization application form (Model LS/HPH-2012/TK or online submission).
- Original personal identification document (citizen ID/passport) if submitting in person, or a copy if submitting by mail.
- Original documents requiring consular certification and one photocopy.
- Translated documents (already notarized) and one certified copy.
- An envelope with the recipient’s address and phone number if receiving results by mail.
After obtaining the notarized translation, you need to have the document certified at:
- Consular Department – Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi): No. 40 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, for documents issued in regions from Hue northward.
- Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs: No. 6 Alexandre de Rhodes, District 1, HCMC, for documents issued in regions from Hue southward.
Step 3: Apply for Consular Certification at the UK Embassy/Consulate General in Vietnam
After obtaining the consular certification stamp from the Consular Department or the Department of Foreign Affairs, you need to submit your application to:
- UK Embassy in Hanoi: 4th Floor, 31 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi – Tel: 024 3936 0500.
- UK Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City: 25 Le Duan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City – Tel: 028 3825 1380
Note: It is advisable to contact the UK Embassy/Consulate General in advance to confirm specific document requirements.
Full-package UK consular legalization service at No.1 Translation
Consular legalization is a complex administrative procedure that requires coordination among multiple authorities. Therefore, handling the entire process yourself—from translation, notarization, and consular certification to consular legalization—may lead to risks such as invalid documents, prolonged processing time, or even loss of paperwork. To avoid these situations, seeking support from professional service providers is the optimal solution.
No.1 Translation is proud to offer a full-package UK consular legalization service, helping clients save time and ensuring accuracy at every stage of the process. We provide comprehensive and customized solutions based on client needs, including:
Consular legalization of UK documents for use in Vietnam |
Consular legalization of Vietnamese documents for use in the UK |
|---|---|
Verification of the validity of documents by the competent authorities in the UK | Ensuring that document content is accurately translated into English and properly notarized. |
Ensuring that documents are duly stamped by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO) or relevant consular offices. | Applying certification stamps so that documents are recognized abroad. |
Applying the final certification stamp so that documents have legal validity in Vietnam. | Verifying the legal status of documents before being taken to the UK. |
Delivering documents directly to clients in Vietnam. | Delivering documents to clients in the UK. |
Do not let complicated administrative procedures disrupt your plans. Contact No.1 Translation today for full-package and professional support!
Service Type |
Expense |
|---|---|
10,000 VND / 1 page | |
310,000 VND / per original page / 300 words. | |
40,000 VND / document | |
Consular certification (stamp of Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs) | 300,000 VND / 1 stamp (250,000 VND / 1 stamp if the customer makes 2 or more documents) |
From 2,500,000 VND to 4,500,000 VND depending on the document |
Consular legalization procedure for documents issued in the UK to be used in Vietnam
When you need to use documents issued in the UK in Vietnam, you must complete the consular legalization procedure through the three main steps below:
Step 1: Notarization/Certification
First, you need to have the documents notarized or certified in the United Kingdom. This procedure applies to privately issued documents or documents in the following categories:
- Educational documents: certificates, diplomas, transcripts, reference letters from schools, etc.
- Documents related to work permit applications: degrees, certificates, professional qualifications, employment reference letters, criminal record certificates, etc.
Place of execution: A legally authorized Solicitor’s Office or Notary Office in the UK.
Note:: If the document is issued by a UK public authority, you may skip this step.
Step 2: Obtain Confirmation from the Competent Authority
The competent authority in the United Kingdom is the Legalisation Office under the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
Documents to prepare:
- Documents requiring consular legalization.
- Credit/debit card for fee payment.
- Address for receiving results via postal mail or courier service.
- One A4 envelope with the recipient’s address clearly written.
- Printer (to print receipts and necessary papers).
Procedure:
- Register for legalization at the Legalisation Office in London.
- E-mail: legalisation@fcdo.gov.uk
- Telephone: +44-3700-002244.
- Fee payment:
- Standard service: £30/document (excluding courier or postal fees).
- Urgent service: £75/document (only for registered business customers).
Processing time:
- Standard service: 10 working days.
- Urgent service: 1 working day.
Important Notes:: If the document is issued by a British Overseas Territory (such as Bermuda, Gibraltar, the Virgin Islands, etc.), it must be certified by the Legalisation Office of that territory before being sent to the FCO.
Step 3: Consular Legalization at the Vietnamese Embassy in London
After the document has been stamped with an apostille by the FCO, you need to bring or send the application by post to the Consular Section of the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK at:
- AddressRoom 05.02, 5th Floor, Newton Residences, 38 Truong Quoc Dung, Ward 8, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC: 12-14 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD.
- Phone: +44-2079371912/2075652214
- Fax: 020 7937 6108
- E-mail: consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk
Fees: 10 USD/tem.
Processing time: 05 working days.
After completing the legalization procedure, you may request Vietnamese translation at the Vietnamese Embassy or from reputable translation companies. Once translated, the documents will have legal validity in Vietnam.
Profile includes:
- Application form for consular legalization. .
- Original or copy of the document with apostille.
- Copy of the apostilled document..
- Envelope with your address if you wish to receive the result by post.
- Consular legalization fee: You need to send an email to consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk for detailed instructions on the fee and payment method.
List of Countries for Legalization
The consular legalization procedure for UK documents to be used in Vietnam is a complex process that requires accuracy and full compliance with the requirements of both countries. With many years of experience and a team of legal experts, No.1 Translation is committed to providing you with fast, accurate, and cost-effective consular legalization services.
If you are looking for a reliable unit to support you with translation, notarization, consular certification, and consular legalization in the UK, let No.1 Translation accompany you. We are proud to be a trusted partner that always prioritizes customer satisfaction.
