Documents to bring to a notary in Vietnam

This article is general information only and does not replace advice from a lawyer or the competent authority. Rules can change; check the regulations in force and ask the office handling your procedure.

Knowing which documents to bring to a notary in Vietnam saves you a wasted trip. Many people also confuse notarisation (công chứng) with certification (chứng thực), which differ in where they are done and what they prove. This guide explains, at a general level, what each one is, where to go, the papers people usually need, and which property transactions typically require notarisation or certification. Notarial practice is currently governed by the 2024 Law on Notarisation (in force from 1 July 2025) and its implementing documents; details can change, so check with the office you plan to visit.

Notarisation vs certification

Put simply: photocopying a document and getting a “true copy” stamp is certification; taking a property sale contract for a notary to check and certify is notarisation.

Related: Does a rental contract in Vietnam need notarising?

Documents to bring to a notary

The exact list depends on the task, but commonly includes:

• Valid ID for everyone signing (citizen ID card or passport; foreigners usually use their passport).
• Papers for the asset: for example a land-use right or house ownership certificate, or a vehicle registration.
• Proof of family relationship or marital status where the asset involves spouses or inheritance.
• A power of attorney if someone signs on another’s behalf.
• A draft contract if the parties have prepared one; otherwise you can ask the notary office to draft it.

Bring originals for checking. Calling ahead to ask for the exact list, opening hours and fees saves time. Foreign documents may need consular legalisation and a certified translation, so ask about this well in advance.

Property transactions that usually need notarisation or certification

Under Vietnam’s land and housing laws, many contracts to transfer, gift or mortgage land-use rights and houses must be notarised or certified, except in cases the law specifies otherwise. By contrast, as explained in does a rental contract need notarising, residential leases do not have to be. For high-value property deals, consider consulting a lawyer before signing, and check the certificate’s legal status with the land registration office.

Watch out for fake papers and rushed signings

• Never sign a contract you have not read in full, even under pressure.
• Do not pay a large deposit before the property papers have been checked.
• If you doubt a certificate, ask the land registration office where the land is located.

On the day itself

Arrive with every signer present unless a valid power of attorney has been arranged, because the notary must confirm each person’s identity and capacity in person. Allow enough time: the notary may need to read the documents, check records and ask questions before certifying. Read the final text carefully before signing, including numbers, names and addresses. Keep the receipt for any fees paid.

Keeping documents safe afterwards

Store notarised originals and property certificates in a home safe or fire-resistant pouch, and keep scans elsewhere. Old ID copies and drafts you no longer need are better destroyed with a shredder than thrown away whole.

Want a list for an upcoming notarisation? Leave your Zalo number and choose “Notarisation and certified copies”. The list is for reference; the notary office confirms what your file needs.