Major updates to translation notarization under the 2024 Law on Notarization took effect from 1 July 2025.
End of translation notarization
Under the new law, the long-standing practice of notarizing translations will be discontinued. Previously set out in Article 61 of the 2014 Law on Notarization, this process allowed notaries to certify that a translation was accurate and lawful.
From 1 July 2025, this will be replaced with certification of the translator’s signature. Notaries will confirm that the signature on a translation truly belongs to the translator but will no longer verify the accuracy of the translation itself.
Article 18(1)( c ) of the new law maintains the notary’s authority to certify translator signatures, while Decree 120/2025/NĐ-CP specifies that district-level offices will no longer handle this service. Instead, commune-level People’s Committees will be responsible.
While details such as signature formats and fees are still pending, the basic process will be:
- The translator must sign the translation in the presence of a notary or commune representative (if handled at the commune level).
- The competent authority will then affix a certification seal to the translation.
Process and responsibilities of translators
Translations must be prepared by translation collaborators of the notarial organization (those holding a degree in a foreign language or in a widely used language) and these translators bear responsibility for the accuracy and appropriateness of the translation.
Once the translation is completed, the translator’s signature must be certified in accordance with the law. This reduces the burden on notarial offices for certifying translations while still ensuring the translator remains accountable.
Translators will continue to be responsible to the notarial practice organization for the accuracy and suitability of the translation they produce.
Other new points in the notarization process
On-site photo capture when signing documents
From 1 July 2025, when signing a document (for notarization or authentication), a real-time photo must be taken during the signing in front of the notary:
- The photo must clearly show the person’s face, be sharp, unedited, and printed on A4 paper or specialized photo paper of at least 13×18 cm.
- Applies to both handwritten signatures and fingerprint signing.
- If witnesses or interpreters are present, their photos must also be taken.
- Video recording of the signing process is permitted when needed, following notarial record-keeping regulations.
Implementation of electronic notarization
Two official forms of e-notarization will be applied:
- In-person: Digital signing on-site at the notarial office.
- Remote: Digital signing by the notary when parties sign from different locations.
Electronic documents will be digitally signed by both the notary and the notarial organization, and will include a QR code or serial number for easy verification, carrying the same legal validity as paper notarized documents.
Longer retention period for notarial records
- Real estate records: Minimum retention of 30 years (up from 20).
- Other records: Minimum retention of 10 years (previously undefined).
Conclusion
These changes mark a significant shift in Vietnam’s notarization landscape, especially for translation-related services. While the notary’s role in verifying translation content will end, the new rules strengthen the responsibility of translators, streamline procedures, and embrace modern tools like electronic notarization, aiming for greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in notarial practices.
