Notarised translation of a passport and documents in Nha Trang: where to certify and what Russia needs
Who certifies translations in Nha Trang, how certifying a translator's signature differs from a notarised translation, what to bring and whether an apostille is needed. As of 26 Oct 2026.
A "notarised" translation of a passport in Nha Trang is done by having the translator's signature certified: the chairman of the ward People's Committee (UBND) or a notary at a notary office (văn phòng công chứng) does it. Find translators and notaries in the Translators and notaries section; the office you submit the document to decides which certification it wants.
Data as of 26 October 2026. The rules change fast: Decree 280/2025/NĐ-CP applies from 1 November 2025, and Vietnam has used the apostille since 11 September 2026. Call the office before you go.
Translators and notaries: addresses and contacts Open in Telegram
Where can you get a notarised translation in Nha Trang?
Go to the chairman of the ward UBND or to a notary at a notary office. Since 1 November 2025 the people who certify include the chairman of the commune or ward UBND, authorised staff and notaries (Official Letter 7369/BTP-BTTP). The translator's signature on a Vietnamese-foreign translation is certified by the commune or ward UBND chairman (Báo Pháp luật). Your place of residence no longer matters under Decree 280/2025 (same article).
How is certifying a translator's signature different from a notarised translation?
Under Decree 23/2015/NĐ-CP the certifier confirms that the signature under the translation is genuine. The translator answers for the accuracy of the translation (Article 30). So a "notarised translation" in everyday talk is usually a translation plus a certified translator's signature. If an agency asks for a "notarised translation", ask whether this certification is enough.
What documents should you bring?
Bring your passport, the original of the document being translated, and the finished translation attached to a copy. The translator signs in front of the certifier (Article 31). Documents with erasures or alterations, damaged documents whose text cannot be read, and foreign documents without consular legalisation where it is required will not be certified (Article 32). With such a document, ask the office first what it will accept.
Do you need legalisation or an apostille for use in Russia?
A Vietnamese document for use in Russia needs an apostille, not consular legalisation. Vietnam acceded to the 1961 Apostille Convention on 31 December 2025, and it entered into force for Vietnam on 11 September 2026 (HCCH). Russia has been a party since 31 May 1992 and the HCCH table lists no Russian objection to Vietnam's accession; Austria, Germany and Czechia objected (HCCH status table). An apostille confirms the signature, capacity and seal, not the content. Where to get one in Vietnam is on apostille.lanhsuvietnam.gov.vn. Whether a translation is also needed, and of what kind, is up to the Russian agency. Consulates and government offices in Nha Trang are listed in the Consulates and government offices section.
Does a Russian document need legalisation in Vietnam?
A document issued in Russia now gets an apostille in Russia instead of consular legalisation. Documents legalised earlier stay valid in Vietnam, but a certified Vietnamese translation is still needed (Vietnamese consulate in Shanghai).
How long does it take?
The decree sets certification of a translator's signature on the day of the request, or the next working day if you arrive after 15:00; the period can be extended by written agreement (Articles 33 and 7). Go in the morning. This is the 2015 text, so call the office to confirm.
Translations for renting, marriage and driving licences
For a rental, a marriage or a licence exchange, each agency sets its own requirements. Ask it first, then order the translation. For a foreign document submitted to a Vietnamese agency, the Vietnamese consulate states the general rule: the Vietnamese translation must be notarised or certified under the law (source).
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get my passport translated and certified in Nha Trang? Find a translator and office in the Translators and notaries section. The ward UBND chairman or a notary certifies the translator's signature.
Do I have to live in Nha Trang? No. Since 1 November 2025, certification of copies and signatures does not depend on your residence (Báo Pháp luật).
Who is responsible for a mistake in the translation? The translator, to the client and the certifier. The certifier is responsible for the genuineness of the signature (Article 30).
Can a damaged or altered document be certified? No. Documents with erasures or damage that hides the text are refused (Article 32).
Does a Vietnamese document need an apostille for Russia? Yes, instead of consular legalisation, since Vietnam joined the convention on 11 September 2026 (HCCH). Check the details with the receiving agency.
Will I need several visits? The decree sets the same day, or the next working day after 15:00 (Article 33). Call ahead.
Will Russia accept the translation? The Russian agency decides: ask whether it wants an apostille and a translation made in Russia.
Sources and method
Written 26 October 2026. Legal sources: Decree 23/2015/NĐ-CP; amendments by Decree 280/2025/NĐ-CP (issued 27 Oct 2025, in force 1 Nov 2025, document page); Official Letter 7369/BTP-BTTP; HCCH on Vietnam's accession and status table; notice of the Vietnamese consulate. This is general information, not legal advice. Directory section: Translators and notaries.