Amendment on the Vietnam Law on Notarization

On 24th June 2014, the new Vietnam Law on Notarization has been promulgated.  Along with the certifying the authenticity and validity of the contract, other civil transactions in writing, Clause 1, Article 2 of the amended Vietnam Law on Notarization stipulates: “Notaries have the authority to certify the accuracy, legitimacy, social ethics of the translation of documents from foreign languages ​​into Vietnamese or other foreign languages, that such documents must be notarized according to Vietnam laws, or individuals, organizations voluntarily require for notarization process”.  Clause 1 article 61 of the Vietnam Law on Notarization also states that: “The translation of documents from Vietnamese into foreign languages or vice versa must be performed by translators who are collaborators of notarization agencies. Collaborators must be a university graduates with major in foreign language or other majors but fluent in such foreign language. Collaborators shall be liable to the notarization agency on the accuracy, legitimacy of the translation translated by them. ”.

This regulation aim is to assist people in the events that they need to use a notarized translation, avoid the situation of errors in translation. The specified collaborators for translation, who shall be liable to the notarization organizations for the accuracy, relevancy of the content of the translation, is to ensure enhanced accountability of the interpreters in this process.

Besides, Vietnam Law on Notarization has also been amended to expand the scope of activities of the organization notary public, notary public. Article 73 of the Law stipulates that: “Notaries shall notarize the original, the sign in documents. Such notarization shall be governed by the Law on Notarization”. This article shall provide support for people on choosing the service of notarization.

Article 3 of the Vietnam Law on Notarization further states: “Notaries provide services assigned by the Government to assure the legal security for parties entered into contracts, transactions; avoid disputes, protect the legal rights of individuals, organizations, develop the economy”.