💡 When a Vietnamese office asks for "a copy" of a document, they usually mean one of two specific things: a sao y (a notarized true copy confirming a photocopy matches the original Vietnamese-language document) or a dịch thuật công chứng (a certified translation of a foreign-language document into Vietnamese). These two serve entirely different purposes - submitting the wrong type means a rejected application and a wasted trip to the office.
Key takeaways
- A sao y is a notarized photocopy - the notary certifies the copy matches the original. No translation is involved.
- A certified translation converts a foreign-language document into Vietnamese and certifies the translator's identity and accuracy.
- If your document is already in Vietnamese, the office likely needs a sao y. If it is in English or another foreign language, the office needs a certified translation.
- Da Nang Immigration Office at 78 Le Loi typically requires certified translations of foreign supporting documents for visa extensions - confirm the exact list before your appointment.
- Always ask the specific office exactly which type they need: requirements differ between offices and change over time.
What is a sao y công chứng?
A sao y công chứng is a certified true copy. You bring the original Vietnamese-language document and a photocopy to a notary office (văn phòng công chứng) or a ward authority (UBND phường). Staff compare the copy to the original, then stamp and sign the copy to confirm it is genuine.
Two types of authority can issue this. A notary office (công chứng) provides higher legal standing, required for most formal government applications. A ward authority (chứng thực at the UBND phường) is faster and cheaper for routine administrative tasks. The document you receive is a stamped copy; the original stays with you.
The key point: a sao y does not translate anything. If the original is in Vietnamese, the office gets a certified copy they can keep on file. If the original is in English, French, Korean, or another foreign language, a sao y of that foreign document is almost useless to a Vietnamese government office - they cannot read the content.
What is a certified translation in Vietnam?
A certified translation is required when a Vietnamese office receives a document written in a foreign language. A licensed translator converts the content into Vietnamese, then certifies the translation with their signature and credential number. A Vietnamese notary office then certifies the translator's signature.
In Vietnamese practice, this full process is called "dịch thuật công chứng" or "bản dịch có công chứng". The notary certifies the identity of the translator, not the translation quality - that remains the translator's professional responsibility.
Common foreign documents foreigners in Da Nang need to have certified translated:
- Passport information page - translated into Vietnamese for visa extensions, lease agreements, or bank account opening.
- Foreign birth certificate, marriage certificate, or degree - translated for the Justice Department, hospital records, or immigration file.
- Foreign driving licence or employment contract - translated for a work permit or a local vehicle licence application.
The receiving office specifies which documents and which language pair. Confirm the exact list with them before commissioning the translation, as requirements vary.
Which type does each Da Nang office need?
Confusion often comes from not knowing what each office actually requires. The list below is a general guide based on typical practice - always confirm directly with the office before your appointment, as requirements vary and change.
- Da Nang Immigration Office (78 Le Loi) - visa extension or residence permit. Typically requires a sao y of relevant passport pages and your current visa, plus certified Vietnamese translations of any foreign supporting documents such as employment letters or financial statements. Call or visit to confirm the current document checklist when you book.
- Ward police station - filing a police report. Your original passport is required for identification. A sao y is usually not needed for the report itself. Ask for a stamped copy of the completed report to keep, as insurers require it. If you cannot speak Vietnamese, bring a Vietnamese speaker.
- Da Nang Justice Department (So Tu phap) - marriage or civil-status registration. Foreign documents usually need an apostille (in force for Vietnam from 11 September 2026) or consular legalization, plus a certified Vietnamese translation. Confirm the current requirement with the department before your visit.
- Local bank - opening an account. Most banks require a certified translation of your passport details or residence certificate. Requirements differ between banks; check with your chosen branch.
Where to get each document in Da Nang
For a sao y: walk in to any notary office (van phong cong chung) in Da Nang with the original and a clean photocopy. Bring your passport for identification. Notary offices are concentrated in the Hai Chau area near the city center. Ward authorities (UBND phuong) can certify basic copies on weekday mornings. Expect a 15-to-30-minute wait at a quiet notary office; arrival early in the morning helps.
For a certified translation: use a licensed translator or translation agency in Da Nang. Standard turnaround for common language pairs (English, Korean, French, Chinese) is one to three business days. Same-day rush service is available from some agencies at higher cost. Confirm the price, credential, and whether the notary certification is included before you commit.
If you are dealing with a police report, a theft, or an insurance claim in Da Nang and need a certified translation quickly, the Da Nang Help police report guide covers the full document process. For broader assistance, the Da Nang Help hub connects you to a direct support line.
What can go wrong, and how to avoid it?
The most common error: submitting a sao y of a foreign-language document. A notarized photocopy of your English passport bio page is still in English - the Vietnamese officer cannot read the content and will reject the submission. The fix is always a certified translation into Vietnamese.
The second common error: submitting an uncertified translation - a plain printout or a photocopy of a translation without the notary's stamp on the translator's signature. Most Vietnamese government offices reject these. The notarization of the translator's signature is a legal requirement under Vietnamese notarization law, not a formality.
A third trap: some offices accept only the original document, not a sao y or translation at all. Bring originals when possible, and never surrender your passport permanently to any third party - Vietnamese law prohibits non-official parties from holding a foreigner's passport.
If you are unsure what a specific Da Nang office needs, call ahead, check the office's official portal, or reach the support line through the Da Nang Help hub.
FAQ
Can a sao y of a foreign document replace a certified translation?
No. A sao y certifies that a photocopy matches the original but does not translate the content into Vietnamese. A Vietnamese government office cannot use a sao y of a foreign-language document because they cannot read it. You need a certified translation into Vietnamese for any foreign-language document submitted to a Vietnamese authority.
Does the certified translation have to come from a translator in Vietnam?
Not necessarily, but the translation must be certified by a Vietnamese notary office to be accepted at most government counters. This means the translator's signature must be notarized in Vietnam, which in practice means either using a Vietnam-based licensed agency or having a foreign translation re-certified at a Vietnamese notary office. Confirm with the specific office whether they accept translations certified abroad.
Is a dịch thuật công chứng the same as an apostille?
No. An apostille authenticates the origin of a public document (the official's signature and seal) so it is accepted in another country without further legalization. A dịch thuật công chứng is a certified translation of the document content. For a Vietnamese document used abroad, you may need both: an apostille from Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (available since 11 September 2026) to authenticate the document, and a certified translation so the receiving authority can read it.
The Da Nang Immigration Office rejected my translation. What do I do?
Ask the officer for the specific reason in writing if possible. Common causes include: the translation was not notarized by a Vietnamese notary, the documents submitted did not match the required list, or the translation agency was not recognized. Contact a licensed Da Nang translation agency to redo the translation to the correct specification, then rebook your appointment at the office.
How long does a sao y take at a Da Nang notary office?
A sao y typically takes 15 to 30 minutes at a quiet notary office, provided you bring the original document and a clear photocopy. Peak times are weekday mornings from 08:00 to 09:30. Ward authority (UBND phuong) certification may take longer due to queues. Call the notary office ahead or arrive before 08:00 to avoid a long wait.
Official sources
- U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, Vietnamese visas and entry/exit - confirms certified translation requirements for immigration documents submitted to Vietnamese authorities. Verified October 2026.
- Vietnam Immigration Department portal - official authority for visa and residence procedures, including document submission requirements. Verified October 2026.
- Vietnam MOFA, consular legalization and apostille portal - official portal governing document authentication, including the apostille framework in force from 11 September 2026. Verified October 2026.
Written by Dao Huy (Lucas), a Vietnamese translator and English-speaking local in Da Nang. When paperwork or an emergency turns into a Vietnamese-language wall, I come with you in person and provide the signed translations that go with it. Get help in Da Nang → · Certified translation →