Inheritance · Power of attorney
Power of attorney and inheritance renunciation: how Vietnamese Americans handle it
Many Vietnamese Americans have land, compensation payments or an inheritance in Vietnam but cannot travel back. Two documents are commonly used: a power of attorney, so a relative in Vietnam can act for you, and a renunciation of inheritance, when you do not wish to receive your share. Both can be signed here in the U.S.
1. Power of attorney
Your attorney-in-fact acts for you within the scope written in the document, under Articles 138 and 562 of the 2015 Civil Code. Common uses:
- Receiving resettlement land or compensation payments.
- Declaring and receiving an inheritance.
- Registering or transferring land-use rights.
- Withdrawing funds or closing a bank account.
Note: matters involving real estate in Vietnam usually require an authorization contract rather than a one-way power of attorney. KPN chooses the right form for your situation.
2. Renunciation of inheritance
Under Article 620 of the 2015 Civil Code:
- An heir may renounce an inheritance, except to evade property obligations owed to others.
- The renunciation must be in writing and sent to the estate administrator, the other heirs and the person dividing the estate.
- It must be made before the estate is divided. Once the estate has been divided, it can no longer be renounced.
A renunciation must be notarized or certified (Article 60 of the 2024 Law on Notarization).
3. Documents to send
- A copy of the signer’s passport (Vietnamese or U.S.).
- Copies of the property papers or compensation decision (if available).
- Full name, ID number and address of the attorney-in-fact in Vietnam.
- For a renunciation: the decedent’s death certificate and proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificate).
Send copies only.
4. Steps
- KPN drafts the document in Vietnamese, with the correct scope of authority.
- You sign; KPN handles the notarization. Clients in all 50 states can use this service.
- Authentication by the Secretary of State.
- Consular legalization at the Consulate General of Vietnam (Decree 111/2011/ND-CP, as amended by Decree 196/2025/ND-CP).
- The original is sent to your attorney-in-fact in Vietnam.
5. All-inclusive fees
- Power of attorney: $180 (1 original)
- Authorization contract: $320 (3 originals)
- Renunciation of inheritance: $200
KPN handles everything
KPN also works with lawyers in Saigon who travel throughout Vietnam to handle inheritance declarations, so you do not need to return.
Every situation is different. Message or call KPN for a free consultation, 9:00 AM to midnight every day.
Need personal advice?
This article provides general information on Vietnamese law as of the date of publication and is not a substitute for advice on your specific situation. Ken Phuc Nguyen is an attorney-at-law in Vietnam and a Foreign Legal Consultant certified by the Supreme Court of Texas; he advises only on the laws of Vietnam, not on Texas or U.S. law.