Welcoming a new member into a multinational family (where one parent is a foreigner or a Vietnamese residing abroad) is a joyous occasion. However, the birth registration procedure in this context is more complex than domestic cases.

This article provides a detailed guide on the process, required documents, and authority for birth registration with foreign elements under the latest regulations in 2025.

 

1. Competent Authority: Where to Register?

Unlike domestic birth registration (conducted at the Commune/Ward level), registration for children with foreign elements falls under a higher jurisdiction.

• Competent Authority: The District-level People’s Committee (UBND cấp Huyện).
• Location: The place of residence of either the father or the mother.

Note: Identifying the correct authority saves you time. The District Justice Division (Phòng Tư pháp) is the specific unit that receives and processes the application.

2. Required Documents (Checklist)

 

To ensure a smooth process, parents must prepare the following documents:

1. Registration Form: According to the latest prescribed form.
2. Birth Certificate (Giấy chứng sinh): Issued by the medical facility/hospital where the child was born. If born abroad, documents issued by the foreign authority are required.
3. Marriage Certificate: Of the parents (if married).
4. Identification Documents: Passports, ID cards, or valid international travel documents of both parents.
5. Agreement on Nationality: If parents hold different nationalities, a written agreement selecting the nationality for the child (Vietnamese or foreign) is required. This document must be verified by the competent authority.

3. The “Golden Rule”: Consular Legalization

This is the most critical step that many families overlook, leading to rejected applications.

• The Rule: Any documents issued by foreign authorities (e.g., Marriage Certificate issued abroad, foreign Passports) must undergo Consular Legalization and be notarized/translated into Vietnamese.
• Exception: Unless the documents are exempt from consular legalization under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.

4. The Procedure

1. Submission: Submit the dossier at the “One-Stop Shop” section of the District-level People’s Committee.
2. Review: The officer of the Justice Division checks the validity. If the file is complete, an appointment slip is issued.
3. Signing: Immediately upon receiving a complete and valid dossier (usually processed within the day or no more than 03 working days), the Justice Division reports to the Chairman of the District People’s Committee to sign the Birth Certificate.
4. Result: Parents receive the original Birth Certificate and the Personal Identification Number for the child.

Need Legal Assistance for Birth Registration?

Dealing with administrative procedures involving foreign elements can be confusing, especially regarding Consular Legalization and Nationality Selection agreements. If you need professional support to ensure your child’s legal status is secured promptly, please contact us:

📞 Contact DHH Law Firm Today

🏢 Main Office: 2nd Floor, 829 Huynh Tan Phat Street, Phu Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

📞 Hotline:
+84 89 9352 777 (Vietnamese)
+84 89 9351 777 (English)

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📧 Email: contact@dhhlawfirm.vn

✨ DHH Law Firm – Your trusted legal partner for family and foreign-related civil procedures in Vietnam.