For a child whose father or mother is a foreigner, what fees apply when registering the birth in Vietnam? The good news: on-time registration is fee-free. The legal framework is Civil Status Law 60/2014/QH13 (effective 1 January 2016, still in force) and Decree 123/2015/ND-CP on dossiers for birth registration with foreign elements.
1. Registration within 60 days: fee exempt
Under Article 11 of Civil Status Law 60/2014/QH13, civil status registration within the statutory time limit (within 60 days of birth) is exempt from fees. This applies generally, including birth registration with foreign elements — a foreign father or mother does not change this exemption.
2. Late registration: fees set by each province, no national standard
If registration is more than 60 days late, the birth-registration fee is set by each provincial People’s Council under Circular 85/2019 and Circular 106/2021 — there is no national standard fee. In current practice:
- The common rate in many provinces is VND 50,000;
- Many provinces waive the fee for children or for online filing (VND 0).
Before filing late, check the specific rate issued by the People’s Council of the province of registration.
3. Dossier where the father or mother is a foreigner
Under Decree 123/2015/ND-CP, the dossier for birth registration with foreign elements has a specific requirement: a written agreement between the father and mother on the choice of nationality for the child. The receiving authority may also require basic identity documents of the parents — contact the receiving authority directly for the complete dossier list for your case.
4. Where to file: verify after the new government model
Since 1 July 2025, under the new government model, civil status registration falls to the commune-level People’s Committee. Note: many old administrative-procedure pages still list the “district-level People’s Committee” — that information is outdated. We have not been able to verify the actual receiving authority in each locality, so before filing, contact the commune-level People’s Committee of your residence to confirm the correct receiving office.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any fee for on-time birth registration?
No. Birth registration within 60 days of birth is fee-exempt under Article 11 of Civil Status Law 60/2014/QH13 — even where the father or mother is a foreigner.
What is the fee if registration is late?
There is no national standard. The fee is set by each provincial People’s Council (Circular 85/2019 + 106/2021), commonly VND 50,000; many provinces waive it for children or for online filing.
What special document is needed when the father is a foreigner?
The written agreement between the father and mother on the choice of nationality for the child (Decree 123/2015/ND-CP). Confirm other documents with the receiving authority for your specific case.
File at the district or the commune level?
Since 1 July 2025, the commune-level People’s Committee under the new model. Old administrative pages still listing the district level are outdated — confirm directly with your commune-level People’s Committee.
Sources
- Civil Status Law 60/2014/QH13 (effective 1 January 2016, still in force): Article 11 — fee exemption for registration within 60 days;
- Decree 123/2015/ND-CP: dossiers for birth registration with foreign elements, including the parents’ written agreement on the child’s nationality;
- Circular 85/2019/TT-BTC and Circular 106/2021/TT-BTC: late-registration fees set by each provincial People’s Council (commonly VND 50,000; many provinces waive for children/online filing).
This article is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice. The content was drafted by AI and will be reviewed for quality by the AI Legal Council of FLAT Law Firm before approval for publication; it is not the legal opinion of a licensed human lawyer. Laws and regulations may change; please verify the current legal texts before applying them.
Need help registering a birth with foreign elements? Contact FLAT Law Firm for advice.