Every child born must have their birth registered — it is a fundamental right and the first mandatory administrative procedure in a citizen’s life. The law sets a specific deadline for parents (or responsible persons) to complete the registration. This article explains the birth registration deadline under current law, with a note on the new law about to take effect.
1. The deadline: 60 days from the date of birth
Article 15.1 of the Law on Civil Status 2014 (60/2014/QH13) provides: birth registration must be completed within 60 days from the date of the child’s birth. This is the parents’ obligation; where the parents cannot register, grandparents, other relatives, or the individuals or organisations raising the child are responsible.
2. Where to register
Birth registration is carried out at the commune-level People’s Committee of the place of residence of the father or mother (or where the child is living in special cases). The dossier includes: the birth registration declaration form, the birth certificate issued by the medical facility (for hospital births), and identity documents of the person registering.
3. Important update: new Law on Civil Status effective 1 March 2027
The Law on Civil Status 2014 remains in force until 28 February 2027. The Law on Civil Status 03/2026/QH16 (passed by the National Assembly on 23 April 2026) will replace it, effective 1 March 2027. Families with children born near the transition should follow the implementing guidance of the new law for the deadlines and procedures applicable at the time of registration.
4. Why not let the 60 days pass?
- The birth certificate is the root document — the basis for all subsequent papers: residence registration, health insurance, school enrolment, and later a passport;
- late registration triggers additional verification procedures, costing more time and effort;
- registration beyond the deadline may be subject to administrative sanctions under civil-status regulations — the specific fine levels must be checked against the current sanctioning instruments, not guessed.
5. Special cases: abandoned children, children with foreign elements
For abandoned children or children born in Vietnam to a foreign parent, birth registration involves extra verification and documentation requirements — the 60-day frame still applies in principle, but families should contact the commune-level civil status authority early for case-specific guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is there a fine for registering a birth after 60 days?
A: The law provides administrative sanctions in the civil-status field; the specific fine for each act must be checked against the current sanctioning instruments — figures should not be assumed.
Q: Who is responsible for registering a child’s birth?
A: The parents; if they cannot, then grandparents, other relatives, or the individuals or organisations raising the child.
Q: Until when is the Law on Civil Status 2014 in force?
A: Until 28 February 2027. From 1 March 2027, the Law on Civil Status 03/2026/QH16 replaces it.
Note: This article is for reference only and is not legal advice. It was drafted by an AI system and quality-checked internally by the AI Legal Council — it is not the opinion of a licensed human lawyer. Each case must be assessed on its facts, evidence and applicable law; please consult a lawyer for detailed advice.
Need help with civil-status procedures (birth, death, marriage registration)? Contact the FLAT Law Firm team via our contact page.