Vietnamese missions abroad perform civil status functions for their citizens: registering births and marriages that happen in their district, recording deaths, and issuing the certificates that flow from those entries. For families here, registering a child’s birth is what links them to the Vietnamese system.
Quick facts
Registering a birth at the mission is also the natural moment to establish the child’s nationality position, which since the 2025 reform is more flexible than it used to be for families holding another citizenship.
Fees breakdown
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of a birth abroad | Consular schedule | Creates the Vietnamese entry |
| Registration of a marriage abroad | Consular schedule | Recognised in Vietnam once entered |
| Certificate of Vietnamese nationality | Consular schedule | Confirms status |
| U.S. certificate of the event | $15–$50 | State vital records office |
| Legalisation of the U.S. certificate | Chain fees | No apostille route |
Because there is no apostille route, the American certificate in a registration file has to travel through the legalisation chain, which is the slowest part of the exercise.
How to file
- Order the U.S. certificate of the event from the state vital records office.
- Put it through the legalisation chain, ending at a Vietnamese mission.
- Complete the registration form for that event.
- File at the mission covering your state, in person or by post.
- Include the parents’ or spouses’ Vietnamese documents and the fee.
- Request the resulting certificate once the entry has been made.
Required documents
- U.S. certificate of the event, legalised.
- Vietnamese parent’s or spouse’s passport and identity documents.
- Marriage certificate of the parents where applicable.
- Proof of address in the consular district.
- Completed registration form.
- Payment and a prepaid return envelope for postal filings.
Where to file
At the embassy or consulate general covering your state, which also handles the legalisation of the supporting documents.
Additional notes
Sequence matters
Legalise the American certificate before filing the registration. Sending an unlegalised certificate simply delays the file.
Nationality confirmation
Where an adult is unsure of their status, the certificate of Vietnamese nationality is the document that settles it, and it is issued by the missions.
Marriages
A marriage celebrated in the United States is recognised in Vietnam once registered, with consequences for property and inheritance.
Keep copies
Given how long the chain takes, request more than one certificate when the entry is finally made.