Intercountry Vietnam Adoption Process – A Complete Guide to Latest Regulations

The child adoption process in Vietnam is quite complicated. Foreigners without local paperwork experience may find related procedures challenging.

Thao & Co. is here to provide:

1. • A step-by-step guide to the Vietnam adoption process
2. • Processing time for child adoption applications
3. • Important considerations for a smooth journey

Read on to learn all you need to know!

Vietnam adoption process – How does it go?

The intercountry adoption process is quite complex due to stringent laws and the need to handle foreign documents. Below is a step-by-step explanation of the child adoption process in Vietnam.

Step 1: Check the eligibility requirements

The first step is to make sure that both the prospective adoptive parent and the child meet all eligibility requirements for adoption in Vietnam. Here are the basic requirements:

For the child to be adopted

1. • Being under 16 years of age; or
2. • From 16 to 18 years of age if the adopter is their step-parent or second-degree relative (aunt or uncle).
3. • Being on the Justice Department’s list of children who need adoptive families.

For the prospective adoptive parent

1. • Having full civil act capacity
2. • Demonstrating good ethical qualities
3. • Being at least 20 years older than the child to be adopted
4. • Having the health capability, financial means, adequate living accommodations, etc. to ensure appropriate care, nurture, and education of the child to be adopted

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents for the adopter

If both the prospective adoptive parent and the child meet all the eligibility requirements, the prospective adoptive parent needs to prepare the required documents for the adoption process.

Purpose: To prove that the adoptive parent has the health and financial capacity to nurture the child.

A standard application dossier for foreign adoptive parents includes:

1. • A written request for adoption
2. • A copy of your passport or valid ID
3. • A written permission to adopt a child from Vietnam
4. • An official report on your psychology and family history
5. • Health certificate
6. • Income and property certificates
7. • Criminal record check
8. • A written certification of marital status
9. • Proof of relative relations to the to-be-adopted child (if applicable)
10. • Certificate confirming that the prospective adopter is a foreigner who is currently working or studying in Vietnam for at least one year (in the case of adopting a specific child)
11. • etc.

Important note:

1. • All documents in foreign languages must undergo consular authentication, translation into Vietnamese, and notarization.
2. • The complete application must be prepared in 02 sets.

Explore our Certified and Notarized Translation Services

Step 3: Prepare the necessary documents for the to-be-adopted child

Next, the prospective adoptive parent needs to contact the child’s caregiver to prepare the necessary paperwork. Whether it is an intercountry adoption of a specific child or not, the dossier of the to-be-adopted child must include:

1. • Birth certificate
2. • Health certificate issued by a district-level medical agency or higher
3. • 02 formal full-body photos taken within the past 06 months
4. • Document describing the child’s characteristics, hobbies, and habits
5. • Document showing reasonable efforts were made but a domestic adoptive family could not be found
6. • Other documents (if needed)

Important note:

1. • The parents, guardian, or nurturing center of the to-be-adopted child is responsible for preparing the dossier.
2. • The complete dossier must be prepared in 03 sets.

Step 4: Submit both dossiers and pay the application fees

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, submit your dossiers to the appropriate authority and pay the adoption application fees.

Adoption of a specific child

1. • The adopter’s dossier: Submit to the Child Adoption Department, Ministry of Justice
2. • The to-be-adopted child’s dossier: Submit to the Department of Justice or the Justice Department of the People’s Committee at the child’s permanent residency

Foreign adopters who are permanent residents in Vietnam must submit both dossiers to the Department of Justice at the child’s permanent residency.

Open adoption

1. • Submit your dossiers via an adoption organization licensed to operate in Vietnam in your country

Important note:

1. • If there is no such organization, you must submit your dossier to the Vietnamese diplomatic mission in your country.
2. • You must be residing in a country that is party to the Hague Adoption Convention.
   Check out the list of Hague Adoption Convention Countries

Step 5: Await the results

Adoption application is processed through 3 stages:

Examine the adopter’s dossier

Upon receiving the complete dossier, the recipient agency will review and process the adopter’s documents within 15 days.

Examine the child’s dossier

This takes 20 to 50 days. The Department of Justice will review the child’s dossier and consult all relevant parties to ensure the child is eligible for intercountry adoption.

Important note: The Ministry of Justice will only send the child’s dossier to the Department of Justice to search for an overseas adoptive family (“introducing children for adoption by foreign families”) after the 60-day period for finding a domestic adoptive family has ended.

The process of introducing children for adoption by foreign families

The child’s dossier is sent to multiple authorized agencies to examine their eligibility. If the child is 9 years old or older, legal consent from the child’s legal guardian or birth parents is required.

Estimated time: 2 to 3 months

During this period, if a Vietnamese citizen contacts the commune-level People’s Committee at the child’s permanent residence for adoption and is approved, the search process will conclude.

Step 6: Receive the results and take part in the Child Adoption Ceremony

Once the provincial-level People’s Committee has issued the results, the Department of Justice will reach out to the adopter to arrange a child adoption ceremony. The adopter must be present within 60 days from the date of receiving the notification.

Location of the ceremony: The Department of Justice headquarters

Participants: The adopter, the adopted child, representatives from authorized agencies and the nurturing center, and the child’s guardian or birth parents

The Department of Justice will provide adoptive parents with a set of the child’s dossier and written confirmations from the relevant parties. The overseas Vietnamese diplomatic mission will be informed and will then arrange any necessary protection measures for the adopted child.

How long does the intercountry Vietnam adoption process take?

It takes about 4 to 6 months for agencies to process the paperwork. You also need at least 1 month in advance to prepare all the necessary documents and obtain Vietnamese translations and consular authentication for them.

Therefore, the whole adoption process may take up to half a year. It is important to research the local regulations beforehand to avoid unnecessary delays and expenses.

Important considerations regarding the adoption process in Vietnam

With years of experience guiding clients through the adoption process in Vietnam, we want to share three key considerations:

1. • Budget and plan ahead: Adopting a child in Vietnam requires multiple trips to and from your home country. Be sure to budget extra for travel expenses.
2. • Understand the limitations: It’s challenging to guarantee a successful adoption process that meets all your expectations. Stay informed and prepared for potential hurdles.
3. • Partner with trustworthy agencies: Choose a reputable and experienced service provider to handle your adoption application.

Overwhelmed by the legal complexities? Let Thao & Co. simplify the process and make your dream family come true.

As a native Vietnamese agency, we have an in-depth understanding of all legal requirements. Our extensive network of collaborators across the country ensures a seamless application experience. By choosing Thao & Co., you will benefit from our:

1. • Free and detailed consultations: We offer comprehensive advice on legal and administrative procedures.
2. • Dedicated support: We assist you in completing your adoption dossier.
3. • Document translation: We translate documents from over 50 languages into Vietnamese.
4. • Efficient workflow: Our streamlined processes save you time and hassle.
5. • Transparent pricing: Enjoy reasonable quotations with no hidden fees.
6. • Seasoned experts: Our team of experienced professionals is here to support you every step of the way.

Ready to welcome a new member to your family? Thao & Co. is here to help you take the first step toward building the perfect home.

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