What to Do If Your Baby Is Born in Vietnam: A Complete Legal Guide for Expats and Exit Visa Procedures

Last Updated: Monday April 20, 2026

Welcoming a newborn is a joyful moment, but for expatriates, having a baby in Vietnam also comes with important legal responsibilities. From getting a Vietnam birth certificate for foreigners to arranging a newborn visa, understanding these processes early helps you avoid complications later.

This guide outlines what you need to know about legal procedures for expat babies in Vietnam. It includes whether your child needs an exit visa and how to manage immigration requirements easily.

Key Takeaways

• A baby born in Vietnam to foreign parents is still considered a foreign national

• Your child must have a passport and visa to stay or leave Vietnam

• An exit visa is mandatory for departure if no valid visa is held

• Overstaying can lead to fines and immigration restrictions

Is a Baby Born in Vietnam Automatically Vietnamese?

The short answer is no.

If your baby fits into one of the following categories: 

• Both parents are foreigners 

• One parent is a foreigner and the other is Vietnamese

Your child is considered a foreigner under Vietnamese law, even if born in Vietnam. 

This means your newborn must adhere to Vietnam's regulations for newborns, including visa and exit procedures.

Photo: VietnamNews

Does a Newborn Need an Exit Visa in Vietnam?

Yes.

Any foreign child born in Vietnam must apply for an exit visa before leaving the country.  Even if the baby was born locally, they cannot leave Vietnam without the proper immigration documentation.

Step 1: Obtain a Vietnam Birth Certificate for Foreigners

The first and most important step is registering your child’s birth.

Required Actions:

• Register the birth at the local People’s Committee

• Obtain the official Vietnam birth certificate

This document is essential for:

• Applying for your baby’s passport

• Processing a dependent visa for a child in Vietnam

• Completing exit visa procedures

Step 2: Apply for a Passport for Your Newborn

After receiving the birth certificate, parents must contact their embassy or consulate in Vietnam to:

• Register the child’s nationality

• Apply for a passport

In some cases, you may also need:

• A letter of introduction from your embassy

• Certified translations of Vietnamese documents

Step 3: Apply for a Newborn Visa in Vietnam

Before leaving Vietnam—or even staying longer—your baby needs a valid visa.

Photo: Collected

Options include:

• Dependent visa (child visa) linked to parents

• Short-term visa depending on travel plans

This step ensures your baby has legal residency status in Vietnam.

Step 4: Apply for an Exit Visa

If your baby does not yet have a valid visa or has overstayed, you must apply for an exit visa through the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Exit Visa Requirements for Newborns

To apply, prepare the following:

• Baby’s passport (valid for at least 6 months)

• Birth certificate

• Temporary residence registration

• Completed NA5 application form

• Parents’ passports and valid visas/TRC/work permits

• Flight ticket booking

• Explanation letter (if visa is overstayed)

In some cases, embassy-issued documents may also be required.

Where to Apply

You can submit your application at:

• Hanoi: 44–46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District

• Da Nang: 07 Tran Quy Cap, Hai Chau District

• Ho Chi Minh City:

• 333–335–337 Nguyen Trai, District 1

• 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3

Special Cases: Overstay or Missing Documents

If your baby (or parents) overstay a visa:

• You must contact the Immigration Department

• Pay the required fines

• Submit an explanation letter

• Apply for an exit visa

If the passport is lost or expired:

• Renew or reissue it through your embassy before applying

Photo: VnExpress

Key Tips for Expats

• Start paperwork as soon as your baby is born

• Don’t delay visa applications to avoid penalties

• Keep copies and translations of all documents

• Stay in contact with your embassy for guidance

In Conclusion

By following the right steps—from obtaining a Vietnam birth certificate for foreigners to securing an exit visa—you can ensure your baby’s journey is smooth and compliant with Vietnamese law. 

When in doubt, always check with the Immigration Department or your embassy to avoid delays and ensure everything is done correctly.

Whether you need a fast visa, airport fast track, private car, or eSIM, Vietnam-Immi.org is here 24/7 to support your trip.

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