Intercountry Adoption in Vietnam (2026): How It Works

Adoption of Vietnamese children by foreigners is handled by the provincial Department of Justice together with the Ministry of Justice under the 2010 Law on Adoption. A child can only be adopted abroad when no suitable family is found in Vietnam. Foreigners usually apply through a licensed foreign adoption agency, except in named cases such as a step-parent adopting a spouse’s child or a relative adopting a niece or nephew.

Contents

Principles

The best interests of the child come first.
A substitute family is sought in Vietnam first: within the province, then nationwide.
The Department of Justice confirms the child is eligible for intercountry adoption; the provincial police verify the child’s origin.

Named adoptions

A step-father or step-mother adopting the spouse’s child.
An aunt or uncle adopting a niece or nephew.
Other cases under the Law on Adoption (such as foreigners who have worked or studied in Vietnam for the period required by law).

General process

The adoptive parents file with the Ministry of Justice (through a foreign adoption agency where required).
The Department of Justice where the child lives checks the file and obtains the consent of the birth parents or guardian, and of the child if aged 9 or over.
The Department holds an inter-agency meeting to match the child; the provincial People’s Committee (or the Department, where delegated) decides.
The handover takes place at the Department of Justice, followed by the child’s passport and exit procedures.

The receiving authority obtains the adoptive parents’ criminal record certificate directly.