Vietnam – Citizenship

Who is eligible to apply for citizenship in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s citizenship framework underwent a major overhaul in 2025. On 24 June 2025, the National Assembly passed Law No. 79/2025/QH15, amending the Vietnamese Nationality Law. Taking effect from 1 July 2025, the legislation introduces important revisions to the rules on dual nationality, widens the criteria for naturalisation, and simplifies how applications are processed. Identifying which pathway applies to your situation is the critical first step in the process.

Naturalisation (standard route)

Foreign nationals and stateless individuals seeking Vietnamese citizenship through naturalisation must satisfy a number of conditions: they must have full civil capacity as defined under Vietnamese law; they must respect and abide by Vietnam’s Constitution, laws, culture, traditions, and customs; they must possess enough command of Vietnamese to participate meaningfully in community life; they must be registered as permanent residents in Vietnam; they must have lived continuously in Vietnam for at least five years prior to making their application; and they must be capable of financially supporting themselves.

The five-year residency threshold is broadly in line with the requirements of countries such as Germany and Canada, although Vietnam does not use a points-based assessment framework. Rather than requiring a formal written civics exam as some nations do, Vietnam evaluates an applicant’s knowledge through a less structured interview process. Applicants must also have reached the age of 18, unless they are applying alongside a parent.

Citizenship by descent

People of Vietnamese heritage may benefit from a more accessible route to citizenship. This includes those born to Vietnamese parents overseas or those who can establish proof of Vietnamese ancestry. Applicants whose parents or grandparents are Vietnamese nationals are not required to meet the language proficiency standard, the five-year residency requirement, the obligation to be resident in Vietnam, or the financial self-sufficiency condition.

Citizenship through marriage or family connection

Those who are married to a Vietnamese citizen or who have a biological child who is Vietnamese are exempt from the Vietnamese language requirement, the minimum five-year residency period, and the financial self-sufficiency condition. They must, however, be currently living in Vietnam and satisfy the fundamental requirements relating to legal compliance and respect for Vietnamese culture. This is comparatively flexible when set against equivalent routes in countries such as the United Kingdom, where a foreign spouse must still pass the Life in the UK test and meet an English language standard before being eligible for naturalisation.

Investment and exceptional contribution routes

Individuals who operate businesses or make investments in Vietnam may be granted exemptions from the usual naturalisation requirements, provided their activities are certified by a ministerial-level body as making a genuine and lasting contribution to the country’s development.

Foreign nationals who have rendered notable service to Vietnam’s national growth or defence are similarly exempt from the requirements to demonstrate Vietnamese language ability, to reside in Vietnam for five years, and to show financial independence. This expedited route reflects Vietnam’s broader ambition to attract skilled professionals and investors — an approach that parallels, in intent if not in formal structure, exceptional talent or national benefit citizenship programmes in countries such as Australia.

Restoration of Vietnamese citizenship

Under the 2025 Law, any person who previously lost Vietnamese citizenship is entitled to apply for its reinstatement without needing to fulfil any additional conditions. Applicants must revert to their original Vietnamese name upon restoration, and those who are simultaneously keeping a foreign nationality may use a compound name that blends their Vietnamese and foreign names.

What are the steps involved in applying for citizenship in Vietnam?

The process of applying for Vietnamese citizenship is a multi-stage administrative undertaking involving the provincial Department of Justice, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), and ultimately the President. Applications may now be lodged online via the National Public Service Portal as well as in person at the Department of Justice. Always consult the Ministry of Justice website for current fees and processing times, as these are subject to change.

1. Determine your eligibility and assemble your documents. Establish which route applies to your circumstances and put together the required dossier. This must include a judicial record obtained from both a competent Vietnamese authority (covering your period in Vietnam) and a competent foreign authority (covering your time abroad), each issued within 90 days of the application date; documentation demonstrating Vietnamese language ability; evidence of your place and duration of residence; and proof of your capacity to support yourself financially. Documents from foreign authorities must be consular-legalised unless exempted by Vietnamese law or by treaty, and any documents in a language other than Vietnamese must be translated with the translator’s signature duly certified.
2. Lodge your application at the local Department of Justice. Applicants submit their citizenship documents to the Department of Justice in the province or city where they are permanently registered. If the dossier is found to be incomplete or defective, the Department of Justice will immediately inform the applicant of what must be supplied or corrected.
3. Identity verification and background checks. Within five working days of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Department of Justice forwards a request for identity verification to the provincial-level Public Security Department, which has 30 days to carry out the verification and report back. Where further investigation is required, the MoJ may conduct additional background checks in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security over a period of 45 to 60 days, depending on the complexity of the case.
4. Review and referral by the People’s Committee. Within ten working days of receiving the verification findings, the Department of Justice finalises the dossier and submits it to the Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee. The Chairman then has ten working days to review the matter, form a view, and forward a recommendation to the Ministry of Justice.
5. Assessment by the Ministry of Justice. Upon receiving the provincial People’s Committee’s recommendation, the Ministry of Justice has 20 working days to examine the application and determine whether the applicant satisfies all relevant requirements. The MoJ holds a central role in processing nationality matters, with authority to reject applications, conduct further verifications, and make formal recommendations on naturalisation and dual nationality.
6. Renunciation of foreign citizenship (if applicable). Where the applicant is not eligible to retain their existing nationality, the MoJ will notify them that they must proceed with renunciation. The applicant then has nine months in which to submit documentation confirming that they have given up their foreign citizenship. This nine-month period does not count towards the official processing timeline. If proof of renunciation is not provided within that window, the MoJ will reject the application.
7. Presidential decision. Within ten working days of receiving the foreign citizenship renunciation document, the Minister of Justice, acting through the Prime Minister, signs the recommendation and transmits it to the President for consideration. The President has 30 days in which to reach a decision.
8. Announcement and citizenship ceremony. Once the President has issued a decision granting Vietnamese citizenship, the Ministry of Justice publishes it on the Ministry’s official website. The provincial People’s Committee then organises a formal ceremony at which the naturalisation decision is presented to the recipient. The Ministry of Justice also informs the Ministry of Public Security so that the relevant authorities can register the individual’s residence and arrange for the issuance of a Vietnamese passport, identity card, and electronic identity card.

Always confirm current application fees directly with the Department of Justice or the Ministry of Justice, as these are subject to revision.

What tests, interviews, or ceremonies are required?

Vietnam does not currently have a standalone written civics examination comparable to the US naturalisation test or the Life in the UK test. Requirements are instead assessed through a combination of interview, supporting documentation, and background checks.

Language assessment: Applicants must be capable of communicating in Vietnamese at a level sufficient to integrate into Vietnamese society and community life, and must have a foundational understanding of Vietnamese history, culture, and customs. Proficiency is demonstrated through a Vietnamese-language interview conducted by an authorised official. In certain circumstances, applicants may also be asked to produce a Vietnamese language certificate from an accredited educational institution.

Background checks: The requirement to produce a clean criminal record is among the most significant conditions attached to a Vietnamese citizenship application, ensuring that naturalisation is extended only to those of good moral standing. Criminal record certificates must be sourced from both Vietnamese and foreign authorities and must have been issued within 90 days of the date of filing.

Citizenship ceremony: Following the Presidential decision, the Ministry of Justice transmits the decision to the provincial People’s Committee, which then organises a formal ceremony to publicly announce and present it to the applicant. This ceremonial event marks the final stage of the process. Unlike the oath-taking ceremonies that form part of naturalisation proceedings in countries such as Australia and Canada, Vietnam’s citizenship ceremony centres on the formal presentation of the presidential decision rather than on the swearing of a pledge.

Exemptions from language requirements: Applicants who are married to a Vietnamese citizen or who have a biological Vietnamese child are not required to demonstrate Vietnamese language proficiency. Those who have Vietnamese parents or grandparents, or who have made extraordinary contributions to Vietnam, are also exempt from the language assessment.

What are the benefits of citizenship in Vietnam?

Vietnamese citizenship brings a range of important legal entitlements and practical advantages that are not available to foreign residents or visa holders, making it a meaningful step for those committed to building a long-term life in the country.

Political and civic rights: Vietnamese citizens are entitled to vote in national and local elections, giving them an active role in the country’s democratic processes (Article 27 of the 2013 Constitution). Citizens are also eligible to stand for public office and to take up positions in government and public administration that are reserved exclusively for nationals.

Property ownership: Citizens may own land and property without the restrictions imposed on foreign nationals, unlocking substantial investment possibilities (Article 4 of the 2024 Land Law). To put this in context, foreign nationals in Vietnam are generally limited to leasehold arrangements rather than full land-use rights — making this a considerable practical benefit for those looking to purchase or invest in real estate.

Work rights: The ability to work in Vietnam without holding a work permit is a significant advantage for those running businesses or working across multiple roles. Foreign nationals typically require a work permit that must be periodically renewed and is tied to a specific employer or position.

Travel document: Vietnam’s passport has continued to improve in international standing, reaching 90th place out of 199 countries and territories in the Henley Passport Index (2025). Holders can travel to approximately 50 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance, or with simplified entry arrangements such as e-visas or visas on arrival, including most ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, as well as a number of other popular destinations including the Maldives and Cape Verde.

Social entitlements: Citizens have access to Vietnam’s healthcare and education systems and are eligible for government programmes, pension schemes, and social welfare benefits. Long-term foreign residents may be able to access some public services, but they do not automatically qualify for the full range of social protections afforded to citizens.

Tax considerations: Acquiring Vietnamese citizenship carries tax obligations, including potential requirements to report global income (Article 2 of the Law on Personal Income Tax). Anyone obtaining Vietnamese citizenship should seek professional tax advice in both Vietnam and their previous country of residence.

Does Vietnam allow dual citizenship, or will you have to renounce your existing nationality?

Vietnam’s stance on dual nationality has shifted considerably under the 2025 Nationality Law. The situation is now more nuanced than a straightforward prohibition, but dual citizenship remains the exception rather than the standard outcome for most ordinary applicants.

The general position: Those who do not meet the criteria for dual nationality must renounce their foreign citizenship. This remains the default outcome for the majority of standard naturalisation applicants who have no family ties to Vietnam and are neither investors nor persons of special merit.

Expanded exceptions under the 2025 Law: Article 1.6 of the 2025 Law permits applicants to retain their foreign nationality upon naturalisation in Vietnam. Those who may qualify include individuals whose spouse or biological children are Vietnamese citizens; those whose biological parents or grandparents are Vietnamese citizens; those who have rendered meritorious service to national development and defence; those whose naturalisation is considered to be of benefit to Vietnam; and minors applying for Vietnamese citizenship together with their parents.

Conditions for retaining foreign nationality: Any grant of dual citizenship must be approved by the President. It must also be consistent with the laws of the relevant foreign country, and must not threaten national security, national interests, social order, or public safety in Vietnam, nor impinge upon the lawful rights and interests of domestic entities or individuals.

Applications from abroad: Applicants seeking to retain their foreign nationality must provide evidence that dual citizenship is permitted under the laws of their home country, together with a signed declaration confirming that they will not misuse their foreign nationality to act against Vietnam’s interests.

Important: check your home country’s rules. Even where Vietnam permits dual citizenship, your current country of nationality may have its own rules about what happens to your existing status when you are naturalised elsewhere. Some countries withdraw nationality automatically upon naturalisation in another state. You should consult your home country’s immigration or foreign affairs authority before proceeding. Rules vary considerably — countries such as the United States and France generally permit dual nationality, while others apply stricter requirements or may require formal notification.

How long does it typically take to become a citizen of Vietnam?

The overall journey to Vietnamese citizenship — from first arriving as a resident through to receiving the presidential decision — spans a minimum of several years, and a degree of patience is essential when navigating the administrative process.

Qualifying residency period: Standard applicants must build up at least five consecutive years of permanent residence in Vietnam before lodging an application. This period is measured from the date the applicant holds a permanent residence card, not simply from the date of first entry on any visa category.

Application processing time: Processing times can vary, but as of 2025 typically fall within a range of 4 to 6 months once a complete application has been submitted. This estimate covers the formal administrative phases — from initial submission through police verification, People’s Committee review, Ministry of Justice assessment, and the final presidential decision.

Streamlined timelines under 2025 reforms: The 2025 reforms have reduced the internal processing timeline at the Ministry of Justice. The Department of Justice now finalises and submits the dossier to the Provincial People’s Committee Chairman within five working days (previously ten) of receiving verification results, and the Chairman forwards opinions to the Ministry of Justice within five working days (reduced from ten).

Renunciation adds time: If you are required to renounce your existing citizenship before Vietnamese citizenship can be completed, you are given nine months to do so. This nine-month window falls outside the official processing timeline, meaning it can add substantially to the total duration of the process.

Realistic total timeline: For a standard applicant following the naturalisation route, a realistic minimum total timeframe — from first arriving in Vietnam with the intention of settling permanently through to holding a Vietnamese passport — is roughly five and a half to seven years, depending on how efficiently the residency and administrative stages are completed. Always check current figures with the Ministry of Justice or your local Department of Justice, as processing times are subject to change.

What are the main reasons an application for citizenship in Vietnam might be refused?

A clear understanding of the most common grounds for refusal allows applicants to avoid avoidable errors and put forward the strongest possible case from the outset.

• Criminal record: The criminal record requirement is one of the most important conditions attached to a Vietnamese citizenship application, ensuring that naturalisation is available only to individuals of good moral character. A criminal record in either Vietnam or your home country may lead to refusal, regardless of the nature or age of the offence.
• Insufficient residency: Failing to satisfy the continuous five-year permanent residence requirement — for example, due to prolonged absences from Vietnam or a lapse in holding a valid residence card — is a frequent reason for ineligibility.
• Failure to meet language or cultural requirements: If you are unable to demonstrate a sufficient level of Vietnamese for community integration, your application may be rejected at the interview or assessment stage.
• Incomplete or invalid documentation: Missing or defective documents can result in requests for supplementation or outright rejection of the application, causing delays. Documents that have passed their validity period — such as criminal record certificates, which must be issued within 90 days of the application date — are a common problem.
• Failure to renounce foreign citizenship within the required window: If an applicant does not provide proof of renunciation within the nine-month period allotted, the MoJ will reject the application.
• Fraud or misrepresentation: Submitting false documents may result in the cancellation of citizenship with no right of appeal. The Vietnam Nationality Law also provides for nationality to be revoked if it was obtained by fraudulent means or if national security is compromised.

Appeals: All decisions by the MoJ to reject a nationality application are final and cannot be appealed through the courts. However, if your application is turned down, you may contact the Department of Justice where it was submitted to find out the specific reasons and to understand what steps are available. You may rectify the deficiencies identified and resubmit the application. While a formal appeal mechanism does not exist, it is therefore possible in many cases to address the grounds for rejection and apply again.

Where can you find reliable, up-to-date information about citizenship in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s nationality law was substantially amended as recently as July 2025, and implementing decrees continue to emerge. It is therefore essential to rely exclusively on official government sources when planning a citizenship application — information found on blogs, forums, or third-party websites may be out of date or inaccurate.

• Ministry of Justice (Bộ Tư pháp): The principal authority for all citizenship and nationality matters in Vietnam. The official website — moj.gov.vn — publishes the current legal framework, application forms, and guidance on naturalisation, renunciation, and restoration of nationality.
• National Public Service Portal: Applications may be lodged online via the National Public Service Portal at dichvucong.gov.vn, which also hosts official procedural guidance and documentation requirements.
• Provincial Departments of Justice: The Department of Justice in the province or city where you are permanently registered is where you submit your application and can obtain guidance on local procedures. Contact details for all provincial departments are available through the Ministry of Justice website.
• Vietnamese embassies and consulates: If you are based abroad and wish to explore the restoration of Vietnamese citizenship or to submit an application from outside Vietnam, overseas Vietnamese who never formally renounced their nationality are still regarded as Vietnamese citizens, and confirmation of this status can be sought through Vietnamese embassies overseas.
• Vietnam Law Magazine: Published by the Ministry of Justice, this is a valuable source of official commentary on legislative developments: vietnamlawmagazine.vn.

Always verify procedural details — particularly fees, required document lists, and current processing timelines — directly with the relevant authority before submitting your application. Requirements under Decree No. 191/2025/ND-CP and the amended Nationality Law continue to be refined through implementing guidance.

Frequently asked questions about citizenship in Vietnam

Do children born in Vietnam automatically acquire Vietnamese citizenship?

Not automatically by virtue of being born on Vietnamese soil. A child born to one Vietnamese parent and one foreign parent will acquire Vietnamese citizenship if both parents agree to this. Where both parents are Vietnamese nationals, the child acquires citizenship by descent at birth. Children born in Vietnam to two foreign parents do not automatically receive Vietnamese citizenship on the basis of birthplace alone — Vietnam does not operate a pure jus soli (birthright citizenship) system.

Can Vietnamese citizenship be lost or revoked?

The Vietnam Nationality Law provides for nationality to be revoked where it was obtained through fraudulent means or where national security has been endangered. Such decisions are final and are not subject to judicial review. Vietnamese citizens may also choose to voluntarily renounce their nationality in order to take up citizenship of another country, subject to the conditions set out in the Law on Vietnamese Nationality.

What happens to a citizenship application if the applicant moves abroad during the process?

Standard naturalisation applicants are required to be permanently resident in Vietnam at the time of application, and continuous residence is expected throughout the process. Relocating abroad while an application is pending may put your eligibility at risk. That said, the 2025 Law also introduced the possibility of submitting naturalisation applications from abroad in certain categories of case, particularly for overseas Vietnamese and other exempt groups. You should seek guidance from the Ministry of Justice or your local Department of Justice before travelling abroad while your application is active.

Is there a formal civics or history exam to pass?

There is no separate written civics test. Applicants are required to demonstrate a foundational understanding of Vietnamese history, culture, and customs, as well as adequate ability to communicate in Vietnamese for day-to-day community life. These requirements are assessed through a Vietnamese-language interview with an authorised official, rather than through a dedicated written examination as used in some other countries.

Can I apply for Vietnamese citizenship if I am stateless?

Yes. Stateless persons who have been resident in Vietnam for the required qualifying period are entitled to apply for Vietnamese citizenship through the standard naturalisation route. Simplified documentation requirements and waived conditions apply in certain circumstances, including for stateless applicants. In practice, stateless individuals are not required to provide proof of renunciation of another nationality, which removes a significant hurdle from the final stages of the process.

Can children be included in a parent’s citizenship application?

Yes. Minors and individuals with limited or diminished legal capacity must be represented by a legal guardian in accordance with civil law provisions. Minors who apply jointly with a parent are exempt from the age, residency, language, and financial requirements that apply to adult applicants independently.

Does Vietnam recognise citizenship acquired by overseas-born people of Vietnamese descent?

Overseas Vietnamese who have never formally renounced their nationality continue to be regarded as Vietnamese citizens, and confirmation of this status can be obtained through Vietnamese embassies abroad. For those who have previously lost their Vietnamese citizenship — for example, as a result of being naturalised in another country — the 2025 Law now permits all such individuals to apply for reinstatement without having to meet any additional conditions, representing a meaningful relaxation of the rules that previously applied.

What Vietnamese name must I adopt upon naturalisation?

Applicants are required to take a name rendered in Vietnamese or in a language of one of Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities. Where the applicant is simultaneously being granted permission to retain a foreign nationality, they may opt for a combined name that incorporates both their Vietnamese and foreign names, provided this is explicitly recorded in the presidential decision granting citizenship. This flexibility is one of the new features introduced by the 2025 reforms.

What evidence do I need to prove financial self-sufficiency?

Evidence of financial self-sufficiency may be provided through property ownership documents, salary statements, sponsorship letters, or commune-level residential certification. The requirement may also be satisfied by demonstrating ownership of assets, the receipt of lawful income, or the existence of a sponsorship arrangement with an organisation or individual based in Vietnam. Applicants who are exempt from this condition — such as those married to Vietnamese citizens — are not required to submit such documentation.

Can citizenship applications be submitted online?

Yes. As part of the 2025 reforms, applications may now be lodged online through the National Public Service Portal in addition to being submitted in person at the Department of Justice. The online process involves logging in and completing interactive electronic forms with supporting attachments, and applicable fees can be paid through the portal’s integrated e-payment system. This online facility is intended to streamline the application experience for eligible applicants.