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Guidelines on Acquiring Vietnamese Citizenship

The Government has issued Decree 191/2025, providing detailed regulations for implementing the amended 2025 Law on Nationality. The decree consists of six chapters with 38 articles, clarifying new rules on the conditions for foreigners to acquire Vietnamese nationality and, in some cases, retain their original nationality.

Conditions for Acquiring Vietnamese Nationality

Under Article 19 of the Law on Nationality 2008 (amended 2025), foreigners and stateless persons must meet six conditions to obtain Vietnamese nationality:

  1. Full civil capacity under Vietnamese law (except for minors acquiring nationality through their parents who are Vietnamese citizens).

  2. Compliance with the Constitution and laws, respect for Vietnamese culture and traditions.

  3. Sufficient Vietnamese language proficiency to integrate into the community.

  4. Permanent residence in Vietnam.

  5. At least five years of permanent residence in Vietnam before the application.

  6. Ability to ensure livelihood in Vietnam.

Decree 191/2025 specifies that Vietnamese proficiency means being able to listen, speak, read, and write appropriately for daily life and work. Livelihood capacity can be proven through assets, legal income, or sponsorship by organizations or individuals in Vietnam.

Applicants not exempt from the residency condition must hold a permanent residence card issued by the Ministry of Public Security. Residency duration is counted from the date of issuance of the card.

Special categories such as individuals with outstanding contributions to Vietnam or those deemed beneficial to the State are only required to meet the first two conditions: civil capacity and legal compliance. These include recipients of state decorations, individuals officially recognized for special contributions, people with exceptional talent in science, technology, arts, sports, education, or entrepreneurs and investors certified by state agencies as long-term contributors to Vietnam’s development.

Retaining Foreign Nationality When Naturalizing in Vietnam

The amended 2025 Law on Nationality introduces a mechanism allowing certain special individuals to hold both Vietnamese and foreign nationalities if approved by the President and subject to two conditions:

  • Retention of foreign nationality must comply with the law of that country.

  • The foreign nationality must not be used to harm Vietnam’s security, order, or lawful interests.

Applicants must submit official documents from foreign authorities confirming the legality of retaining foreign nationality. If such documents are not available because the foreign country does not issue them, applicants may provide a sworn statement affirming that retention is lawful under that country’s legislation. They must also pledge not to misuse the foreign nationality against Vietnam’s interests. Failure to meet these requirements means the applicant must renounce foreign nationality when naturalizing in Vietnam.

Practical Approach

The introduction of a sworn statement requirement is considered practical, as many countries do not issue official confirmation regarding dual nationality. This avoids deadlocks in applications and aligns with international practices, similar to approaches taken by the US and Canada.

Allowing certain individuals to keep their foreign nationality while becoming Vietnamese citizens meets a pressing need, especially among overseas Vietnamese and investors. It facilitates business, education, and international relations, while safeguarding Vietnam’s sovereignty and national security.

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