Obtaining Vietnamese nationality is now easier. Even so, working through the requirements entails a significant commitment by both a “foreigner” (a person without Vietnamese nationality or lineage) and by an “ethnic Vietnamese” (a person whose family lineage is Vietnamese). The process to become a naturalized Vietnamese citizen has been revised and broadened and is now more flexible. The new law amends the Law on Vietnamese Nationality and came into effect on June 24, 2025.
The law continues to distinguish between an ethnic Vietnamese and a foreigner. An ethnic Vietnamese is an individual with a blood relationship to a Vietnamese person — for example, they have a grandparent, parent, or child who is ethnically Vietnamese and the grandparent, parent, or child does or at one time did hold Vietnamese nationality. It is not relevant whether such person is or is not still alive. This includes an ethnic Vietnamese who once held Vietnamese nationality, but who lost it for either personal or political reasons. Again, we refer to all other persons – ie, persons without Vietnamese nationality or lineage — as simply foreigners.
- Conditions for Naturalization
Under the new Law, everyone who applies for naturalization (including both foreigners and foreigners with Vietnamese lineage) must: (i) have full civil capacity[1] – however, this condition is waived for naturalized minors and for their father or mother; (ii) agree to comply with the Constitution and laws of Vietnam and to respect Vietnamese culture and traditions; (iii) have the ability to speak Vietnamese sufficiently to be able to integrate into the Vietnamese community (this condition can be waived); (iv) currently reside permanently in Vietnam; (v) have resided permanently in Vietnam for at least 5 years up to the time she applies for Vietnamese nationality[2]; (vi) have the ability to ensure their livelihood in Vietnam.
- Who is Exempt from condition for Naturalization?
There are three groups of foreigners who are eligible for naturalization but who do not have to meet all conditions for naturalization: First are foreigners related to a Vietnamese citizen –for example, a spouse or a biological child who is a Vietnamese citizen; Second are persons of Vietnamese lineage; Third are foreigners in special circumstance –for example — persons who have made a special contribution to building and the protection of Vietnam.
(i) Foreigners related to a Vietnamese Citizen
A foreigner who has a spouse or a biological child, who is a Vietnamese citizen is not required to demonstrate Vietnamese language proficiency, nor to satisfy the 5 years permanent residence requirement, and they do not need to establish the ability to ensure a livelihood in Vietnam.
Example: John is an American citizen whose wife is an ethnic Vietnamese and a Vietnamese citizen. In this case, John need not meet the requirements for Vietnamese language proficiency, the 5-year permanent residence, nor the ability to ensure a livelihood. John only needs to meet the remaining naturalization conditions — having full civil capacity; respects the Constitution and laws of Vietnam; and is currently a permanent resident of Vietnam. Such a person is eligible for Vietnamese nationality.
(ii) Persons of Vietnamese Lineage
If a person whose biological father or biological mother, or paternal grandfather and paternal grandmother, or maternal grandfather and maternal grandmother is a Vietnamese citizen, that person is exempt from certain naturalization conditions such as Vietnamese language proficiency, current permanent residence, 5 year permanent residence, and ability to secure a livelihood in Vietnam.
Example: Lily was born and raised in the United States and holds US citizenship. Her paternal grandmother is a Vietnamese citizen but neither parent is a Vietnamese citizen. In this case, Lily is eligible for exemption from certain naturalization conditions as mentioned above. But Lily must still meet conditions regarding full civil capacity as defined above; she must also agree to respect the Constitution and laws of Vietnam.
(iii) Certain Special Cases
If a person is a foreigner – that is, she is not ethnic Vietnamese–but has made special contributions to the cause of building or defending the Vietnamese Fatherland OR if she has made special contributions to building and protecting Vietnam, OR if her naturalization will benefit Vietnam[3] OR in the case of a minor who is naturalized with her father or mother, then such persons is exempt from certain naturalization conditions in the same way that ethnic Vietnamese are exempt.
- Restoration of Vietnamese Nationality
The Law allows the restoration of Vietnamese nationality for persons who have lost their citizenship due to historical, legal, or administrative reasons–eg, boat people who abandoned their Vietnamese citizenship and became a citizen of their adopted country. Vietnamese nationality can be restored even in political cases in which either the government revoked citizenship or where the applicant renounced it.
- Policy on Dual Nationality
Dual nationality is now accepted. The Law specifically allows applicants for Vietnamese citizenship to retain their foreign nationality, except in certain special political cases related to national security. This change follows a prior informal practice to permit retention of foreign nationality.
These new provisions on naturalization demonstrate a long-term strategic vision. Beyond the main objective to expand eligibility for Vietnamese citizenship, these changes are a further indication of Vietnam’s growing openness.
[1] Full civil capacity means: An individual who (a) is 18 years of age or older (b) does not suffer from mental illness or other condition that would render them unable to perceive or control their behavior, nor (c) is their civil capacity restricted due to an addiction to narcotics or to other stimulants.
[2] “Resides permanently” has in some cases been read broadly – eg, owns real property but is not a “permanent resident”
[3] Clause 3, Article 19 of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality
