[Latest News] Vietnam Opens the Door: Easier Citizenship for Foreigners

On the morning of June 24, 2025, Vietnam’s National Assembly passed the Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality, marking a significant policy shift aimed at simplifying the process for foreigners and stateless persons to acquire Vietnamese citizenship. This move is part of the government’s broader strategy to integrate global talent, strengthen ties with the Vietnamese diaspora, and ensure national identity remains inclusive.

This newly amended law reflects Vietnam’s evolving socio-economic landscape and the increasing presence of foreign nationals contributing to its development. Below is a summary of key points relevant to foreign residents and overseas Vietnamese.

Key Changes Under the Amended Law

1. Eligibility Expansion

Under the revised law, foreigners and stateless persons with full legal capacity are now eligible to apply for Vietnamese citizenship. This represents a broader and more inclusive approach than before.

For minors applying through a Vietnamese parent or individuals with a Vietnamese parent, the legal capacity requirement is waived. This makes it easier for children of mixed heritage or those born abroad to reconnect with their Vietnamese identity.

2. Citizenship Criteria

To qualify for Vietnamese citizenship, applicants must generally meet the following conditions:

• Comply with the Constitution and laws of Vietnam;
• Show respect for Vietnamese traditions, customs, and culture;
• Have a basic command of the Vietnamese language to facilitate integration;
• Have resided in Vietnam for at least five consecutive years;
• Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.

However, the law also introduces flexibility through exemptions for certain categories of applicants.

3. Exemptions from Language, Residency, and Financial Requirements

The following individuals may be exempted from the usual language, residency, and financial conditions if they:

• Have a Vietnamese spouse, parent, child, or grandparent;
• Have rendered meritorious contributions to the Vietnamese State and people;
• Are considered beneficial to the national interest, such as individuals with rare skills or investments that contribute to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

This flexible approach acknowledges real-world conditions and reflects the government’s commitment to both national identity and global integration.

4. Naming Flexibility for New Citizens

New Vietnamese citizens are allowed to:

• Retain their original name,
• Adopt a Vietnamese name, or
• Combine both names (e.g., John Nguyễn Minh Long).

This option accommodates those holding dual nationality and helps facilitate both legal recognition and cultural assimilation. The chosen name will be officially recorded in the citizenship decision.

5. Regulation on Dual Citizenship and Exclusive Vietnamese Nationality

In general, Vietnam permits dual citizenship under specific circumstances. However, the amended law requires exclusive Vietnamese nationality and permanent residency for individuals working in certain sensitive roles, including:

• Officeholders in term-based positions within the Communist Party, State agencies, or mass organizations;
• Personnel working in the cryptographic field;
• Members of the armed forces;
• Public employees and civil servants, unless granted an exemption for national interest or strategic value.

These restrictions are consistent with Vietnam’s national security and sovereignty policies. The Government will issue detailed guidelines for such exceptional cases.

Implications for Foreign Residents and Vietnamese Diaspora

This amendment has far-reaching implications for individuals who:

• Are long-term foreign residents in Vietnam;
• Are married to Vietnamese citizens or raising children of Vietnamese descent;
• Are overseas Vietnamese (Việt kiều) seeking to reclaim citizenship;
• Are business investors or professionals contributing to national development.

It also opens up a clearer and more flexible pathway to Vietnamese citizenship while acknowledging the diverse circumstances of applicants worldwide.

For those who currently hold a visa, temporary residence card (TRC), or work permit, this law may offer a long-term solution to legal status in Vietnam. However, applying for citizenship involves a separate process, with its own set of documents and timelines — and should not be confused with short-term residence solutions.

What Happens Next?

The amended law takes effect following its official publication and will be accompanied by implementation guidelines from relevant ministries, especially the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Public Security.

These guidelines are expected to clarify:

• The application procedures;
• Types of supporting documents required;
• Timelines and processing stages;
• Handling of special cases, such as stateless persons or children born abroad.

68 Solutions will continue to monitor the implementation closely and publish updates as soon as detailed regulations are issued.

Need Help Understanding Your Options?

If you are currently holding a visa or TRC in Vietnam and are considering permanent solutions such as naturalization or dual citizenship, our legal experts at 68Solutions are ready to assist you. We offer:

• Free consultations for initial eligibility checks;
• Document support and preparation;
• Guidance through the Ministry of Justice and Immigration procedures;
• Long-term support for family reunification, investment, or residency transitions.

Whether you are seeking to simplify your stay, build a long-term life in Vietnam, or reconnect with your Vietnamese roots — this new law represents an opportunity.

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