Starting July 1, 2025, the revised Law on Vietnamese Nationality - passed during the 9th session of the 15th National Assembly - officially takes effect, introducing several significant changes. These include more relaxed conditions for acquiring or regaining Vietnamese nationality and expanded eligibility for retaining foreign nationality upon naturalization.

All applications to regain Vietnamese nationality will be considered

Previously, individuals who had lost Vietnamese nationality were required to meet specific conditions to regain it. However, under Clause 8 of the 2025 amended law, any individual who has lost Vietnamese nationality can now submit an application and have their case reviewed.

Applicants must resume their former Vietnamese name. If the applicant simultaneously requests to retain their foreign nationality, they may opt for a hybrid name combining their Vietnamese and foreign names. This name must be clearly stated in the decision approving the restoration of nationality.

Naturalization applications can now be submitted abroad

Previously, under Article 21 of the 2008 Law on Vietnamese Nationality, individuals applying for Vietnamese nationality had to submit their applications to the Department of Justice in the locality where they resided in Vietnam, except for those seeking to regain nationality.

Under the new Clause 7, Article 1 of the 2025 amended law, individuals can submit applications either to the Department of Justice if residing in Vietnam or to Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad if residing overseas.

Within 20 days of receiving a complete application, the diplomatic mission must verify the submitted documents and forward the application along with its recommendation to the Ministry of Justice. Simultaneously, it must notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate in performing state management of nationality.

The Ministry of Public Security is tasked with verifying the personal background of the applicant upon request from the Ministry of Justice.

Retention of foreign nationality allowed in more cases

The revised law also broadens the range of applicants eligible to retain their foreign nationality when acquiring Vietnamese citizenship, provided they meet all conditions and receive the President’s approval.

Eligible cases include those with a spouse or biological child who is a Vietnamese citizen; those with a parent or grandparent who is a Vietnamese citizen (newly added); individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Vietnam’s development and defense; individuals whose naturalization benefits the Vietnamese state; and minors applying through their Vietnamese parent(s).

Conditions for retaining foreign nationality include compliance with the laws of the other country and not using the foreign nationality to harm Vietnam’s lawful interests, national security, or public order.

Naturalization requirements relaxed

Clause 5, Article 1 of the amended law outlines new eligibility conditions for naturalization, applicable to foreigners and stateless persons:

Applicants must be legally competent under Vietnamese law (except for minors applying through their Vietnamese parent or with a Vietnamese parent), respect the Vietnamese Constitution, laws, and cultural traditions, possess sufficient Vietnamese language skills for integration, reside in Vietnam permanently for at least five years, and be able to sustain themselves.

Relaxed criteria apply to individuals married to or with biological children who are Vietnamese citizens, who may be exempt from language, residency duration, and financial requirements.

Additional exemptions are granted to individuals with a Vietnamese parent or grandparent, those with significant contributions to Vietnam, those benefiting the state, and minors applying through their Vietnamese parent(s). These individuals are exempt from language, residency, and self-sufficiency requirements.

Single nationality required for civil servants and officials

Clause 1, Article 1 of the 2025 amendment stipulates that individuals elected, appointed, or designated to leadership positions in the Communist Party, government, or socio-political organizations, or those working in cryptography or armed forces, must hold only Vietnamese nationality and reside in Vietnam.

Other civil servants and public employees must also hold only Vietnamese nationality and reside in Vietnam unless dual nationality serves national interests and does not compromise Vietnam’s sovereignty. The government will provide further guidance on this provision.

PV