HCMC – The National Assembly today approved amendments to the Nationality Law, reducing requirements for foreigners and overseas Vietnamese seeking to acquire or regain Vietnamese citizenship.
The amended law, passed unanimously by all 416 lawmakers present, will take effect from July 1.
Under the changes, foreign nationals and stateless individuals can apply for Vietnamese citizenship if they have full civil capacity. Minors applying through a parent who is a Vietnamese citizen are exempt from this condition.
Applicants must follow Vietnam’s laws, respect local customs, speak Vietnamese well enough to blend in, reside in Vietnam for at least five years, and be financially self-sufficient.
Those with Vietnamese spouses, parents, children, or grandparents, or those who have contributed to the country, may be exempt from language, residency, and income requirements.
Justice Minister Nguyen Hai Ninh said the law will make it easier for foreign investors, experts, and scientists to acquire Vietnamese citizenship. Dual nationality will be permitted for applicants with Vietnamese relatives if approved by the State president.
Applicants residing abroad may file through Vietnamese diplomatic missions.
The law also allows dual nationals to use a combined Vietnamese and foreign name when applying for citizenship.
Public officials, armed forces members, and candidates for Party and government positions must hold only Vietnamese citizenship and reside in the country. Civil servants are also subject to this rule, with limited exceptions in cases serving national interests.
The Government will provide further details on how these exceptions apply.
Lawmakers also discussed simplifying administrative procedures and using digital tools. The Government said digitalization would be introduced gradually due to the sensitive nature of nationality matters, which may involve classified information.
The Government will make revisions to clarify procedures and authorize Vietnamese embassies to verify nationality. Passport issuance will remain governed by the law on entry and exit for citizens.
