To facilitate the implementation of the amended Vietnamese Nationality Law, the government has released detailed guidance on the processing of nationality applications and procedures for confirming Vietnamese descent.
Effective from July 1, 2025, Decree No. 191/2025/ND-CP issued by Vietnam’s government specifies all necessary details for individuals to seek their citizenship in the country.
The provisions, covering electronic submissions, legal representative responsibilities, document requirements, and special cases, aim to streamline administrative workflows and enhance legal clarity to apply for the country’s citizenship.
Conditions for applying for Vietnamese nationality
To gain Vietnamese nationality, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Fluent in Vietnamese, which should be enough to integrate into the Vietnamese community;
- Residing in Vietnam for at least five years up to the time of Vietnamese naturalization and having been granted a residence card; and
- Being able to ensure a living in Vietnam.. This shall be proven by the person’s assets, legal source of income, or the guarantee of an organization or individual in Vietnam.
Exceptions
Individuals with exceptional contributions to Vietnam
According to Decree 191, individuals with exceptional contributions to the cause of national development and protection shall be considered for Vietnamese naturalization. Their contributions must be proven by:
- Medals or other noble titles by the Vietnamese government; or
- Special contributions confirmed by a competent authority of Vietnam based on records, opinions of relevant agencies and organizations, and provisions of specialized laws.
Outstanding talents
Vietnam also provides exemption from requirements for individuals seeking Vietnamese nationality who possess exceptional talents in areas such as science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, economics, law, culture, arts, sports, education, and other fields.
Recognition can be granted by relevant ministries or through international awards, orders, and medals. These individuals’ contributions should demonstrate the potential for lasting and significant impact on Vietnam’s development.
Entrepreneurs and investors
Entrepreneurs or investors may be exempt from the usual requirements if they engage in business or invest in Vietnam. These activities must be verified by a ministerial-level agency as contributing positively and sustainably to national development.
Recruitment of Vietnamese citizens with dual citizenship
The decree also states that state agencies shall decide on recruiting Vietnamese citizens with dual citizenship, provided their appointment benefits the interests of the country.
Where to apply for Vietnamese nationality?
Applicants for Vietnamese nationality must submit their applications directly to the Departments of Justice or the diplomatic representative offices where they reside in Vietnam.
Special cases of applicants, including minors and persons with limited or impaired legal capacity, must be represented by legal guardians in accordance with civil law.
General provisions on stakeholder responsibilities
Accepted document formats for applications
Applicants may submit documents in the following forms:
- Certified copies from the original document or ledger;
- Photocopies with the original document for comparison; or
- Electronic documents or documents displayed via the VNeID app.
Documents sent by post must be either notarized or issued from original registries, and declarations must have certified signatures. Three complete sets of the application must be submitted to the Office of the President, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), and the receiving agency.
Document handling responsibilities
Officers who directly handle applications would check the validity and completeness of submitted documents. The officers may request supplements if necessary, using the standard request form.
Meanwhile, the handling agencies must record a full list of documents submitted and maintain a log of all applicants.
Electronic processing of nationality applications
Applications can be submitted via the National Public Service Portal. Key steps include:
- Logging in and completing interactive electronic forms with attachments;
- Paying applicable fees via integrated e-payment gateways;
- Receiving a unique dossier tracking code and
- Selecting the preferred delivery method: email, USB, national data repository, postal mail, or in-person pickup.
Required documents for naturalization
For general cases
To apply for Vietnam’s citizenship, individuals must submit the following documents:
- Equivalent documents to birth certificates or passports: Applicable to stateless individuals or those who give up their previous nationality. The document may be travel papers or an international identity document;
- Proof of Vietnamese language proficiency;
- Copy of permanent residency card (PRC); and
- Proof of economic self-sufficiency: Ownership documents, salary statements, sponsorship letters, or commune-level residence certification.
The legal representatives must provide birth certificates or other proof of parent-child relationship for minor applicants.
For minor children applying with only one parent who is a Vietnamese citizen or seeking Vietnamese citizenship, a written agreement signed by both parents must be submitted. If one or both parents are deceased or legally incapacitated, valid documentation must be provided instead of the agreement.
For priority cases
Applicants with special contributions to Vietnam’s national development or those whose naturalization is deemed beneficial to the state may be exempted from standard requirements. Therefore, their dossiers for nationality application will simply require:
- Proof of relationship to a Vietnamese spouse, child, or parent (if applicable); and
- Certification of meritorious service or national interest.
For dual nationality applicants
Applicants seeking to retain foreign nationality must submit:
- Proof that dual nationality is permitted by their home country; and
- A signed statement confirming no misuse of the foreign nationality against Vietnam’s interests.
Those who do not qualify for dual nationality must renounce their foreign citizenship.
Responsibilities of the Ministry of Justice in processing nationality applications
The MoJ plays a prominent role in processing nationality applications, with authority to reject, verify, and propose approvals. Its responsibilities encompass eligibility screening, inter-agency coordination, and formal decision-making on matters of naturalization, dual nationality, and renunciation.
Applicants who wish to retain foreign nationality must submit valid documentation proving this is permitted under the laws of their home country. If such documentation is lacking, the MOJ will require the individual to renounce their foreign citizenship. Should the applicant fail to submit confirmation of renunciation within nine months, the MOJ will reject the application. Notably, this nine-month window is excluded from the official time frame for processing nationality dossiers.
When the dossier is complete and the applicant meets all legal requirements, the Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Prime Minister, will sign and submit a proposal to the President for a final decision on naturalization, renunciation, or restoration of Vietnamese nationality. This delegated authority also covers applications involving dual nationality or returning to Vietnamese citizenship.
All decisions made by the MoJ to reject nationality applications are final and not subject to appeal or litigation. These procedures also apply to cases involving restoration or renunciation of nationality, especially when dual citizenship is involved.
If necessary, the MoJ will conduct the verification of personal background in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) within 45–60 days, depending on case complexity. The same procedures apply to applications for restoration or renunciation of nationality.
Confirmation of Vietnamese descent
In addition to more open policies for Vietnamese nationality registration, the government also offers overseas Vietnamese an option to apply for confirmation of Vietnamese descent.
The primary purpose of obtaining such certificates is to help overseas Vietnamese invest back into Vietnam through legally recognized business structures such as limited liability companies, joint-stock companies, or sole proprietorships in accordance with the Law on Enterprises. This legal recognition helps protect their property rights and ensures compliance with domestic business regulations.
Vietnamese descent certification is handled by the Department of Justice or the Vietnamese representative offices abroad. To apply for the confirmation certificate, individuals must submit:
- Prescribed application form;
- Two photos;
- Personal ID;
- Documents proving Vietnamese nationality of self, parents, or grandparents; and
- In absence of official documents: affidavits, community guarantees, or old regime records
Authorities then verify the applicant’s personal background with the MPS within 45 days. If sufficient proof is available, the certificate is issued. Otherwise, the applicant is notified of the rejection in writing.
Final notes
The reforms are designed to bring transparency, accountability, and efficiency to Vietnam’s nationality law framework, aligning with the country’s digital governance goals and increasing the accessibility of public services for overseas Vietnamese and resident foreigners alike.
The new policies are set to boost the investment flows into Vietnam, as well as enrich the talent pool in the country for priority sectors.
