Vietnam has just made it easier for foreigners to obtain citizenship — especially those married to Vietnamese nationals — by passing key revisions to its nationality law.
On June 24, all 416 members of Vietnam’s National Assembly unanimously approved the amendments, signalling a major policy shift aimed at attracting skilled individuals and reconnecting overseas Vietnamese families. The move removes a longstanding hurdle that previously required foreigners to reside in Vietnam for a minimum of five years before becoming eligible for citizenship.
This change opens new doors for foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens who may not wish or be able to relocate but still want to gain official nationality status.
No Residency or Language Requirement for Spouse and Child Applicants
Under the new rules, foreigners and stateless individuals who are either married to a Vietnamese citizen or have a biological child who is Vietnamese will now be exempted from several major conditions, including:
- A five-year minimum residency in Vietnam
- Vietnamese language proficiency
- Proof of financial self-sufficiency
However, to qualify, applicants must still demonstrate respect for Vietnamese customs and culture, comply with local laws, and possess full legal capacity. For children applying with a Vietnamese parent, the legal capacity requirement is waived.
According to Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh, this legislative update is designed to foster integration and attract talent that can contribute to Vietnam’s economic development. He added that the government hopes the changes will enhance family unity and make it easier for global Vietnamese communities to stay connected to their roots.
Dual Citizenship Now Allowed for Those With Vietnamese Relatives
Another major win in the revised law is the option for dual citizenship. Applicants with a Vietnamese relative will be eligible to hold dual nationality if they obtain presidential approval. This provides added flexibility for those who want to maintain their original citizenship while embracing their ties to Vietnam.
Vietnamese officials also relaxed naming conventions. While naturalised citizens still need to adopt a Vietnamese name (or one in an ethnic Vietnamese language), dual citizens now have the option to combine their original name with a Vietnamese name, reflecting a more inclusive national identity.
Policy Aims to Attract Global Talent & Reconnect Families
This change to Vietnam’s nationality law is expected to encourage more foreigners — particularly professionals and investors — to engage with Vietnam without the need to uproot their lives. It’s also a nod to the millions of overseas Vietnamese and their families who maintain emotional and familial ties to the country.
With citizenship now more accessible to foreign spouses and their children, Vietnam joins a growing list of countries modernising immigration and nationality laws to reflect changing global family dynamics and workforce mobility.