Nationality of Vietnam: all obtaining pathways
Vietnam requires five years of residence for ordinary naturalization, with practice settled at around three years through marriage to a Vietnamese national. Nationality is passed on by descent — ius sanguinis — and the country accepts dual nationality in a limited set of cases.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Residence in Vietnam for a minimum of 5 years
- Minimum age of 18
- Good conduct and respect for the Vietnamese Constitution and laws
- Sufficient command of Vietnamese
- Financial self-sufficiency
- Vietnam does not allow dual nationality in naturalization (the previous nationality must be renounced)
- Approval by the President of Vietnam
Documentation
- Naturalization application
- Passport and permanent residence card
- Criminal record certificate from Vietnam and the country of origin
- Certificate of knowledge of Vietnamese
- Income or employment certificate
- Certificate of renunciation of the previous nationality
2Naturalization by marriage to a Vietnamese national
Naturalization by marriage to a Vietnamese national
Requirements
- The SPOUSE, natural parents or natural children of a Vietnamese citizen may naturalise WITHOUT fully meeting the language, 5-year residence and livelihood requirements (Law on Vietnamese Nationality 24/2008/QH12, art. 19(2)(a))
- Full civil act capacity under Vietnamese law (art. 19(1)(a)) remains mandatory
- Obey the Constitution and laws; respect Vietnamese traditions and customs (art. 19(1)(b))
- The grant is permissive ("may be permitted") — discretionary decision by the President (art. 19; dossiers via art. 20-21)
- Renunciation of the foreign nationality upon naturalising, except art. 19(2) cases in special circumstances with presidential permission (art. 19(3))
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
- Spouse's family register certificate
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Vietnamese national at the time of birth
- Registration at the embassy if born abroad
- Note: Vietnam has tolerated dual nationality in practice for the diaspora (the 2008 Nationality Law allows exceptions for of-age returnees)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Vietnamese parent's identity document
- Vietnamese birth register
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Vietnam
How many years of residence does Vietnam require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Vietnam (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Vietnam allow dual nationality?
Vietnam does not allow dual nationality in naturalization (the previous nationality must be renounced)
Can the nationality of Vietnam be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage to a Vietnamese national pathway (Exempt from the general 5-year term (art. 19(2)(a))). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Vietnam require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application; Passport and permanent residence card; Criminal record certificate from Vietnam and the country of origin; Certificate of knowledge of Vietnamese; Income or employment certificate; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Vietnam?
Vietnam provides 3 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization by marriage to a Vietnamese national, Nationality by descent.
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