Foreigners married to Vietnamese can gain citizenship without living in Vietnam

Effective July 1, 2025, Vietnam is implementing significant changes to its Law on Vietnamese Nationality, aiming to simplify the path to citizenship for certain foreign nationals. These revisions, recently approved by the National Assembly, are part of a broader government strategy to attract skilled professionals, investors, scientists, and experts, thereby fostering national development and integration.


A key amendment is the relaxation of naturalization requirements for foreigners with direct family ties to Vietnam. Previously, individuals applying for Vietnamese citizenship who had a Vietnamese spouse, child, parent, or grandparent faced stringent demands. They were required to demonstrate proficiency in the Vietnamese language, prove financial self-sufficiency, and have resided in Vietnam for at least five years. Under the new law, these specific requirements are now waived for applicants who can establish such familial connections. This also extends to children applying alongside a Vietnamese parent, for whom the legal capacity requirement will also be bypassed.


The eased conditions also apply to foreigners whose special contributions or proven benefits to Vietnam have been officially recognized. Similar to those with family ties, these individuals will no longer be subjected to the previous residency, language, or financial prerequisites, making it considerably easier for them to obtain Vietnamese citizenship.


Despite these relaxations, applicants are still expected to adhere to Vietnamese laws, show respect for local culture and customs, and demonstrate full legal capacity. However, as noted, the legal capacity requirement is waived for children applying concurrently with a Vietnamese parent. The government's aspiration is that these reforms will significantly enhance Vietnam's appeal to a global pool of talent.

In another notable shift, Vietnam will now permit some applicants to hold dual citizenship, a significant departure from its previous general principle of single nationality. This allowance is specifically for those with Vietnamese relatives who receive presidential approval. This expanded provision builds on earlier, more limited allowances for dual citizenship; for instance, before the new law's passage, statistics from March 2025 show that out of over 7,000 individuals granted Vietnamese nationality, 60 were permitted to hold dual citizenship, while 20 out of 311 approved for citizenship restoration also retained foreign citizenship. This indicates a clear trend towards greater flexibility. Furthermore, for those residing abroad, applications for Vietnamese citizenship can now be conveniently submitted through Vietnamese embassies or consulates.


The updated law also introduces more flexible naming conventions for naturalized citizens. While it remains a requirement for naturalized citizens to adopt a Vietnamese name or a name from one of Vietnam's ethnic groups, dual citizens are granted the unique allowance to combine a Vietnamese name with their original name. This combined name will be officially recognized in their citizenship documents, reflecting a more accommodating approach to their diverse identities. Some lawmakers had even advocated for further loosening naming requirements to better align with Vietnam's increasing global integration. It is important to note that while the law aims to attract talent and streamline the process, certain sensitive government and security roles will still mandate single Vietnamese nationality to ensure national loyalty and security.

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