Vietnam Dual Citizenship: How to Obtain & Rules Explained

Navigating the complexities of dual citizenship can be challenging, especially when it involves Vietnam. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to obtain dual citizenship in Vietnam, the key rules and regulations, and the essential steps to follow. Whether you're a Vietnamese expatriate or considering Vietnamese nationality, understanding these details will help you navigate the process with confidence.

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, refers to the status of an individual who is legally recognized as a citizen of two different countries simultaneously. This means the person holds the citizenship rights and obligations of both nations.

Does Vietnam allow dual citizenship?

Vietnam’s approach to dual citizenship is nuanced and varies based on the individual’s circumstances. Here’s a breakdown:

For Vietnamese Citizens

Yes, dual citizenship is possible for certain Vietnamese nationals under specific conditions set by the 2014 Amendment to the Nationality Law:

• Individuals were granted special permission by the President of Vietnam.
• Those reclaiming their Vietnamese citizenship.
• Vietnamese citizens living abroad who have acquired foreign citizenship but wish to retain their Vietnamese nationality.
• Adopted children.

These exceptions demonstrate Vietnam's acknowledgment of its diaspora and the complexities of modern global mobility.

For Foreign Nationals

No, foreign nationals seeking Vietnamese citizenship must generally renounce their original citizenship. Article 19 of the 2008 Vietnamese Nationality Law mandates that foreigners must relinquish their previous nationality to become Vietnamese citizens. This policy reflects Vietnam’s preference for single national allegiance among naturalized citizens, a stance that is common among many countries worldwide.

Benefits of obtaining a Vietnamese passport

Registering for dual citizenship offers numerous benefits to overseas Vietnamese, including:

• Access to economic, political, and social welfare advantages from both countries of citizenship.
• Ease of travel with the ability to enter and exit both countries without needing a visa or permanent residence card.
• Opportunities for education, employment, and healthcare in both countries.
• Simplified processes for establishing and managing a business.
• Ability to own and purchase real estate.
• Opportunities to sponsor relatives.
• The right to participate in elections and vote in both countries.

How to get Vietnamese citizenship

Instruction on getting a Vietnam citizenship

To apply for dual citizenship, follow these four steps: Step 1: Gather the required documents for dual citizenship registration in Vietnam, as detailed in Section 6 below. Step 2: Submit your application to the Immigration Department at the Police Department of the relevant province or city directly under the central government. Step 3: Obtain the approval for permanent residence from the agency where you submitted your dual citizenship application. Step 4: Complete additional procedures following the approval, including registering with the local household registration, and applying for a Vietnamese identity card and passport.

What does the dual citizenship application process entail?

To apply for dual citizenship, you need to prepare a set of documents, including:

1. Application for Permanent Residence in Vietnam.
2. Copy of your foreign passport or permanent residence document issued by your country.
3. Proof of Vietnamese Nationality, which can include:

• Birth certificate (if the birth certificate does not indicate Vietnamese nationality, include documents proving the Vietnamese nationality of the parent(s)).
• National ID.
• Vietnamese passport
• Decision on returning Vietnamese nationality, adoption decisions for foreign children, or decisions on allowing foreigners to adopt Vietnamese children.
• Other documents (such as a certificate of citizenship) issued by a competent Vietnamese authority confirm Vietnamese nationality according to Vietnamese nationality law.

1. Proof of Lawful Residence in Vietnam, which may include:

• For those who own property in Vietnam: a certificate of house ownership or documents related to the purchase, sale, gift, exchange, or inheritance of property, including purchase contracts.
• For those who rent or stay with others: a rental agreement or letter from the host allowing permanent residence registration, along with evidence of the host’s property ownership or rental agreement.

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, refers to the status of an individual who is legally recognized as a citizen of two different countries simultaneously. This means the person holds the citizenship rights and obligations of both nations.

Does Vietnam allow dual citizenship?

Vietnam’s approach to dual citizenship is nuanced and varies based on the individual’s circumstances. Here’s a breakdown:

For Vietnamese Citizens

Yes, dual citizenship is possible for certain Vietnamese nationals under specific conditions set by the 2014 Amendment to the Nationality Law:

• Individuals were granted special permission by the President of Vietnam.
• Those reclaiming their Vietnamese citizenship.
• Vietnamese citizens living abroad who have acquired foreign citizenship but wish to retain their Vietnamese nationality.
• Adopted children.

These exceptions demonstrate Vietnam's acknowledgment of its diaspora and the complexities of modern global mobility.

For Foreign Nationals

No, foreign nationals seeking Vietnamese citizenship must generally renounce their original citizenship. Article 19 of the 2008 Vietnamese Nationality Law mandates that foreigners must relinquish their previous nationality to become Vietnamese citizens. This policy reflects Vietnam’s preference for single national allegiance among naturalized citizens, a stance that is common among many countries worldwide.

Benefits of obtaining a Vietnamese passport

Registering for dual citizenship offers numerous benefits to overseas Vietnamese, including:

• Access to economic, political, and social welfare advantages from both countries of citizenship.
• Ease of travel with the ability to enter and exit both countries without needing a visa or permanent residence card.
• Opportunities for education, employment, and healthcare in both countries.
• Simplified processes for establishing and managing a business.
• Ability to own and purchase real estate.
• Opportunities to sponsor relatives.
• The right to participate in elections and vote in both countries.

How to get Vietnamese citizenship

Instruction on getting a Vietnam citizenship

To apply for dual citizenship, follow these four steps: Step 1: Gather the required documents for dual citizenship registration in Vietnam, as detailed in Section 6 below. Step 2: Submit your application to the Immigration Department at the Police Department of the relevant province or city directly under the central government. Step 3: Obtain the approval for permanent residence from the agency where you submitted your dual citizenship application. Step 4: Complete additional procedures following the approval, including registering with the local household registration, and applying for a Vietnamese identity card and passport.

What does the dual citizenship application process entail?

To apply for dual citizenship, you need to prepare a set of documents, including:

1. Application for Permanent Residence in Vietnam.
2. Copy of your foreign passport or permanent residence document issued by your country.
3. Proof of Vietnamese Nationality, which can include:

• Birth certificate (if the birth certificate does not indicate Vietnamese nationality, include documents proving the Vietnamese nationality of the parent(s)).
• National ID.
• Vietnamese passport.
• Decision on returning Vietnamese nationality, adoption decisions for foreign children, or decisions on allowing foreigners to adopt Vietnamese children.
• Other documents (such as a certificate of citizenship) issued by a competent Vietnamese authority confirm Vietnamese nationality according to Vietnamese nationality law.

1. Proof of Lawful Residence in Vietnam, which may include:

• For those who own property in Vietnam: a certificate of house ownership or documents related to the purchase, sale, gift, exchange, or inheritance of property, including purchase contracts.
• For those who rent or stay with others: a rental agreement or letter from the host allowing permanent residence registration, along with evidence of the host’s property ownership or rental agreement.

Vietnam dual citizenship for USA

A U.S. citizen can acquire Vietnamese citizenship through naturalization or by marrying a Vietnamese citizen. To facilitate the process, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the relevant laws or seek legal counsel. However, it's important to note that obtaining Vietnamese citizenship typically requires renouncing U.S. citizenship and surrendering your U.S. passport.