The Vietnamese government has released detailed regulations outlining the conditions under which individuals can acquire or regain Vietnamese citizenship under the latest legal amendments.

These include relaxed conditions for individuals who have made special contributions to Vietnam’s national development or security, and whose citizenship benefits the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

On July 12, the government announced Decree No. 191/2025/ND-CP, which provides detailed provisions and measures for implementing the Law on Vietnamese Nationality. The decree officially took effect on July 1, 2025.

Consisting of six chapters and 38 articles, the decree outlines procedures for acquiring, restoring, renouncing, revoking, or cancelling Vietnamese citizenship; issuing decisions for naturalization or restoration; notifying applicants of outcomes; issuing certificates of Vietnamese citizenship or certificates of Vietnamese origin; and defining the responsibilities of state agencies in citizenship administration.

New rules on Vietnamese citizenship effective from July 1

Regarding naturalization, the decree specifies several conditions as per Article 19 of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality. For instance, applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the Vietnamese language to integrate into society. This includes the ability to listen, speak, read, and write in Vietnamese, appropriate to their living and working environment.

Those who are not exempt from permanent residence requirements under points d and dd, clause 1, Article 19, must currently reside in Vietnam and possess a permanent residence card issued by a competent authority. The duration of permanent residence is counted from the date the card was issued.

Applicants must also prove their ability to sustain a livelihood in Vietnam. This can be demonstrated through personal assets, legal sources of income, or sponsorship from individuals or organizations based in Vietnam.

Significantly, the revised 2025 Law on Vietnamese Nationality allows for citizenship to be granted to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the building and protection of Vietnam, and whose naturalization would benefit the State, without requiring Vietnamese language proficiency, a permanent residence card, or any minimum duration of residence in Vietnam.

Special contributors and those beneficial to the State

According to the decree, individuals with special contributions to Vietnam must have been awarded medals, orders, or prestigious titles by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam, or the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Alternatively, they must be officially recognized by competent authorities based on relevant records and recommendations from associated organizations and legal provisions.

Individuals considered beneficial to the State may include:

Those with exceptional talents in fields such as science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, economy, law, culture, society, arts, sports, healthcare, education, or other areas. Recognition may come from relevant ministries, or through international awards, orders, and medals. Their contributions must show potential for long-term, meaningful impact on Vietnam’s development.

Entrepreneurs or investors actively doing business or investing in Vietnam, with verification from government ministries confirming their expected long-term and positive contributions to the country's growth.

The decree also specifies that government agencies responsible for the management and employment of civil servants may decide whether to recruit or retain individuals with dual citizenship, provided their appointment serves the interests of the State, as defined in Clause 6, Article 5 of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality.

The full text of Decree No. 191/2025/ND-CP is available online.

PV