How to Get Vietnam Citizenship in 2026: A Complete Guide

Overview of Changes in Vietnam Citizenship Law 2025-2026

As of July 1, 2025, the amended Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, along with several sub-laws, including Decree 191/2025/NĐ-CP of July 1, 2025, and Decree 18/2026/NĐ-CP of January 14, 2026 (thuvienphapluat.vn), came into force. These detail and simplify some administrative procedures. These changes aim to modernize the process, introduce electronic services, and provide benefits to certain categories of applicants. It is important to note that applications for renunciation or restoration of citizenship, as well as other matters, can now be submitted online via the National Public Service Portal.

The main goal of the changes is to make the vietnam citizenship process more transparent, accessible, and aligned with modern realities, while maintaining immigration control and protecting national interests. For Russians, Ukrainians, Kazakhs, and other foreigners wishing to obtain Vietnam citizenship, these updates open new opportunities and require careful study. How to get Vietnam citizenship in 2026 is a question that requires a detailed examination of all available paths to obtaining a Vietnamese passport.

Key Requirements for Vietnam Citizenship

To obtain Vietnam citizenship, foreign citizens and stateless persons must meet a number of general requirements established by Article 19 of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship. These conditions are fundamental for most applicants seeking a vietnam passport:

• Full Civil Capacity: The applicant must possess full civil capacity in accordance with Vietnamese law. Exceptions include minors applying with a parent or having a Vietnamese citizen parent.
• Compliance with Laws and Traditions: The applicant must comply with the Constitution and laws of Vietnam, respect the traditions, customs, and morals of the Vietnamese people, demonstrating commitment to legal and cultural integration.
• Knowledge of Vietnamese Language: Proficiency in the Vietnamese language is required at a level sufficient for integration into Vietnamese society. This means the ability to listen, speak, read, and write in Vietnamese, appropriate for the applicant’s living and working conditions.
• Permanent Residence in Vietnam: The applicant must be a permanent resident in Vietnam. The document confirming permanent residence is a permanent resident card issued by competent Vietnamese authorities.
• Duration of Permanent Residence: The period of permanent residence in Vietnam must be at least 5 years prior to the date of application for citizenship.
• Ability to Support Oneself: The applicant must be able to ensure a decent standard of living in Vietnam.

Each of these points is carefully verified by the competent Vietnamese authorities during the application review process. Understanding these basic vietnam citizenship requirements is the first step towards understanding how to get Vietnam citizenship.

Exceptions and Simplified Conditions for Obtaining a Vietnam Passport

The Law on Vietnamese Citizenship provides a number of exceptions and simplified conditions for certain categories of applicants, significantly easing the process of obtaining a Vietnam passport:

1. Spouses and Children of Vietnamese Citizens: If the applicant has a spouse or child who is a Vietnamese citizen, the applicant may be exempt from the requirements for Vietnamese language proficiency, permanent residence duration (5 years), and ability to support themselves. However, the condition of permanent residence in Vietnam at the time of application remains mandatory. This path is often chosen by those seeking vietnam citizenship through marriage.
2. Parents, Grandparents of Vietnamese Citizens: Applicants who have a parent or grandparent who is a Vietnamese citizen may also be exempt from language proficiency, permanent residence, and self-sufficiency requirements.
3. Individuals Who Made Special Contributions or Are of State Interest: Foreigners who have made special contributions to Vietnam or are beneficial to the State of Vietnam, as well as minors applying with a parent (main applicant), are exempt from most general conditions, including language proficiency, permanent residence, and ability to support themselves.
4. Retention of Foreign Citizenship: An important change is that Vietnamese law now allows certain categories of applicants to retain their original citizenship when obtaining a Vietnamese passport, if the laws of their country of origin permit vietnam dual citizenship. This applies, in particular, to persons falling under paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 19 of the Law on Citizenship. This opens new prospects for those considering second citizenship for a Russian.

These exceptions make the process of obtaining Vietnam citizenship more flexible and accessible for those with close ties to the country or who can offer significant value to it.

Vietnam Citizenship Application Procedure

The process of applying for Vietnam citizenship involves several stages and requires careful document preparation. Since 2026, thanks to innovations, some procedures can be completed online, simplifying the process for many applicants.

Where to Submit Vietnam Citizenship Documents

• In-person Submission: Applicants for Vietnam citizenship must personally submit documents to the Department of Justice (Sở Tư pháp) at their place of residence in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam or to the relevant Vietnamese representative office (embassy/consulate) if they reside abroad.
• Online Submission: According to Decree 440/VBHN-BTP of January 23, 2026 (thuvienphapluat.vn), applications for restoration or renunciation of Vietnam citizenship, as well as other matters, can be submitted online via the National Public Service Portal. The applicant must log in, fill out an interactive electronic form, and attach electronic copies of documents. If the applicant’s data is already available in related databases, re-submission of information or documents is not required. However, applications for obtaining Vietnam citizenship still require in-person submission.
• In Case of No Representation: If the applicant resides in a country or region where there is no Vietnamese representation, documents can be submitted to the nearest or most convenient representation.

Required Documents for Obtaining a Vietnamese Passport

The complete package of documents to obtain Vietnam citizenship includes (but is not limited to) the following:

1. Vietnam Citizenship Application Form: Completed application form.
2. Copy of Birth Certificate, Passport, or Other Valid Documents: Confirming the applicant’s identity and citizenship.
3. Curriculum Vitae: Detailed life history.
4. Police Clearance Certificate: Issued by the competent authority of the applicant’s country of origin for the period of residence abroad. The certificate must be issued no earlier than 90 days before the date of application (vnembassy-jp.org).
5. Documents Proving Vietnamese Language Proficiency: For example, copies of diplomas for education received in Vietnam (doctoral degree, master’s, bachelor’s, university diploma, college, vocational school, high school diploma) or a certificate of Vietnamese language proficiency in accordance with the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Assessment System for Foreigners (vietnamembassy.org.au).
6. Documents Proving Residence and Duration of Permanent Residence in Vietnam: For example, a permanent resident card issued by competent Vietnamese authorities.
7. Documents Proving Financial Capability: Evidence of sufficient funds to support life in Vietnam.
8. Additional Documents: Depending on the applicant’s category (e.g., marriage certificate to a Vietnamese citizen, birth certificate of a Vietnamese citizen child, documents proving special contribution).

All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized.

Processing Times for Vietnam Citizenship Applications

Application processing times may vary but typically take several months. It is important to submit a complete and properly prepared set of documents to avoid delays. The President of Vietnam makes the final decision on granting citizenship.

Vietnam Dual Citizenship and Specifics

Vietnam traditionally does not recognize dual citizenship. However, with the changes in legislation that came into effect from 2025, some exceptions have emerged. Article 19 of the Law on Citizenship now allows certain categories of persons applying for vietnam citizenship to retain their original citizenship, if the laws of their country of origin permit it. This applies to:

• Persons with parents or grandparents who are Vietnamese citizens.
• Persons who have made special contributions to Vietnam or are beneficial to the state.
• Minors applying with a parent.

For all other categories of applicants, how to get Vietnam citizenship still means the need to renounce previous citizenship. This aspect is key when deciding on obtaining a Vietnamese passport.

For citizens of Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan considering Vietnam citizenship, it is important to consider these nuances. Russian legislation, for example, does not prohibit having a second citizenship, but requires notification of the relevant authorities. Similar rules apply in Kazakhstan. Ukraine, in general, does not recognize dual citizenship, although it does not provide for strict penalties for its possession.

Advantages of a Vietnamese Passport

A vietnam passport offers several advantages to its holders, making it attractive to many foreigners. Among the main benefits are:

• Visa-Free Access: Vietnamese citizens have visa-free access or simplified visa procedures to many countries worldwide. This facilitates international travel, both for business and tourism.
• Rights and Opportunities: Obtaining Vietnam citizenship grants all rights and freedoms provided by the Vietnamese Constitution, including the right to work, conduct business, social security, and access to public services.
• Investment and Business: For those planning relocation to Dubai or other countries for business purposes, Vietnam citizenship can be an additional advantage, opening up new markets and investment opportunities in Southeast Asia.
• Cultural and Social Integration: Full integration into Vietnam’s rich cultural and social space, with the opportunity to participate in community life.

At the same time, how to get Vietnam citizenship for Russians, Ukrainians, and Kazakhs becomes a matter not only of legal procedures but also of strategic future planning.

FAQ: How to Get Vietnam Citizenship

Here we answer frequently asked questions about how to get vietnam citizenship and a Vietnamese passport.

Can I get Vietnam citizenship through investment?

Currently, there is no direct path to obtaining Vietnam citizenship through investment, as implemented in some other countries. However, significant investments and contributions to Vietnam’s economic development may be considered a “special contribution” or “benefit to the state,” which could simplify the citizenship process on an individual basis by decision of the President of Vietnam.

How long does the Vietnam citizenship application process take?

Official processing times for applications may vary. Typically, with a complete and correctly prepared set of documents, the process can take from several months to a year. It is important to note that the final decision on granting citizenship is made by the President of Vietnam, which may extend the overall timeline.

Do I need to renounce my previous citizenship when obtaining Vietnam citizenship?

Generally, yes. Vietnam traditionally does not recognize dual citizenship, and most applicants must renounce their previous citizenship. However, with the 2025 legislative changes, exceptions have emerged for certain categories of individuals, such as those with parents or grandparents who are Vietnamese citizens, or those who have made special contributions to the country, provided that the laws of their country of origin permit dual citizenship.

Can I apply for Vietnam citizenship while outside the country?

Yes, you can. If you permanently reside outside Vietnam, you can apply for Vietnam citizenship at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If there is no Vietnamese representation in your country, the application can be submitted to the nearest or most convenient representation.

What are the advantages of Vietnam citizenship for Russians/Ukrainians/Kazakhs?

Vietnam citizenship provides visa-free access to many countries, the right to work, conduct business, and social security in Vietnam, as well as full integration into society. For citizens of CIS countries, this opens up new opportunities for travel, business, and life in a dynamically developing region of Southeast Asia. Furthermore, it can be a strategic move for those seeking to diversify their civic statuses. This is especially relevant for those interested in vietnam citizenship for russians in 2026.

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