Can foreigners get citizenship in Vietnam?

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Does Vietnam Allow Dual Citizenship?

As living standards rise, nationality and its benefits become increasingly important. Holding dual citizenship grants individuals access to the rights and privileges of multiple countries. A frequently asked question is, “Does Vietnam Allow Dual Citizenship?” This reflects a growing curiosity about nationality laws worldwide. Let’s find out and explore the legal aspects and key information on this topic!

Vietnam takes a nuanced approach to dual citizenship, with regulations varying based on an individual’s original nationality. Let’s dive into the details. Check out Vietnam Visa requirements in 2025

For Vietnamese Citizens

Yes, certain Vietnamese nationals can hold dual citizenship. The 2014 Amendment to the Nationality Law introduced provisions for specific cases, including:

Individuals granted special permission by the President of Vietnam

Those reclaiming Vietnamese citizenship

Vietnamese citizens living abroad who gain foreign nationality but choose to retain Vietnamese citizenship

Adopted children

These exceptions highlight Vietnam’s acknowledgment of its diaspora and the complexities of global mobility.

For Foreign Nationals

Can foreigners get Vietnamese citizenship? No, Vietnam generally requires foreign nationals to renounce their original citizenship when applying for Vietnamese nationality. Article 19 of the 2008 Vietnamese Nationality Law states that foreigners naturalizing as Vietnamese citizens must give up their previous nationality.

This policy reflects Vietnam’s emphasis on singular national allegiance, a stance similar to many other countries.

However, did you know that some foreigner can obtain a Vietnamese citizenship? Nguyễn Xuân Son, born Rafaelson Fernandes, is a Brazilian born striker for Vietnam’s national football team. He has played in Vietnam’s league since 2020, gained citizenship in September of the 2024. But, how did he get a citizenship?

Technically, foreigners, including those of Vietnamese descent, qualify to apply for Vietnamese citizenship, if they meet certain requirements;

No criminal background

Resided in Vietnam up to 5 years and more

Be the spouse, or biological parent, or child of a Vietnamese citizen

Anyway, in reality, meeting above requirements is not enough. Foreigners usually need to have exceptional contributions to Vietnam’s society to even be considered. Here, there’s a sacrifice involved as well.

You must adopt a Vietnamese name

Renounce your original citizenship (Unless permitted by the president to retain it)

The first foreigner granted with Vietnamese citizenship, was a frenchman, Andre Mrcel Menras in 2009. He was imprisoned during the Vietnam war for supporting the revolution, his fellow prisoner named him Hồ Cương Quyết. Ho for Ho Chi Minh, Cuong Quyet, meaning determination, which became his official name when the president later granted him with Vietnamese citizenship.

Overview of Vietnamese Citizenship Laws

Understanding Vietnam’s nationality laws begins with the 2008 Nationality Law, which governs the acquisition and restoration of Vietnamese citizenship. This law outlines paths to citizenship through birth, marriage, adoption, naturalization, or reinstatement.

Foreign nationals and stateless individuals living in Vietnam on a permanent basis can apply for Vietnamese citizenship under specific conditions. Key requirements include:

Making significant contributions to Vietnam’s development and defense

Providing benefits to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Demonstrating financial stability in Vietnam

Possessing sufficient Vietnamese language skills for integration into society

Citizenship by Birth

Anyone born in Vietnam receives Vietnamese citizenship, regardless of their parents’ nationality. Additionally, children with at least one Vietnamese parent qualify for citizenship, no matter their birthplace. This ensures that Vietnamese citizens’ children born abroad can still claim Vietnamese nationality.

Citizenship Through Marriage

Foreigners married to a Vietnamese citizen can apply for Vietnamese citizenship after five years of marriage and three years of continuous residence in Vietnam. This regulation ensures that citizenship is granted based on genuine relationships rather than for financial gain or illegal purposes.

Gaining Citizenship Through Naturalization

Foreigners can obtain Vietnamese citizenship by meeting specific criteria. Requirements include living in Vietnam for at least five years, speaking Vietnamese, and maintaining a stable income. Applicants must also demonstrate contributions to Vietnam’s development and integration.

Losing & Reclaiming Vietnamese Citizenship

Individuals who gain Vietnamese citizenship through fraud or actions against national security risk losing it. However, they have the right to appeal and present evidence for review by Congress. Those who previously lost their citizenship can apply for reinstatement if they meet specific conditions.

Vietnam’s Approach to Dual Citizenship

Vietnam upholds a single nationality policy. Anyone seeking Vietnamese citizenship must renounce their previous one and surrender their foreign passport.

Effects of Vietnam’s Dual Citizenship Policy

Vietnam’s stance on dual citizenship impacts those hoping to retain their original nationality while becoming Vietnamese citizens. Key consequences include:

Loss of Rights and Privileges: Giving up previous citizenship can mean losing essential rights, such as property ownership, voting, and employment opportunities in the birth country.

Limited Legal Protections: Without recognition of dual citizenship, individuals may not receive the same legal rights and protections as full Vietnamese citizens.

Travel Restrictions: Some individuals may encounter challenges entering or exiting Vietnam due to their citizenship status.

Comparing Vietnam’s Dual Citizenship Policy with Other Southeast Asian Nations

To better understand Vietnam’s stance on dual nationality, let’s look at how nearby countries approach the issue:

Thailand

Thailand permits dual citizenship under specific conditions. Those who acquire a foreign nationality through birth or marriage can retain their Thai citizenship, but they must obtain approval from the Ministry of Interior and meet set requirements.

Malaysia

While Malaysia technically allows dual citizenship, the government does not actively promote it. Dual nationals face restrictions, such as being barred from political participation.

Philippines

The Philippines adopts a more flexible approach, permitting citizens to hold multiple nationalities. However, those acquiring foreign citizenship after 2003 must register with a Philippine embassy to maintain their Filipino nationality.

Indonesia

Indonesia enforces a strict single nationality policy, requiring individuals to renounce their previous citizenship before becoming Indonesian. Some exceptions exist for those married to Indonesian citizens or individuals who demonstrate significant contributions to the country.

Understanding these nationality laws in advance helps navigate immigration policies and rights in Vietnam. Seeking advice from legal experts ensures a smoother process when dealing with citizenship matters.

Bottom line

Vietnam strictly regulates dual citizenship, making it a complex issue with limited exceptions. While laws generally forbid holding multiple nationalities, certain circumstances create gray areas. Foreigners seeking Vietnamese citizenship or Vietnamese nationals considering a second nationality must carefully evaluate the legal risks and consequences.

Due to these complexities, anyone seeking for info regarding Vietnamese citizenship, should seek guidance from legal experts in immigration law. As Vietnam continues integrating into the global community, its nationality policies may change, potentially offering new opportunities in the future.

FAQ: Vietnam Dual Citizenship

Can a US citizen apply Vietnamese citizenship?

Yes, US citizens can acquire Vietnamese citizenship through naturalization or marriage to a Vietnamese citizen. Understanding the legal process or consulting with legal experts can ease the application. However, Vietnam requires applicants to give up their US citizenship and surrender their passports.

How Many Passports Can You Hold in Vietnam?

Vietnamese law permits only one passport per individual, which must be Vietnamese. Those obtaining Vietnamese citizenship must relinquish their previous passport, as dual passports are not allowed.

Countries Where US Citizens Can Hold Dual Citizenship

The US permits dual citizenship with most nations. However, each country enforces its own rules, so researching specific regulations is essential before pursuing dual nationality.

What countries cannot have dual citizenship?

Some nations strictly forbid dual citizenship, including China, India, Japan, and Singapore. Many Middle Eastern countries also impose restrictions, requiring individuals to renounce other nationalities.

Can you have dual citizenship in Canada and Vietnam?

Many countries, including Canada and Vietnam, permit dual citizenship for those who meet the required conditions. Holding both Canadian and Vietnamese citizenship is entirely legal.