Foreigners who want Vietnamese nationality file in person at the provincial Department of Justice where they live. The main conditions are full legal capacity, respect for the law, knowledge of Vietnamese, current permanent residence and at least 5 years of permanent residence, and the ability to support themselves. Spouses, parents and children of Vietnamese citizens are exempt from the language, 5-year and self-support conditions (Law 79/2025/QH15, effective 1 July 2025).
Conditions for naturalisation
- Full civil legal capacity; respect for Vietnam’s Constitution and laws.
- Vietnamese sufficient to integrate into the community.
- Currently residing permanently in Vietnam, with at least 5 years of permanent residence (counted from the permanent residence card).
- Able to support yourself in Vietnam.
Spouses, parents or children of Vietnamese citizens, and people with special contributions or of benefit to the State, are exempt from some conditions and may keep their foreign nationality with the President’s permission.
Documents (3 sets)
- Application for Vietnamese nationality and personal statement.
- Proof of Vietnamese language (a qualification studied in Vietnamese or a certificate); otherwise the Department of Justice arranges a test.
- Copy of the permanent residence card and passport.
- Proof of ability to support yourself.
- Proof of family ties (marriage, children’s birth certificates) if claiming an exemption.
The Department of Justice obtains the criminal record itself; foreign documents must be legalised and translated.
Process
- File at the Department of Justice where you live (Departments of Justice in all 34 provinces).
- The Department asks the provincial police to verify your identity.
- The provincial People’s Committee reviews the file and sends it to the Ministry of Justice.
- The Ministry reviews it and submits it to the President for decision.
The whole process usually takes many months. Nationality decisions cannot be challenged by complaint or lawsuit.
Regaining or renouncing Vietnamese nationality
Former Vietnamese citizens can apply to regain nationality (and may keep a foreign nationality with the President’s permission). To renounce, you need proof that you have or have been granted a foreign nationality and confirmation that your tax obligations are settled. These files are also lodged at the Department of Justice where you live.
FAQ
How much is the fee?
It follows the current Ministry of Finance schedule; the Department of Justice confirms the amount when it accepts the file.
Do I have to give up my current nationality?
Usually yes, unless you are in an exempt group and the President allows you to keep it.
Does time on a temporary residence card count toward the 5 years?
No. The 5 years count from when you received a permanent residence card.
Need help with your paperwork?
Info Travel, a Vietnam visa and immigration services company for foreigners, offers free advice and helps with documents, translation and legalisation. Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822 / Hotline: +84903782118
Legal basis: Law on Vietnamese Nationality (amended by Law 79/2025/QH15); Decree 191/2025/ND-CP.
