Foreigners with Vietnamese spouses or family ties can now apply for Vietnamese citizenship without needing to meet residency, language or financial requirements, under new amendments to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality passed on Tuesday.
The revised law, approved by the National Assembly, opens the door for foreign nationals and stateless persons who have a Vietnamese spouse, child, parent or grandparent. These applicants are no longer required to prove Vietnamese language proficiency, demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, or have lived in Vietnam for at least five years; requirements that previously made naturalization difficult for many.
The relaxed conditions also apply to foreigners who are recognized for their special contributions or proven benefits to the country.
However, applicants must still comply with Vietnamese laws, respect local culture and customs and demonstrate full legal capacity. For children applying alongside a Vietnamese parent, the legal capacity requirement will be waived.
The government hopes the reform will attract more skilled professionals, investors, scientists, and experts to Vietnam. “The goal is to encourage integration while supporting national development,” Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh said.
In another major shift, Vietnam will allow some applicants to retain dual citizenship if they have Vietnamese relatives and receive presidential approval. Those living abroad may submit applications through Vietnamese embassies or consulates.
The updated law also introduces more flexibility on naming conventions. While naturalized citizens are required to adopt a Vietnamese name or a name from one of Vietnam’s ethnic groups, dual citizens are permitted to combine a Vietnamese name with their original name, which will be officially recognized in their citizenship documents.
Some lawmakers had even proposed loosening naming requirements further to better reflect Vietnam’s increasing global integration.
Credit: VnExpress International
