Vietnam has quietly introduced one of the most meaningful changes to its nationality framework in recent years.
\nOn 24 June 2025, the National Assembly adopted amendments to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality (Law No. 79\/2025\/QH15), which will take effect from 1 July 2025. While the amendments may appear technical at first glance, they reflect a clear policy shift: Vietnam is becoming more open, more pragmatic, and more internationally aligned when it comes to citizenship.
\nFor many individuals\u2014especially overseas Vietnamese, foreign investors, and families with ties to Vietnam\u2014this opens up new and very real opportunities.
\nRestoration of Vietnamese nationality \u2013 a more open approach
\nUnder the previous regime, regaining Vietnamese nationality was often difficult and subject to quite strict conditions.
\nThis has now changed in a fundamental way.
\nGoing forward, anyone who has previously held Vietnamese nationality can apply to restore it, and their application must be considered. This does not mean automatic approval, but it significantly lowers the entry barrier and introduces a much more flexible approach.
\nOne practical point to be aware of: applicants are generally required to resume their Vietnamese name. However, if they wish to retain a foreign nationality at the same time, they may adopt a combined Vietnamese\u2013foreign name, which will be formally recognized in the approval decision.
\nIn practice, this will make it much easier for members of the Vietnamese diaspora to reconnect legally with Vietnam.
\nEasier naturalization \u2013 especially for those with ties to Vietnam
\nThe amendments also relax the standard requirements for acquiring Vietnamese nationality.
\nTraditionally, applicants needed to demonstrate Vietnamese language proficiency, a minimum period of residence, and financial self-sufficiency. These conditions still exist in principle, but the law now provides for broad exemptions.
\nFor example, individuals who are married to a Vietnamese citizen or who have a Vietnamese child are exempt from key requirements such as language proficiency, residency, and financial capacity.
\nEven more far-reaching are the exemptions for individuals with Vietnamese parents or grandparents, those who have made meaningful contributions to Vietnam, and minors with Vietnamese parents. In these cases, even the requirement to reside in Vietnam can be waived.
\nThis reflects a clear policy intention: Vietnam wants to facilitate citizenship for those who have a genuine connection to the country or who can contribute to its development.
\nDual nationality \u2013 a significant step forward
\nPerhaps the most notable development is the more explicit acceptance of dual nationality.
\nWhile Vietnam has historically taken a cautious approach in this area, the amended law now allows applicants to retain their foreign nationality in certain cases\u2014particularly where there are family ties to Vietnam or where the individual contributes to the country.
\nThere are still conditions: the retention of foreign nationality must comply with the laws of the other country and must not be contrary to Vietnam\u2019s interests. But overall, this is a meaningful and welcome shift.
\nFrom a practical perspective, this change will be particularly relevant for international professionals, investors, and globally mobile families.
\nApplications from abroad \u2013 a practical improvement
\nAnother important change is procedural.
\nApplicants no longer need to be physically present in Vietnam to submit their application. It is now possible to file through Vietnamese embassies or consulates abroad. These authorities are required to process and forward applications within a defined timeframe.
\nThis may sound like a small administrative adjustment, but in practice it removes a major hurdle and makes the process far more accessible.
\nFaster processing times
\nThe law also introduces shorter timelines at key stages of the application process. While the system will still require coordination between various authorities, the intention is clearly to make procedures more efficient and predictable.
\nWhat this means in practice
\nTaken together, these changes signal a broader shift in policy.
\nVietnam is positioning itself as a country that:
\n\u2022\tvalues its global diaspora
\n\u2022\twelcomes international talent and investment
\n\u2022\tand recognizes the realities of cross-border lives
\nFor individuals who have been considering applying for Vietnamese nationality\u2014or restoring it\u2014this is a good moment to revisit those plans.
\nA final practical note
\nAs always, the real test will be in the implementation. Further guidance from the government is expected, and practical handling may evolve over time.
\nThat said, the direction is clear\u2014and it is positive.
\n***
\nFor more information on the above, please do not hesitate to contact the author Dr. Oliver Massmann under omassmann@duanemorris.com. Dr. Oliver Massmann is the General Director of Duane Morris Vietnam LLC.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Vietnam has quietly introduced one of the most meaningful changes to its nationality framework in recent years. On 24 June 2025, the National Assembly adopted amendments to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality (Law No. 79\/2025\/QH15), which will take effect from 1 July 2025. While the amendments may appear technical at first glance, they reflect a … <\/p>\n