Consolidated Document number 53/VBHN-VPQH on Vietnamese Citizenship

LAW

VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY

Law on Vietnamese Nationality No. 24/2008/QH12 dated November 13, 2008, enacted by the National Assembly, effective from July 1, 2009, has been amended and supplemented by:

1. Law No. 56/2014/QH13 dated June 24, 2014, enacted by the National Assembly to amend and supplement certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality, effective from June 26, 2014;

2. Law No. 79/2025/QH15 dated June 24, 2025, enacted by the National Assembly to amend and supplement certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality, effective from July 1, 2025.

BASED ON THE CONSTITUTION OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM IN 1992 AS AMENDED AND COMPLEMENTED BY RESOLUTION NO. 51/2001/QH10;

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ENACTS THE LAW ON VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY[1].

Chapter I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Vietnamese Nationality

Vietnamese nationality reflects the bond between an individual and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, giving rise to the rights and obligations of Vietnamese citizens towards the State and the responsibilities of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam towards its citizens.

Article 2. Rights Regarding Nationality

1. In the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, every individual has the right to have nationality. A Vietnamese citizen shall not be deprived of Vietnamese nationality except in cases provided for in Article 31 of this Law.

2. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a unified state of ethnic groups living together on Vietnamese territory, all members of these ethnic groups are equal in their right to Vietnamese nationality.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Law, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Foreign Nationality is the nationality of another country other than Vietnamese nationality.

2. Stateless Person is a person who does not have Vietnamese nationality and also does not have foreign nationality.

3. Overseas Vietnamese Resident is a Vietnamese citizen and a person of Vietnamese origin residing and living permanently abroad.

4. Overseas Vietnamese Origin Resident is a Vietnamese person who once had Vietnamese nationality, whose nationality at birth was determined according to the principle of bloodline, and their children and grandchildren are currently residing and living permanently abroad.

5. Foreigner Residing in Vietnam is a foreign citizen and a stateless person who is either a permanent or temporary resident in Vietnam.

Article 4. Principles of Nationality

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam recognizes that a Vietnamese citizen has only one nationality, which is Vietnamese nationality, except where otherwise provided for in this Law.

Article 5. Relationship Between the State and Citizens

1. A person with Vietnamese nationality is a Vietnamese citizen.

2. Vietnamese citizens are guaranteed their civil rights by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and must fulfill their civil duties towards the State and society as prescribed by law.

3. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam implements policies to ensure that Vietnamese citizens residing abroad can enjoy their civil rights and perform their civil duties in accordance with their circumstances of living far from their homeland.

4.[2] On Vietnamese territory, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam only recognizes Vietnamese nationality for Vietnamese citizens who simultaneously hold foreign nationality in relation to Vietnamese competent authorities, except where international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party provide otherwise. The rights and obligations of Vietnamese citizens who simultaneously hold foreign nationality and reside abroad are implemented in accordance with relevant laws.

5.[3] Candidates for election, appointment, designation to hold positions or titles during a term in Party organizations, state agencies, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, political-social organizations at central and local levels; persons working in confidential organizations; and those participating in armed forces of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam must be individuals with only one nationality, which is Vietnamese nationality, and must be permanent residents in Vietnam.

6.[4] Civil servants and public officials not covered by Clause 5 of this Article must be individuals with only one nationality, which is Vietnamese nationality, except when it is beneficial to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, does not harm the national interests of Vietnam, and they must be permanent residents in Vietnam. The Government shall specify the details of this clause.

7.[5] Where other laws promulgated before the effective date of this Law provide different provisions on nationality from those stipulated in Clauses 5 and 6 of this Article, the provisions of this Law shall apply; where other laws promulgated after the effective date of this Law provide different provisions on nationality from those stipulated in Clauses 5 and 6 of this Article, the specific content of implementing or not implementing such provisions must be determined, and the implementation shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of such other laws.

8.[6] Administrative decisions of Vietnamese competent state authorities related to Vietnamese nationality as prescribed by this Law are not subject to appeal or litigation.

Article 6. Protection for Vietnamese Citizens Abroad

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam protects the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese citizens abroad.

Domestic state agencies and Vietnamese representative offices abroad shall be responsible for implementing all necessary measures consistent with the laws of the host country and international law and customs to carry out such protection.

Article 7. Policy towards Overseas Vietnamese Origin People

1. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has policies to encourage and create favorable conditions for overseas Vietnamese origin people to maintain close ties with their families and homeland, contributing to building their homeland and country.

2. The State creates favorable conditions for those who have lost Vietnamese nationality to regain Vietnamese nationality.

Article 8. Limiting Stateless Status

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam creates conditions for all children born on Vietnamese territory to have Vietnamese nationality and for stateless persons permanently residing in Vietnam to acquire Vietnamese nationality in accordance with this Law.

Article 9. Maintaining Nationality in Marriage, Divorce, and Invalidating Illegal Marriages

Marriage, divorce, and invalidation of illegal marriages between Vietnamese citizens and foreigners do not change the Vietnamese nationality of the parties involved and their minor children (if any)..

Article 10. Maintaining Nationality When Spouse's Nationality Changes

The acquisition, restoration, or loss of Vietnamese nationality by a spouse does not affect the nationality of the other spouse.

Article 11. Documents Proving Vietnamese Nationality

One of the following documents has the effect of proving Vietnamese nationality:

1. Birth certificate; if the birth certificate does not clearly indicate Vietnamese nationality, it must be accompanied by documents proving the Vietnamese nationality of the parents;

2.[7] Identity card; citizen identification card; identification card; electronic identification;

3. Vietnamese passport;

4.[8] Decision on granting Vietnamese nationality; Decision on restoring Vietnamese nationality; Decision recognizing adoption of foreign children; Decision allowing foreigners to adopt Vietnamese children;

5.[9] Other documents prescribed by the Government.

Article 12. Resolution of Issues Arising from the Dual Nationality Status of Vietnamese Citizens

1. Issues arising from the dual nationality status of Vietnamese citizens shall be resolved according to international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party; where there is no such treaty, they shall be resolved according to international custom and practice.

2. Based on the provisions of this Law, the Government shall conclude or propose the conclusion of, or decide to accede to, international treaties to resolve issues arising from the dual nationality status of Vietnamese citizens.

Chapter II. HAVE VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY

Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 13. Persons with Vietnamese Nationality[10]

1. Persons with Vietnamese nationality include those who have Vietnamese nationality up to the date this Law comes into effect and those who have Vietnamese nationality as provided for in this Law.

2.[11] Vietnamese citizens residing abroad who have not lost Vietnamese nationality under Vietnamese law before this Law takes effect shall still retain Vietnamese nationality.

Vietnamese citizens residing abroad who have not lost Vietnamese nationality but do not have documents proving Vietnamese nationality as stipulated atArticle 11 of this Lawshall request the Vietnamese representative agency abroad to confirm Vietnamese citizenship.

3.[12] The Government shall stipulate the procedures and formalities for confirming Vietnamese citizenship.

 Article 14. Basis for determining persons with Vietnamese citizenship  

A person shall be determined to have Vietnamese citizenship if they meet one of the following bases:

1. As prescribed in Articles 15, 16, and 17 of this Law Articles 15, 16 and 17 of this Law;

2. Is entitled to acquire Vietnamese nationality;

3. Is entitled to resume Vietnamese nationality;

4. As provided for in the Articles 18, 35 and 37 of this Law;

5. In accordance with international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

Article 15. Citizenship of children born when both parents are Vietnamese citizens

Children born within or outside the territory of Vietnam, where both parents are Vietnamese citizens at the time of birth, shall have Vietnamese citizenship.

Article 16. Citizenship of children born when one parent is a Vietnamese citizen

1. Children born within or outside the territory of Vietnam, where one parent is a Vietnamese citizen and the other is stateless or unknown, or where the mother is a Vietnamese citizen and the father is unknown, shall have Vietnamese citizenship.

2.[13] Children born when one parent is a Vietnamese citizen and the other is a foreign citizen shall have Vietnamese citizenship if their parents agree to choose Vietnamese citizenship for the child when registering the birth with the competent authority in Vietnam according to the guidance of the Government. In cases where the child is born on Vietnamese territory and the parents cannot reach an agreement on choosing the child's citizenship, the child shall have Vietnamese citizenship.

Article 17. Citizenship of children born when both parents are stateless

1. Children abandoned or found on Vietnamese territory, where both parents are stateless but have a permanent residence in Vietnam, shall have Vietnamese citizenship.

2. Children found on Vietnamese territory, where the mother is stateless but has a permanent residence in Vietnam and the father is unknown, shall have Vietnamese citizenship.

Section 2. ACQUIRING VIETNAMESE CITIZENSHIP

Article 18. Citizenship of abandoned newborns or children found on Vietnamese territory

1. Abandoned newborns or children found on Vietnamese territory whose parents are unknown shall have Vietnamese citizenship.

2. Children specified in Clause 1 of this Article who are under 15 years old and no longer have Vietnamese citizenship in the following cases:

a) Finding parents who only hold foreign citizenship;

b) Finding only one parent who holds foreign citizenship.

Article 19. Conditions for acquiring Vietnamese nationality[14]

Article 19. Conditions for acquiring Vietnamese citizenship

1. Foreign citizens and stateless persons applying for Vietnamese citizenship may acquire Vietnamese citizenship if they meet all of the following conditions:

a) Having full civil capacity as provided by Vietnamese law, except for minors applying for Vietnamese citizenship through their parents or minors having a Vietnamese citizen parent;

b) Adhering to the Constitution and laws of Vietnam; respecting Vietnamese culture, traditions, customs, and practices;

c) Knowing Vietnamese sufficiently to integrate into the Vietnamese community;

d) Being permanently resident in Vietnam;

đ) Having resided in Vietnam for five years or more up to the date of application for Vietnamese citizenship;

e) Being able to ensure a living standard in Vietnam.

2. Applicants for Vietnamese citizenship who have a spouse or biological child who is a Vietnamese citizen may acquire Vietnamese citizenship without meeting the conditions set out in points c, đ, and e of Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Applicants for Vietnamese citizenship falling into one of the following categories may acquire Vietnamese citizenship without meeting the conditions set out in points c, d, đ, and e of Clause 1 of this Article:

a) Having a father or mother or paternal grandfather and grandmother or maternal grandfather and grandmother who are Vietnamese citizens;

b) Having made special contributions to the cause of building and defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

c) Being beneficial to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

d) Being a minor applying for Vietnamese citizenship through their parents.

4. Applicants for Vietnamese citizenship must have a name in Vietnamese or another ethnic language of Vietnam. If an applicant for Vietnamese citizenship also applies to retain foreign citizenship, they may choose a combined name between the Vietnamese name and the foreign name. The chosen name shall be clearly stated in the Decision granting Vietnamese citizenship.

5. Applicants for Vietnamese citizenship shall not acquire Vietnamese citizenship if it would harm the national interests of Vietnam.

6. Applicants for Vietnamese citizenship specified in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of this Article may retain foreign citizenship if they meet the following conditions and are permitted by the President of the State:

a) Retaining foreign citizenship complies with the laws of that country;

7. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this matter.

Article 20. Documents for Application to Acquire Vietnamese Citizenship

1. The documents for application to acquire Vietnamese citizenship include the following papers:

a) Application for Vietnamese citizenship;

b) Copy of Birth Certificate, Identity Card or other equivalent documents; passport or other equivalent document;

c) Personal history statement;

d)[15] Documents proving judicial record information issued by competent authorities abroad in accordance with the laws of that country during the period the applicant resided abroad. Such documents must be issued not more than 90 days prior to the date of submission of the application;

d) Documents proving proficiency in Vietnamese language;

e) Documents proving place of residence and time of permanent residence in Vietnam;

f) Documents proving assurance of living conditions in Vietnam.

2.[16] Those persons exempted from certain conditions for acquiring Vietnamese citizenship as stipulated in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 19 of this Law shall be exempted from the corresponding documents related to the exempted conditions. shall be exempted from corresponding documents in accordance with the exemption conditions.

3. The Government shall specify in detail the documents in the application for Vietnamese citizenship.

Article 21. Procedures and Formalities for Processing Applications for Vietnamese Citizenship

1.[17] An applicant for Vietnamese citizenship shall submit the application to the Department of Justice if residing within the country, or to the representative office of Vietnam in the host country if residing abroad. In case the application does not contain all the required documents as specified in Clause 1 of Article 20 of this Law or is not valid, the receiving authority shall immediately notify the applicant to supplement and complete the application.

2.[18] Within five working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application, the Department of Justice shall send a request to the provincial police agency to verify the identity of the applicant for Vietnamese citizenship.

Within thirty days from the date of receipt of the request from the Department of Justice, the provincial police agency shall have the responsibility to verify and send the results to the Department of Justice. During this period, the Department of Justice must review the documents in the application for Vietnamese citizenship.

Within five working days from the date of receipt of the verification results, the Department of Justice shall have the responsibility to complete the application and submit it to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Within five working days from the date of receipt of the request from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall have the responsibility to examine, conclude and propose opinions to the Ministry of Justice.

2a.[19] Within twenty days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application, the representative office of Vietnam abroad shall have the responsibility to review the documents in the application for Vietnamese citizenship and transfer the application along with the proposed opinion on the application for Vietnamese citizenship to the Ministry of Justice; at the same time, send information to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for coordination in performing state management functions regarding citizenship.

The Ministry of Public Security shall have the responsibility to verify the identity of the applicant for Vietnamese citizenship upon the request of the Ministry of Justice.

3.[20] Within twenty days from the date of receipt of the proposal from the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or receipt of the verification result from the Ministry of Public Security for applications sent by the representative office of Vietnam abroad, the Ministry of Justice shall have the responsibility to re-examine the application, and if deemed eligible for Vietnamese citizenship, issue a written notification to the applicant to proceed with the procedure to renounce foreign citizenship, except in cases where the applicant requests to retain foreign citizenship or is stateless.

Within ten working days from the date of receipt of the certificate of renunciation of foreign citizenship from the applicant for Vietnamese citizenship, the Minister of Justice shall report to the Prime Minister for submission to the President for consideration and decision.

In cases where the applicant for Vietnamese citizenship requests to retain foreign citizenship or is stateless, within twenty days from the date of receipt of the proposal from the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or receipt of the verification result from the Ministry of Public Security for applications sent by the representative office of Vietnam abroad, the Ministry of Justice shall have the responsibility to re-examine the application, and if deemed eligible for Vietnamese citizenship, report to the Prime Minister for submission to the President for consideration and decision.

4. Within thirty days from the date of receipt of the proposal from the Prime Minister, the President shall consider and decide.

Article 22. Procedure, formalities, and documents for applying for Vietnamese nationality for stateless persons who have resided stably in Vietnam

Stateless persons who do not have complete personal identification documents but have resided stably on the territory of Vietnam for 20 years or more as of the effective date of this Law and comply with the Constitution and laws of Vietnam shall be granted Vietnamese nationality according to the procedure, formalities, and documents prescribed by the Government.

Section 3. RETURNING TO VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY

Article 23. Conditions to return to Vietnamese nationality[21]

1.[22] Persons who lost Vietnamese nationality pursuant to Article 26 of this Law who submit an application to return to Vietnamese nationality shall be considered and resolved to return to Vietnamese nationality.

2. Persons applying to return to Vietnamese nationality shall not be allowed to return to Vietnamese nationality if such action would harm the national interests of Vietnam.

3. In cases where persons whose Vietnamese nationality was revoked apply to return to Vietnamese nationality, they must wait at least five years from the date of revocation before being considered for returning to Vietnamese nationality.

4.[23] Persons applying to return to Vietnamese nationality must restore their former Vietnamese name. If persons applying to return to Vietnamese nationality simultaneously request to retain foreign nationality, they may choose a combined name between their Vietnamese name and foreign name. This name must be clearly recorded in the Decision allowing them to return to Vietnamese nationality.

5.[24] Persons applying to return to Vietnamese nationality may retain foreign nationality if they meet the following conditions and are permitted by the President of the State.

6. Applicants for Vietnamese citizenship specified in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of this Article may retain foreign citizenship if they meet the following conditions and are permitted by the President of the State:

a) Retaining foreign citizenship complies with the laws of that country;

6.[25] The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this matter.

Article 24. Documents for Applying to Return to Vietnamese Nationality

1. The documents for applying to return to Vietnamese nationality include the following papers:

a) Application to return to Vietnamese nationality;

b) Copy of Birth Certificate, Passport or other equivalent documents;

c) Personal history statement;

d)[26] Documents proving criminal record information issued by competent authorities abroad in accordance with the laws of that country during the period when the person applying to return to Vietnamese nationality resided abroad. Such documents must not be older than 90 days from the date of submission of the application;

d) Documents proving that the person applying to return to Vietnamese nationality once had Vietnamese nationality;

e)[27] (Repealed)

2. The Government shall specify in detail the documents required in the application to return to Vietnamese nationality.

Article 25. Procedure and Formalities for Processing Applications to Return to Vietnamese Nationality

1. Persons applying to return to Vietnamese nationality residing within the country shall submit their applications to the Department of Justice at their place of residence, while those residing abroad shall submit their applications to Vietnamese representative offices in the host countries. In case the application does not contain all the required documents as stipulated in Article 24 of this Law or is not valid, the receiving authority shall immediately notify the applicant to supplement and complete the application.

2. Within five working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application, the Department of Justice shall send a letter requesting the provincial Public Security agency to verify the identity of the person applying to return to Vietnamese nationality.

Within twenty days from the date of receipt of the request from the Department of Justice, the provincial Public Security agency shall be responsible for verifying and sending the results to the Department of Justice. During this time, the Department of Justice must review the documents in the application to return to Vietnamese nationality. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the verification results, the Department of Justice shall be responsible for completing the application and submitting it to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Within five working days from the date of receipt of the request from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall be responsible for reviewing, concluding, and proposing opinions to the Ministry of Justice.

3.[28] Within twenty days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application, Vietnamese representative offices abroad shall be responsible for reviewing the documents in the application to return to Vietnamese nationality and transferring the application along with recommendations regarding the application to return to Vietnamese nationality to the Ministry of Justice; at the same time, they shall inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for coordination in performing state management functions related to nationality.

The Ministry of Public Security shall be responsible for verifying the identity of the person applying to return to Vietnamese nationality upon the request of the Ministry of Justice.

4.[29] Within twenty days from the date of receipt of the recommendation letter from the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or from the date of receipt of the verification results from the Ministry of Public Security for applications submitted by Vietnamese representative offices abroad, the Ministry of Justice shall be responsible for rechecking the application. If it is determined that the person applying to return to Vietnamese nationality meets the conditions to return to Vietnamese nationality, the Ministry of Justice shall issue a written notice to the applicant to proceed with the procedures to renounce foreign nationality, except in cases where the person applying to return to Vietnamese nationality requests to retain foreign nationality or is a stateless person.

Within ten working days from the date of receipt of the certificate of renunciation of foreign nationality from the person applying to return to Vietnamese nationality, the Minister of Justice shall report to the Prime Minister for submission to the President for consideration and decision.

In cases where the person applying to return to Vietnamese nationality requests to retain foreign nationality, or the person applying to return to Vietnamese nationality is a stateless person, within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the recommendation letter from the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or from the date of receipt of the verification results from the Ministry of Public Security for applications submitted by Vietnamese representative offices abroad, the Ministry of Justice shall be responsible for rechecking the application. If it is determined that the person applying to return to Vietnamese nationality meets the conditions to return to Vietnamese nationality, the Ministry of Justice shall report to the Prime Minister for submission to the President for consideration and decision.

5. Within twenty days from the date of receipt of the recommendation from the Prime Minister, the President shall consider and decide.

Chapter III. LOSS OF VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY

Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 26. Grounds for losing Vietnamese nationality

1. Voluntarily renounce Vietnamese nationality.

2. Be deprived of Vietnamese nationality.

2a.[30] The decision on granting Vietnamese nationality or restoring Vietnamese nationality shall be revoked.

3.[31] (is repealed)

4. As prescribed in Clause 2 of Article 18 and Article 35 of this Law.

5. In accordance with international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

Section 2. VOLUNTARY RENUNCIATION OF VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY

Article 27. Grounds for voluntarily renouncing Vietnamese nationality

1. A Vietnamese citizen who submits an application to renounce Vietnamese nationality in order to acquire foreign nationality may be permitted to renounce Vietnamese nationality.

2. An applicant for renunciation of Vietnamese nationality who has not been allowed to renounce Vietnamese nationality, if he/she falls under any of the following circumstances:

a) Owes taxes to the State or has financial obligations towards agencies, organizations, or individuals in Vietnam;

b) Is being investigated for criminal responsibility;

c) Is serving a court judgment or decision of the Vietnamese court;

d) Is under temporary detention awaiting execution of sentence;

đ) Is serving a decision to apply administrative measures involving placement in an educational facility, medical facility, or juvenile correctional school.

3. An applicant for renunciation of Vietnamese nationality shall not be allowed to renounce Vietnamese nationality if such action would harm the national interests of Vietnam.

4. Civil servants, public officials, and those serving in the Vietnam People's Armed Forces shall not be allowed to renounce Vietnamese nationality.

5. The Government shall specify the conditions for renouncing Vietnamese nationality.

Article 28. Documents for Application to Renounce Vietnamese Nationality

1. The application for renouncing Vietnamese nationality includes:

a) An application to renounce Vietnamese nationality;

b) A personal history statement;

c) A copy of the Vietnamese passport, Identity card or other documents as prescribed in Article 11 of this Law;

d)[32] (Repealed)

đ) Documents confirming that the person is undergoing procedures to acquire foreign nationality, except in cases where the laws of that country do not provide for issuing such documents;

e)[33] A tax clearance certificate issued by the tax management agency where the applicant resides;

g) For persons who were previously civil servants, public officials, or employees of the Vietnam People's Armed Forces and have retired, resigned, been relieved of duty, dismissed, removed from office, or discharged from military service within five years, they must also submit a document from the agency, organization, unit that issued the decision on retirement, resignation, relief of duty, dismissal, removal from office, discharge from military service, confirming that the renunciation of Vietnamese nationality by that person does not harm the national interests of Vietnam.

2.[34] In the case of Vietnamese citizens who do not reside permanently in the country, they are not required to submit the documents specified in points e and g of Clause 1 of this Article.

3. The Government shall specify the specific documents in the application for renouncing Vietnamese nationality.

Article 29. Procedures and Formalities for Processing Applications to Renounce Vietnamese Nationality

1. If an applicant for renouncing Vietnamese nationality resides in the country, they shall submit the application to the Department of Justice at their place of residence; if residing abroad, they shall submit the application to the Vietnamese representative agency in the host country. In the event that the application lacks the required documents as prescribed in Article 28 of this Law or is not valid, the receiving agency shall immediately notify the applicant to supplement and complete the application.

2. In the case of an applicant for renouncing Vietnamese nationality residing in the country, within five working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application, the Department of Justice shall be responsible for publishing a notice regarding the application to renounce Vietnamese nationality in a local newspaper or online news site for three consecutive issues and posting it on the Ministry of Justice’s website; in the case of an applicant residing abroad, within five working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application, the Vietnamese representative agency abroad shall be responsible for publishing a notice regarding the application to renounce Vietnamese nationality on its own website.

The notice posted on the website must be retained there for at least thirty days from the date of publication.

3. Within five working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application, the Department of Justice shall send a request to the provincial Public Security agency to verify the identity of the applicant for renouncing Vietnamese nationality.

Within twenty days from the date of receipt of the request from the Department of Justice, the provincial Public Security agency shall be responsible for verifying and sending the results to the Department of Justice. During this period, the Department of Justice must review the documents in the application for renouncing Vietnamese nationality.

Within five working days from the date of receipt of the verification results, the Department of Justice shall have the responsibility to complete the application and submit it to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Within five working days from the date of receipt of the request from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall have the responsibility to examine, conclude and propose opinions to the Ministry of Justice.

4.[35] Within twenty days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application, the Vietnamese representative agency abroad shall be responsible for reviewing the documents in the application for renouncing Vietnamese nationality and transferring the application along with a recommendation on the application to renounce Vietnamese nationality to the Ministry of Justice; simultaneously, information shall be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for coordination in performing state management functions over nationality.

The Ministry of Public Security shall be responsible for verifying the identity of the applicant for renouncing Vietnamese nationality upon the request of the Ministry of Justice. For cases exempted from verification according to this Law, the Ministry of Justice may request the Ministry of Public Security to verify when necessary.

5.[36] Within twenty days from the date of receipt of the proposal from the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, the Vietnamese representative agency abroad, or from the date of receipt of the verification result from the Ministry of Public Security in cases requiring identity verification, the Ministry of Justice shall be responsible for rechecking the application. If it is determined that the applicant for renouncing Vietnamese nationality meets the conditions for renouncing Vietnamese nationality, the Ministry of Justice shall report to the Prime Minister for submission to the President for consideration and decision.

6. Within twenty days from the date of receipt of the proposal from the Prime Minister, the President shall consider and decide.

Article 30. Exemption from Verification of Personal Background

The application dossier for renouncing Vietnamese nationality of individuals falling under any of the following cases shall not be subject to verification of personal background:

1. Persons under 14 years old;

2. Persons born and residing abroad;

3. Persons who have resided abroad for ten years or more;

4. Persons who have been granted exit permits for family reunification purposes.

Section 3. STRIPPING OF VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY

Article 31. Grounds for Stripping Vietnamese Nationality

1. Vietnamese citizens residing abroad may be stripped of their Vietnamese nationality if they commit acts seriously harming national independence, the cause of building and defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, or the reputation of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

2. Individuals who have acquired Vietnamese nationality pursuant to Article 19 of this Law , regardless of whether they reside within or outside the territory of Vietnam, may also be stripped of their Vietnamese nationality if they commit acts as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 32. Procedure and Formalities for Stripping Vietnamese Nationality

Within fifteen days from the date of discovery or receipt of complaints regarding acts as specified in Clause 1 of Article 31 of this Law, the People's Committee of the province or Vietnamese representative offices abroad shall be responsible for verifying such acts, and if sufficient grounds are found, they shall prepare a dossier to request the President of the State to strip the nationality of the person committing such acts.

Courts that have adjudicated against defendants for acts as specified in Clause 1 of Article 31 of this Law shall prepare a dossier to request the President of the State to strip the nationality of the person committing such acts. 

The Government shall specify the specific documents required in the dossier requesting the stripping of Vietnamese nationality.

2. The dossier requesting the stripping of Vietnamese nationality shall be submitted to the Ministry of Justice. Within thirty days from the date of receipt of the dossier from the People's Committee of the province, Vietnamese representative offices abroad, or the Court, the Ministry of Justice shall be responsible for coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant ministries and sectors to review the dossier requesting the stripping of Vietnamese nationality and report to the Prime Minister for submission to the President of the State for consideration and decision.

3. Within twenty days from the date of receipt of the Prime Minister's proposal, the President of the State shall consider and decide.

Section 4. REVOCATION OF DECISIONS TO GRANT VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY AND TO RESTORE VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY[37]

Article 33. Grounds for Revocation of Decisions to Grant Vietnamese Nationality, Decisions to Restore Vietnamese Nationality Vietnamese Nationality 1. Individuals who have acquired Vietnamese nationality or restored Vietnamese nationality pursuant to[38]

Article 19, Article 23 of this Law , residing within or outside the territory of Vietnam, shall have their decisions to grant Vietnamese nationality or restore Vietnamese nationality revoked if they commit any of the following acts:a) Intentionally making false declarations or commitments, or forging documents when applying for Vietnamese nationality or restoring Vietnamese nationality;

b) Exploiting the acquisition or restoration of Vietnamese nationality, or exploiting the retention of foreign nationality while acquiring or restoring Vietnamese nationality to harm the legitimate rights and interests of agencies, organizations, or individuals, or to endanger national security, interests, public order, and social safety of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

2. The revocation of a decision to grant Vietnamese nationality or to restore Vietnamese nationality of a spouse shall not affect the Vietnamese nationality of the other spouse.

2. The revocation of the Decision on acquisition of Vietnamese nationality or the Decision on resumption of Vietnamese nationality of a spouse shall not affect the Vietnamese nationality of the other spouse.

Article 34. Procedures and formalities for revoking Decisions on granting Vietnamese citizenship, Decisions on restoring Vietnamese citizenship[39]

Within fifteen days from the date of discovery or receipt of complaints regarding acts as specified in Clause 1 of Article 33 of this Law, the People's Committee of the province, the representative agency of Vietnam abroad shall be responsible for verifying, if there is sufficient evidence, to prepare a dossier to request the President of the State to revoke the Decision on granting Vietnamese citizenship, the Decision on restoring Vietnamese citizenship of the person who committed such acts.

The court has adjudicated against the defendant for the act prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 33 of this Law prepare a dossier to request the President of the State to revoke the Decision on granting Vietnamese citizenship, the Decision on restoring Vietnamese citizenship of the person who committed such acts.

The Government shall specify in detail the documents in the dossier requesting the revocation of the Decision on granting Vietnamese citizenship, the Decision on restoring Vietnamese citizenship.

2. The dossier requesting the revocation of the Decision on granting Vietnamese citizenship, the Decision on restoring Vietnamese citizenship shall be sent to the Ministry of Justice.

Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the dossier requesting the revocation of the Decision on granting Vietnamese citizenship, the Decision on restoring Vietnamese citizenship from the People's Committee of the province, the representative agency of Vietnam abroad or the Court, the Ministry of Justice shall be responsible for reviewing the dossier requesting the revocation of the Decision on granting Vietnamese citizenship, the Decision on restoring Vietnamese citizenship and report to the Prime Minister for submission to the President of the State for consideration and decision.

3. Within twenty days from the date of receipt of the Prime Minister's proposal, the President of the State shall consider and decide.

Chapter IV. CHANGE OF NATIONALITY OF MINORS AND ADOPTED CHILDREN

Article 35. Nationality of minor children when parents are granted, restored, or renounced Vietnamese nationality

1.[40] When there is a change in nationality due to the grant, restoration, or renunciation of Vietnamese nationality by the parents, the nationality of the minor child living with the parents shall also change according to their nationality.

1a.[41] When there is a change in nationality due to the renunciation of Vietnamese nationality by the parents, the nationality of the minor child living with the parents shall also change according to their nationality, unless the parents have a different request.

2. When only one parent is granted, restored, or renounced Vietnamese nationality, the minor child living with that parent shall also have Vietnamese nationality or lose Vietnamese nationality, if there is a written agreement between the parents.

In the case where one parent is granted or restored Vietnamese nationality, the minor child living with that parent shall also have Vietnamese nationality, unless the parents have not agreed in writing to retain foreign nationality for the child.

3. Any change in nationality of a person aged 15 or older but under 18 years old as stipulated in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article must be agreed in writing by that person.

Article 36. Nationality of minor children when parents are deprived of Vietnamese nationality or their Decisions on granting Vietnamese citizenship, Decisions on restoring Vietnamese citizenship are revoked[42]

When one or both parents are deprived of Vietnamese nationality or their Decisions on granting Vietnamese citizenship, Decisions on restoring Vietnamese citizenship are revoked, Decision on restoring Vietnamese citizenship, the nationality of the minor child does not change.

Article 37. Nationality of adopted minor children

1. Children who are Vietnamese citizens and are adopted by foreigners shall retain Vietnamese nationality.

2. Children who are foreigners and are adopted by Vietnamese citizens shall acquire Vietnamese nationality from the date recognized by the competent authority of Vietnam for adoption.

3. Children who are foreigners and are adopted by parents, one of whom is a Vietnamese citizen and the other a foreigner, shall be granted Vietnamese nationality based on the application for Vietnamese nationality submitted by the adoptive parents and shall be exempted from the conditions prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 19 of this Law.

4. Any change in nationality of adopted children aged 15 or older but under 18 years old must be agreed in writing by that person.

Chapter V. RESPONSIBILITIES OF STATE AUTHORITIES REGARDING NATIONALITY

Article 38. Tasks and Authorities of the President Regarding Nationality[43]

1. Deciding on granting Vietnamese nationality, returning to Vietnamese nationality, renouncing Vietnamese nationality, depriving of Vietnamese nationality, and revoking decisions on granting Vietnamese nationality, decisions on returning to Vietnamese nationality.

2. Deciding on negotiating and signing international treaties on nationality in accordance with this Law and the Law on International Treaties.

Article 39. Responsibilities of the Government Regarding Nationality

1. Uniformly managing state administration regarding nationality.

2.[44] Negotiating and signing international treaties on nationality or submitting to the President for decision on negotiating and signing international treaties on nationality in accordance with this Law and the Law on International Treaties.

3. Directing the dissemination and education on laws related to nationality.

4. Prescribing fees and charges for handling matters related to nationality.

5. Inspecting and supervising the implementation of laws related to nationality.

6. Implementing international cooperation on nationality.

7.[45] Based on economic and social conditions, needs, and capabilities during each period, the Government shall prescribe regulations on the implementation of electronic processing of nationality applications.

Article 40. Responsibilities of Ministries, Agencies Equivalent to Ministries, Provincial People's Committees, and Vietnamese Representative Offices Abroad

1. The Ministry of Justice is responsible before the Government for managing state administration regarding nationality, issuing forms of documents for handling matters related to nationality, and compiling national statistics on resolved nationality matters to report to the Prime Minister for submission to the President.

2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall coordinate with the Ministry of Justice to guide Vietnamese representative offices abroad in handling matters related to nationality, compile national statistics on resolved nationality matters by Vietnamese representative offices abroad, and send them to the Ministry of Justice.

3. Ministries and agencies equivalent to ministries within their respective tasks and authorities shall be responsible for coordinating with the Ministry of Justice in managing state administration regarding nationality.

4.[46] Provincial People's Committees shall be responsible for examining and proposing opinions on cases applying for Vietnamese nationality, returning to Vietnamese nationality, renouncing Vietnamese nationality, deprivation of Vietnamese nationality, and revocation of decisions on granting Vietnamese nationality, decisions on returning to Vietnamese nationality as prescribed by this Law; annually compiling statistics on resolved nationality matters to report to the Ministry of Justice.

5.[47] Vietnamese representative offices abroad shall be responsible for examining and proposing opinions on cases applying for Vietnamese nationality, returning to Vietnamese nationality, renouncing Vietnamese nationality, deprivation of Vietnamese nationality, and revocation of decisions on granting Vietnamese nationality, decisions on returning to Vietnamese nationality; annually compiling statistics on resolved nationality matters to report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice.

Article 41. Notification and Publication of Results of Handling Matters Related to Nationality[48]

The Ministry of Justice shall be responsible for sending results of handling matters related to nationality to provincial people's committees or Vietnamese representative offices abroad to notify the applicants and publish on the Ministry of Justice’s website.

Chapter VI. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS[49]

Article 42. Transitional Provisions

From the date this Law comes into effect, applications for matters related to nationality received prior to that date shall continue to be processed according to the provisions of the 1998 Vietnamese Nationality Law and detailed regulations and guidance on its implementation.

Article 43. Effective Date

This Law takes effect from July 1, 2009.

This Law replaces the Vietnamese Nationality Law dated May 20, 1998.

Article 44. Detailed provisions and guidance on implementation

The Government shall provide detailed provisions and guidance on the implementation of the Articles and Clauses assigned in this Law; provide necessary guidance on other contents of this Law to meet management requirements.

[1] Law No. 56/2014/QH13 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law of Vietnam is based on the following grounds for issuance:

“On the basis of the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

The National Assembly promulgates the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of the Nationality Law of Vietnam No. 24/2008/QH12.”.

Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law of Vietnam is based on the following grounds for issuance:

“Pursuant to the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam amended and supplemented by Resolution No. 203/2025/QH15;

The National Assembly promulgates the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of the Nationality Law of Vietnam No. 24/2008/QH12 which has been amended and supplemented with certain Articles according to Law No. 56/2014/QH13.”.

[2] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 1, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[3] This Clause is added pursuant to Clause 1, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[4] This Clause is added pursuant to Clause 1, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[5] This Clause is added pursuant to Clause 1, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[6] This Clause is added pursuant to Clause 1, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[7] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 2, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[8] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 2, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[9] This Clause is added pursuant to Point b, Clause 2, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[10] This Article is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 1, Article 1 of Law No. 56/2014/QH13 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from June 26, 2014.

[11] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 3, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[12] This Clause is added pursuant to Clause 3, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[13] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 4, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[14] This Article is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 5, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[15] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 6, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[16] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 6, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[17] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 7, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[18] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 7, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[19] This Clause is added pursuant to Point a, Clause 7, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[20] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 7, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[21] The name of this Article is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 8, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[22] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 8, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[23] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point c, Clause 8, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[24] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point c, Clause 8, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[25] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point c, Clause 8, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[26] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 9, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[27] This Point is repealed pursuant to Point b, Clause 9, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[28] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 10, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[29] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 10, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[30] This Clause is added pursuant to Clause 11, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[31] This Clause is repealed pursuant to Clause 2, Article 1 of Law No. 56/2014/QH13 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law of Vietnam, and takes effect from June 26, 2014.

[32] This Point is repealed pursuant to Point b, Clause 12, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[33] This Point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 12, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[34] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point c, Clause 12, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Nationality Law, and takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[35] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 13, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[36] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 13, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[37] The name of this Section is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 14, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[38] This Article is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 15, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[39] This Article is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 15, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[40] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 16, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[41] This Clause is supplemented pursuant to Clause 16, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[42] This Article is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 17, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[43] This Article is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 18, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[44] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Point a, Clause 19, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[45] This Clause is supplemented pursuant to Point b, Clause 19, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[46] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 20, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[47] This Clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 20, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[48] This Article is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 21, Article 1 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which takes effect from July 1, 2025.

[49] Article 2 of Law No. 56/2014/QH13 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which took effect from June 26, 2014, provides as follows:

“Article 2

This Law takes effect from the date of promulgation.”.

Article 2 and Article 3 of Law No. 79/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship, which take effect from July 1, 2025, provide as follows:

“Article 2. Implementation clause

1. This Law shall take effect from July 1, 2025.

2. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and related agencies shall review; amend and supplement within their authority or propose competent authorities to amend and supplement relevant legal documents containing provisions related to the rights and obligations of Vietnamese citizens who also hold foreign citizenship (if applicable) within two years from the date this Law takes effect.

Article 3. Transitional Provisions

Applications for Vietnamese citizenship, reacquisition of Vietnamese citizenship, and renunciation of Vietnamese citizenship submitted before the effective date of this Law shall be processed in accordance with the provisions of this Law.”.