Vietnam Proposes Dual Citizenship and Eased Rules for Foreigners Under New Draft Law

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Vietnam is contemplating major changes to its nationality law that could allow dual citizenship and relax existing citizenship requirements for foreigners. The Ministry of Justice has put forward a draft amendment to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality, highlighting circumstances where individuals might retain another nationality alongside Vietnamese citizenship.

 

Currently, Vietnam mandates that new citizens renounce foreign nationalities, except in specific cases. However, the new proposal suggests granting exceptions in special circumstances determined by the government. This aligns with global trends, where multiple nationalities are increasingly permitted.

 

The draft amendment includes streamlined procedures for certain groups to acquire Vietnamese citizenship, surpassing current requirements like language proficiency, residency duration, and financial independence. Eligible candidates could include those with Vietnamese lineage—children or grandchildren of Vietnamese citizens—and foreigners who have significantly contributed to Vietnam’s development and security.

 

 

 

For minors with at least one Vietnamese parent, the amendment abolishes the need for "full capacity for civil acts" to apply for citizenship, making the process more accessible.

 

Similarly, the draft proposes easing the path for former Vietnamese citizens to regain their nationality. It removes previous restrictions on nationality restoration, which were largely limited to those with familial links to Vietnam, investors, or individuals with notable contributions to the country. This change also targets individuals who relinquished Vietnamese citizenship without successfully acquiring another nationality.

 

Between March and now, Vietnam has reinstated citizenship for 311 individuals and granted citizenship to 7,014 applicants, with 60 maintaining their original foreign citizenship. The Ministry of Justice asserts that the proposed changes are intended to reconnect former citizens with Vietnam and reflect the evolving international stance on dual nationality, reported VN Express.

 

-- 2025-04-10