Picture courtesy of VN Express

 

Vietnam's National Assembly has passed new amendments to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality, making it easier for foreigners with Vietnamese family ties to obtain citizenship. Approved on Tuesday, the revisions eliminate the need for residency, language proficiency, and financial requirements for eligible applicants.

 

Under the new law, foreign nationals and stateless persons with Vietnamese spouses, children, parents, or grandparents can apply for citizenship without meeting the strict criteria that previously hindered many. These changes also extend to foreigners who have made notable contributions or those who bring evident benefits to the nation.

 

While the language and residency hurdles are removed, applicants are still expected to comply with Vietnamese law and respect local customs. Children applying with a Vietnamese parent are exempt from demonstrating legal capacity.

 

The reform aims to attract skilled professionals, investors, scientists, and experts, bolstering the country's development. Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh remarked, "The goal is to encourage integration while supporting national development."

 

Significantly, the amendment allows for dual citizenship for certain applicants with Vietnamese family ties, subject to presidential approval. This provision is particularly advantageous for those residing overseas, who can apply through Vietnamese embassies or consulates.

 

Additionally, the law offers more flexibility in naming conventions. Naturalised citizens are still required to adopt a Vietnamese name, but dual citizens can now retain their original name alongside a Vietnamese one in official documents, reflecting Vietnam's growing global integration.

 

Some lawmakers even suggested further relaxation of naming rules to embrace the country's evolving international presence. Overall, the changes mark a significant shift towards more inclusive and welcoming citizenship policies.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-06-25

 

 

Fourteen years here retired American Prof. Emeritus of History and International Programs. Married to Thai with a Thai Stepdaughter in university. Yes, Kingdom of Thailand, I would accept Thai citizenship responsibility if offered on this same basis. I am past my prime but am a mutually beneficial positive relationship overall living in your country in support of my Thai family.

A lesson for Thailand?

 

No wonder so many expats are choosing Viet Nam over Thailand.

18 minutes ago, wwest5829 said:

Fourteen years here retired American Prof. Emeritus of History and International Programs. Married to Thai with a Thai Stepdaughter in university. Yes, Kingdom of Thailand, I would accept Thai citizenship responsibility if offered on this same basis. I am past my prime but am a mutually beneficial positive relationship overall living in your country in support of my Thai family.

You are not alone, but ....

 

Unless you have worked and been legally employed in Thailand for 3+ years (for memory), and paid Thai taxes, and contributed to a Thai social security fund, and are reasonably fluent in Thai, and willing to wait the about 10+ years for your application to be processed and decided, then ... 

8 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

You are not alone, but ....

 

Unless you have worked and been legally employed in Thailand for 3+ years (for memory), and paid Thai taxes, and contributed to a Thai social security fund, and are reasonably fluent in Thai, and willing to wait the about 10+ years for your application to be processed and decided, then ... 

Did you miss "if offered on this same basis" ?

The caveat is that you will have to give up your current citizenship