Amended Vietnamese Nationality Law: Key Updates for Foreign Workers

As Vietnam seeks to diversify its talent pool with high-skilled workers from abroad, its National Assembly (NA) has approved a new law amending the Law on Vietnamese Nationality. While incorporating the existing provisions under Decree 16/2020/ND-CP (“Decree 16”), the amended law also offers more flexible conditions for foreign investors, scientists, and experts seeking Vietnamese citizenship.

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On June 24, 2025, the NA approved the revision to Law No. 24/2008/QH12 on Vietnamese Nationality, amended by Law No. 56/2014/QH13. Effective as of July 1, 2025, the updated Nationality Law is set to present several breakthroughs that eliminate previous barriers to obtaining Vietnamese citizenship for foreigners.

While the full text is expected to be released soon, official portals have revealed some of the most noteworthy changes to the amendment law. This article examines these key updates, assessing their implications for foreign talent who wish to pursue a life and career path in Vietnam.

Also read: Vietnam’s Work Permit: Draft Decree to Streamline Compliance

Relaxed requirements for granting citizenship

Naturalization standard exemptions

Currently, foreigners applying for Vietnamese citizenship must meet a series of stringent requirements prescribed in Article 19 of the 2008 Vietnamese Nationality Law.

Following the enactment of the Amendment Law, foreign individuals who have made significant contributions to Vietnam’s development and defense will be exempt from the following requirements when applying for citizenship:

• Demonstrating sufficient Vietnamese language skills for community integration;
• Residing in Vietnam for at least five years prior to applying for citizenship; and
• Being capable of leading a stable life in the country.

Determination of individuals with outstanding contributions

The specific provisions to determine the exemption eligibility are outlined under Article 8 of Decree 16, which includes people having these merits:

• Noteworthy contributions to Vietnam: These individuals must have received state honors or have their achievements officially verified by competent authorities; or
• Exceptional talent valuable to Vietnam: They must demonstrate outstanding expertise in fields such as science, economics, culture, arts, sports, healthcare, or education, which clearly contributes positively and long-term to the country’s development in their respective field.

Conditions for maintaining dual citizenship

Individuals applying for Vietnamese citizenship are allowed to retain their foreign nationality if they meet conditions similar to applicants with Vietnamese relatives, provided they obtain approval from the President. Applicants living abroad may submit their documents through Vietnam’s overseas diplomatic missions.

Besides inheriting the key provisions from Decree 16, the government will also review and elaborate on a “special mechanism for naturalization” as mentioned in Resolution 57-NQ/TW, to make sure it meets existing national requirements.

Also read: Vietnam to Introduce Special Mechanisms for Technology Advancement

Vietnamese name no longer mandatory

In response to feedback from the NA, the government has amended Clauses 4, Article 19, and Clause 4, Article 23 of the Vietnamese Nationality Law to remove the mandatory requirement of a Vietnamese name. Accordingly, the revisions enable individuals applying for or reacquiring Vietnamese nationality, who also wish to retain their foreign nationality, to select a name that combines their Vietnamese and foreign names. This change aims to facilitate their daily life and work in their respective countries.

Streamlining the nationality application processing

During the meeting, several NA delegates urged the drafting agency to further simplify administrative procedures, especially by digitizing processes. In response, Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh explained that the draft amended Nationality Law includes digital transformation provisions under Article 39, which outlines government responsibilities on citizenship.

The government recognizes that reducing bureaucracy and adopting digital solutions should follow a structured roadmap aligned with practical conditions. Key amendments based on delegate feedback include:

• Simplified procedures: Revisions to Articles 20, 21, 24, 25, 29, and 41 aim to streamline application processes;
• Confirmation of Vietnamese citizenship under Article 13: Vietnamese overseas missions will now verify (not determine) citizenship status and issue passports, with specific procedures to be regulated by the government. Passport issuance will comply with the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens; and
• Future digital integration: The government plans to explore digitalizing certain steps of the citizenship application process during the law’s comprehensive revision and the draft of its implementing decree.

These updates aim to enhance efficiency while ensuring gradual and feasible implementation.

Managing the potential impact on national security

Single nationality for key state positions

Under the new law, Vietnam maintains a single nationality requirement for key government and security roles. Those nominated or appointed to positions within the Communist Party, state agencies, the Fatherland Front, political-social organizations, and the main security forces must be Vietnamese and reside in Vietnam.

Civil servants and public employees are also generally required to be Vietnamese unless an exception benefits the country without compromising national interests. These specifics will be detailed in upcoming government regulations.

The government also underscores that those in the armed forces and critical government roles must demonstrate total loyalty to the nation, supporting the single nationality rule, although exceptions may be granted for public servants with exceptional expertise that is beneficial to the country.

Concerns over related legislation

As the new law is expected to relax conditions for acquiring or reclaiming Vietnamese citizenship significantly, many lawmakers have raised concerns over its implications for national security, public order, and social stability. To address the issue, revisions have been proposed for several pieces of legislation, including the Civil Code, Civil Procedure Code, Housing Law, Land Law, Investment Law, Extradition Law, Residence Law, and laws governing immigration.

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In response, Minister Ninh stated that the new law will modify Article 5 of the Nationality Law to formalize the principles outlined in Decree 16. This change reaffirms Vietnam’s constitutional stance on singular nationality, aligning with global practices.

Additionally, the new law requires ministries and relevant agencies to review related legal documents concerning the rights and responsibilities of Vietnamese citizens with dual nationality. They must complete these reviews and suggest necessary amendments within two years of the law’s enactment to maintain legal consistency.

Conclusion

The amendments to the Vietnamese Nationality Law represent a significant step toward attracting foreign talent by simplifying the citizenship application process and relaxing previously stringent requirements. As the law comes into effect in 2025, its implications will likely resonate across various sectors, promoting greater international collaboration and development.

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