Vietnam eases citizenship rules to attract foreign professionals and overseas Vietnamese

Vietnam’s National Assembly has officially approved amendments to the Law on Nationality, simplifying the process for overseas Vietnamese and qualified foreign nationals to acquire or restore Vietnamese citizenship. The revised legislation is designed to attract high-level talent and strengthen national human resource development, according to the VNA, a partner of TV BRICS.

Under the amended law, foreign nationals and stateless individuals may be eligible for Vietnamese citizenship if they have resided in the country for at least five years and can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. In addition, applicants must comply with the Vietnamese Constitution and legal framework, respect local customs and culture, and demonstrate adequate proficiency in the Vietnamese language to support social integration.

Applicants may be exempt from requirements such as language proficiency, length of residency, and proof of self-sufficiency if they have close familial ties to Vietnamese citizens – such as being a spouse, child, parent, or grandparent – or if their citizenship is deemed to contribute positively to national interests.

Vietnam’s Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh emphasised that the revised law is intended to create more favourable conditions for foreign investors, specialists, and scientists, aligning with Vietnam’s broader goals to attract high-quality international expertise and reinforce socio-economic development.

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