Complete Guide to Vietnamese Citizenship Application in 2025

Obtaining Vietnamese citizenship is an important process for foreigners and stateless individuals residing in Vietnam. This article provides detailed information on the required documents and procedures for obtaining Vietnamese citizenship in accordance with the latest regulations for 2025.

For the basic conditions for obtaining Vietnamese citizenship, please refer to the following article: https://hmlf.vn/immigration/basic-conditions-vietnamese-citizenship-2025/

1. Application Documents for Vietnamese Citizenship
The application for Vietnamese citizenship includes the following main documents:

1.1 Basic Documents
Application for Vietnamese Citizenship
Copy of Birth Certificate, Passport, or equivalent document
Personal history form
Documents verifying criminal record information (issued within the last 90 days)
Documents proving Vietnamese language proficiency (degrees, certificates of study in Vietnamese)
Documents proving the duration of permanent residence in Vietnam (Permanent Resident Card)
Documents proving ability to support oneself in Vietnam

1.2 Additional documents for special cases
Documents proving relationship with a Vietnamese citizen (if spouse, parent, or child)
Documents proving special contributions to Vietnam
Documents proving benefits to Vietnam (certificates of talent, international awards, etc.)

1.3 For applicants seeking to retain foreign nationality
Documents from the competent foreign authority regarding the retention of foreign nationality
A commitment not to use foreign citizenship to harm the legitimate rights and interests of agencies, organizations, individuals, or the national security and interests of Vietnam

Detailed list of documents required for each specific case:

Ordinary Foreign Nationals

Individuals with a Spouse Who Is a Vietnamese Citizen

Individuals with a Parent or Child Who Is a Vietnamese Citizen

Individuals with Special Contributions to Vietnam

Individuals Beneficial to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Individuals Applying for Citizenship While Retaining Foreign Nationality

Under 18 Applying for Citizenship with Their Parents

Stateless Persons Residing in Vietnam

2. Procedures for Acquiring Vietnamese Citizenship
2.1 Submission of Application Documents
Applicants for Vietnamese citizenship submit their application documents to the Department of Justice where they have their permanent residence. Applications may be submitted directly or through the online public service system.

2.2 Receipt, processing, and review of the application
Within 5 working days of receiving a complete application, the Department of Justice shall send a written request to the provincial-level Public Security Agency to verify the identity of the applicant for Vietnamese citizenship.

Within 30 days from the date of receiving the request from the Department of Justice, the provincial public security agency shall verify and respond in writing regarding the personal background of the applicant for Vietnamese citizenship. During this period, the Department of Justice shall review the documents in the application for Vietnamese citizenship; compile a complete list of documents in each application, along with a list of applicants for Vietnamese citizenship according to the prescribed format.

2.3 Forwarding the file to the higher authority
Within 5 working days from the date of receiving the request from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee shall review, conclude, and submit their opinion to the Ministry of Justice.

Within 20 days from the date of receiving the proposal from the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, the Ministry of Justice reviews the file. If the conditions for Vietnamese citizenship are met, it notifies the applicant to proceed with the procedures to renounce their foreign citizenship (except in cases where the applicant is permitted to retain their foreign citizenship or is stateless).

2.4 Renunciation of foreign nationality
The applicant for Vietnamese citizenship has a period of 9 months to submit documents proving that they have renounced their foreign citizenship. This period is not included in the processing time for the application.

2.5 Decision of the President
Within 10 working days from the date of receiving the foreign citizenship renunciation document, the Minister of Justice, acting on behalf of the Prime Minister, shall sign the proposal and submit it to the President for consideration and decision.

Within 30 days from the date of receiving the proposal from the Prime Minister, the President reviews and decides.

2.6 Issuance of the decision and post-naturalization procedures
After the President issues the Decision granting Vietnamese citizenship, the Ministry of Justice publishes it on the Ministry’s official website.

The provincial People’s Committee organizes a ceremony to present the Decision on naturalization as a Vietnamese citizen in a solemn ceremony.

The Ministry of Justice notifies the Ministry of Public Security to instruct the competent public security authorities to register the residence, issue a Vietnamese passport, ID card, and electronic ID card for the person granted Vietnamese citizenship.

3. Important Notes When Acquiring Vietnamese Nationality
Documents issued by foreign authorities must be consular legalized, except in cases exempted under Vietnamese law or international treaties to which Vietnam is a party.
Documents in a foreign language must be translated into Vietnamese and have the translator’s signature certified in accordance with Vietnamese law.
Applicants may submit photocopies of original documents, certified copies of original documents, copies issued from the original records, or electronic versions of these documents.
The processing time for naturalization applications is typically lengthy, so it is advisable to prepare all required documents thoroughly to avoid multiple requests for additional information.

4. Benefits and Rights Upon Becoming a Vietnamese Citizen
After being recognized as a Vietnamese citizen, the naturalized citizen will enjoy all the rights and obligations of Vietnamese citizens as prescribed by the Constitution and laws, including:

The right to own land and real estate in accordance with the law
The right to participate in elections and stand for office in accordance with the law
The right to protection by the Vietnamese state both domestically and internationally
The right to be issued a Vietnamese passport and a citizen ID card
The right to enjoy social welfare policies in accordance with the law

5. Conclusion
Obtaining Vietnamese citizenship is a complex process but can be successfully completed if all conditions are met and the necessary documents are prepared accurately and completely. Understanding the steps in the process, preparing all required documents, and adhering to legal regulations will help the naturalization process proceed smoothly.

If you are considering applying for Vietnamese citizenship, please consult the legal experts and lawyers at Harley Miller.

For more information, please contact: info@luatminhnguyen.com, hotline: +84937215585