The new law relaxes policies on naturalization or reinstatement of Vietnamese nationality, and includes provisions on the relationship between the State and its citizens, affirming national sovereignty over matters of nationality. The Law simplifies administrative procedures and promotes the use of digital technology.

Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh said that, in response to lawmakers’ opinions on the naming regulations for people applying for Vietnamese nationality, the law now stipulates that individual acquiring or reinstating Vietnamese nationality while retaining their foreign nationality may choose a name that includes both a Vietnamese and a foreign name to facilitate living and working in either country where they hold citizenship.

The law now stipulates that foreign nationals and stateless person who apply for Vietnamese citizenship may be granted citizenship if they meet the following criteria:

1. Have full legal capacity in accordance with Vietnamese law, except for minors applying for Vietnamese citizenship based on their parents’ citizenship, or minors with a parent who is a Vietnamese citizen.

2. Comply with the Constitution and laws of Vietnam.

3. Respect the culture, traditions, customs, and practices of the Vietnamese people.

4. Possess sufficient Vietnamese language skills to integrate into the Vietnamese community.

5.  Reside currently in Vietnam.

6.  Have resided in Vietnam for five years or more as of the time of application.

7. Have the financial means to sustain their life in Vietnam.

Minister Ninh said the Government will continue to explore the use of digital technology in certain steps of the citizenship application process during the drafting of a decree detailing the implementation of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality.