Vietnamese women paddling in old town in Hoi An city, Vietnam. Hoi An is situated on the east coast of Vietnam. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical buildings.

All You Need to Know about Vietnam Citizenship

Vietnam’s citizenship laws are based on the principle of jus sanguinis, or “right of blood,” which means that citizenship is acquired through one’s parents or ancestors rather than through birth within the country’s territorial boundaries.

Vietnam Citizenship

To acquire Vietnamese citizenship, a person must meet certain eligibility criteria and go through a formal application process. The criteria for citizenship include:

  • Being of Vietnamese origin
  • Having a permanent residence in Vietnam
  • Having a good understanding of the Vietnamese language and customs
  • Having a stable source of income
  • Having no criminal record

The process for obtaining citizenship in Vietnam typically involves submitting an application to the local People’s Committee, which will then conduct an investigation into the applicant’s background and qualifications. This investigation may include interviews with the applicant and other community members.

If the application is approved, the applicant will then be required to take an oath of allegiance to Vietnam and may be required to renounce their previous citizenship.

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Vietnam also allows dual citizenship in certain circumstances, such as if the person is a citizen of another country that also allows dual citizenship, if the person is married to a Vietnamese citizen, or if the person is a child of a Vietnamese mother or father.

In addition, Vietnam also has a policy of granting citizenship to certain groups of people, such as ethnic minorities, and certain individuals such as those who have made significant contributions to the country.

It is important to note that the process and requirements for obtaining Vietnamese citizenship can change over time and may vary depending on the individual’s specific circumstances. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer or immigration expert to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and understand the process before applying for citizenship.

Ways of obtaining Vietnam citizenship

Obtaining Vietnamese citizenship can be done through several methods, including:

  1. Birth: A person is considered a Vietnamese citizen if they are born within the territory of Vietnam, regardless of the nationality of their parents.
  2. Naturalization: A foreign national can apply for Vietnamese citizenship through naturalization if they meet certain requirements, such as having lived in Vietnam for a certain period of time and being able to speak and read the Vietnamese language.
  3. Marriage: A foreign national who marries a Vietnamese citizen can apply for Vietnamese citizenship, provided they meet certain requirements and can provide marriage documentation.
  4. Investment: Vietnam has a program that grants citizenship to foreign investors who meet certain qualifications and make a significant investment in the country.
  5. Recognition of Vietnamese origin: A foreign national of Vietnamese origin can apply for Vietnamese citizenship if they can prove their connection to Vietnam, such as through birth or descent from a Vietnamese citizen.

It’s worth noting that the process for obtaining Vietnamese citizenship can be lengthy and difficult, and the requirements and procedures can vary depending on the acquisition method. It’s advisable to consult with a lawyer or immigration specialist to understand the process and the requirements for obtaining Vietnamese citizenship.

How long does it take to get Vietnamese citizenship?

The time it takes to get Vietnamese citizenship can vary depending on the individual case and the specific requirements that must be met. However, it can take several years for an application for Vietnamese citizenship to be processed and approved.

The process typically includes completing an application form, providing documentation such as birth certificates and marriage certificates, and passing a Vietnamese language test and a Vietnamese culture and history test.

Additionally, applicants may be required to renounce their current citizenship and meet residence requirements in Vietnam.

Does being born in Vietnam make you a citizen?

Typically, a person born in Vietnam would be considered a citizen of Vietnam, provided that at least one parent is a citizen of Vietnam at the time of the child’s birth. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if the child is born to foreign diplomats or if the child’s parents are themselves stateless individuals.

In some situations, it might be necessary to register the birth to obtain a birth certificate, which is a requirement to apply for ID card and passport. It’s important to check the laws and regulations of Vietnam to be sure of the specific citizenship requirements.

How strong is a Vietnamese passport?

The number of countries often measures the strength of a passport that a holder of that passport can enter without a visa or with a visa on arrival. The strength of a Vietnamese passport can vary depending on the current political and diplomatic relations between Vietnam and other countries, but generally speaking, it is considered to be a relatively weak passport.

As of 2021, Vietnamese passport holders can travel to around 73 countries without a visa or with visa on arrival, which is not that much compared to other countries. This means that Vietnamese citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to traveling to most countries, and the process might be time-consuming and costly.

It is important to note that Vietnam visa requirements can change frequently, and it is advisable to check the most up-to-date information before planning any international travel.

Conclusion

In summary, to obtain Vietnamese citizenship, one must meet certain eligibility criteria, go through a formal application process and may be required to renounce their previous citizenship, and only in certain circumstances dual citizenship is allowed. Furthermore, certain groups of people and individuals who have made significant contributions are eligible to receive Vietnamese citizenship.