Vietnam has outlined six conditions foreign nationals and stateless people must satisfy to obtain citizenship, including sufficient knowledge of the Vietnamese language, at least five years of permanent residency and evidence of financial stability.

The requirements, contained in the country’s amended Law on Nationality and Decree No. 191/2025/ND-CP, establish the legal conditions for foreigners seeking to become Vietnamese citizens.

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The revised framework places particular emphasis on applicants’ ability to integrate into Vietnamese society, comply with the country’s laws and demonstrate a lasting connection to the Southeast Asian nation.

The six requirements cover legal capacity, respect for Vietnamese laws and culture, language proficiency, permanent residence, five years of residence and the ability to support oneself financially.

Under the amended nationality law, applicants must have full civil capacity under Vietnamese law, although an exemption applies to minors applying alongside a parent or those whose parent is already a Vietnamese citizen.

They must also demonstrate respect for Vietnam’s Constitution, laws, culture, traditions and customs.

Language proficiency is another important consideration. Applicants must understand and communicate in Vietnamese sufficiently to integrate into the local community.

The implementing decree explains that this includes listening, speaking, reading and writing skills appropriate to their living and working environment.

The residency requirement is equally significant. Applicants must hold a permanent residence card issued by the relevant Vietnamese authorities, while the five-year qualifying period is calculated from the date the card was issued.

They must also demonstrate that they can maintain a livelihood in Vietnam. Acceptable evidence includes personal assets, lawful sources of income or financial guarantees from an organisation or individual based in the country.

Vietnam’s nationality framework also provides exemptions for certain applicants with family connections or significant contributions to the country.

Foreign nationals whose spouse or biological child is Vietnamese may be exempted from the language proficiency, five-year residency and financial livelihood requirements.

However, they must still meet the other applicable legal conditions, including the requirement to reside permanently in Vietnam.

Applicants with a Vietnamese biological parent or grandparent may qualify for broader exemptions covering language proficiency, permanent residence, the five-year residency period and financial stability.

Similar exemptions apply to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Vietnam’s development and national interests, as well as people whose naturalisation is considered beneficial to the Vietnamese state.

The law also makes provisions for minors applying for citizenship alongside a parent.

The revised legislation is part of Vietnam’s broader effort to adjust its nationality policies and make naturalisation more accessible to certain groups while maintaining legal safeguards.

The National Assembly adopted Law No. 79/2025/QH15 on June 24, 2025, and it came into effect on July 1, 2025. The government subsequently issued Decree No. 191/2025/ND-CP to provide detailed implementation guidelines.

The changes also provide greater flexibility for some applicants with exceptional contributions, outstanding professional achievements and investments considered beneficial to Vietnam.

Importantly, the six conditions do not mean every foreign applicant must satisfy all of them. Eligibility depends on an applicant’s individual circumstances and whether they qualify for any of the statutory exemptions.

For prospective applicants, the rules make clear that obtaining Vietnamese citizenship involves more than simply spending several years in the country.

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Applicants must demonstrate a genuine connection to Vietnam, an ability to integrate into its society and, where applicable, the financial means to establish a livelihood there.