Get Your Vietnam Dual Citizenship — Learn How to Apply

Q: Does Vietnam allow dual citizenship?

Generally no, but exceptions exist for overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) who may retain or restore Vietnamese citizenship while keeping another nationality.

Q: Can I get Vietnamese citizenship if my parent is Vietnamese?

Yes. Children born abroad to at least one Vietnamese parent may claim citizenship by descent if their birth is registered with the Vietnamese authorities.

Q: Can I become a citizen through marriage?

Yes. Foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens may apply after 5 years of residency and meeting language and integration requirements.

Q: What is the overseas Vietnamese exemption?

Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) who acquired foreign nationality may apply to retain or restore Vietnamese citizenship without renouncing their other citizenship, subject to approval.

Q: Do I have to pay taxes in both countries if I’m a dual citizen?

Vietnam taxes residents on worldwide income. Non-residents are generally taxed only on income sourced in Vietnam. Consult a tax advisor for your individual case.

Let us make the application process easier. With our network of experts, easy-to-use tools and helpful progress trackers, we're your complete resource for acquiring dual citizenship.

Eligibility Overview

By Birth: Children born in Vietnam to at least one Vietnamese parent are granted citizenship automatically.
By Descent: Children born abroad to at least one Vietnamese parent may claim citizenship by descent, provided the birth is registered with a Vietnamese embassy or local authority.
By Marriage: Foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens may apply for naturalization after living in Vietnam for 5 years and meeting language and residency requirements.
By Naturalization: Foreigners can apply after 5 years of legal residence and cultural integration. Applicants must renounce prior citizenship unless exempt.
Dual Citizenship Limited: Vietnam generally does not allow dual citizenship. However, exceptions exist for overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) who wish to retain or restore citizenship without renouncing their current nationality.

Step-by-Step Process

Identify your eligibility path (descent, marriage, naturalization, or overseas Vietnamese status).
Apply through the Vietnamese Department of Justice or a Vietnamese consulate abroad.
Provide supporting documents such as birth certificates, proof of descent, or marriage registration.
Complete residency, language, and integration requirements.
Take the citizenship oath and await approval from the President of Vietnam (for naturalization cases).

Benefits of Vietnamese Citizenship

Live and work freely in Vietnam
Own land under Vietnamese law (as a citizen)
Pass citizenship to children
Access public education and healthcare
Possible dual citizenship exception if you’re an overseas Vietnamese

Frequently asked questions.

Does Vietnam allow dual citizenship?

Generally, no. Vietnam requires most new citizens to renounce their previous nationality. However, overseas Vietnamese may be allowed to retain dual citizenship under special provisions.

Can I get Vietnamese citizenship if my parent is Vietnamese?

Yes. If you were born abroad to at least one Vietnamese parent, you can claim citizenship by descent if your birth is registered with the Vietnamese government.

Can I become a citizen through marriage?

Yes, but you must meet residency and language requirements. Typically, this involves living in Vietnam for 5 years and showing cultural integration.

What is the overseas Vietnamese exemption?

Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) who have taken foreign citizenship may apply to retain or restore Vietnamese citizenship without giving up their current nationality. Each case is reviewed individually.

Do I have to pay taxes in both countries if I'm a dual citizen?

Vietnam taxes residents on worldwide income. If you live abroad and are not a tax resident, you are generally taxed only on Vietnam-sourced income. Speak with a tax advisor to understand your specific obligations.