Does Vietnam Allow Dual Citizenship? 4 Crucial Exceptions You Need to Know

The Truth About Dual Nationality and Concerns of Overseas Vietnamese?
Mr. H just acquired U.S. citizenship, but he’s worried about whether he can still legally own the house in Saigon?
Ms. V is about to give birth in the U.S., wondering how her child can maintain both nationalities (dual citizenship)?
These are primary concerns for hundreds of thousands of Overseas Vietnamese across the globe. Is Vietnam truly “opening its doors” to allow dual citizenship?

As a fundamental principle, the State of Vietnam recognizes only a SINGLE nationality for its citizens—Vietnamese nationality (pursuant to Article 4 of the Law on Nationality). However, the current legislation has established significant exceptions since the amendments to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality in 2008.
This article, compiled by Legal Counsel at An Law Vietnam, will clarify the 4 specific circumstances under which Vietnamese citizens are permitted to retain dual citizenship. It will also provide detailed instructions on the necessary procedures to ensure you do not forfeit your rights as a citizen in your homeland. Don’t miss out on vital privileges concerning investment, inheritance, or visa exemptions.

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Contents

What Exactly is Dual Citizenship and What are the Tangible Benefits?

Legal Definitions of Nationality and Dual Nationality

Nationality: A stable legal relationship between an individual and a specific State, encompassing the totality of a citizen’s rights and obligations as prescribed and guaranteed by law.
Dual Nationality (Dual Citizenship): The legal status where an individual is simultaneously recognized as a citizen of two or more countries, entitled to all rights and obliged to fulfill the civic duties in all those nations.

Maximizing Benefits with Dual Citizenship Status
Holding dual citizenship offers substantial advantages, especially for Overseas Vietnamese residing and working abroad:

Economic & Property Rights (Most Critical)	Travel & Social Welfare Benefits
Land/Property Ownership: The right to legally register and own real estate in Vietnam, just like a domestic citizen.	Visa Exemption: Convenient entry and exit between the two countries without the need for a visa.
Investment & Business Rights: Entitled to full economic privileges and investment incentives in both countries.	Consular Protection: Entitled to assistance and protection from the consular offices/embassies of both nations in case of emergencies.
Inheritance & Bequeathal: Simplified legal procedures for inheritance and transfer of assets.	Access to Social Welfare: Access to advanced healthcare and education systems abroad (e.g., in European countries).

The 4 Legal Exceptions Allowing Dual Citizenship in Vietnam (Per the 2008 Law)

While the principle is single nationality, the 2008 Law on Vietnamese Nationality (amended and supplemented in 2014) specifies 4 special cases where Vietnamese citizens are allowed to simultaneously hold a foreign nationality:

Case 1: Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) Settling Abroad
Legal Basis: Clause 2, Article 13, Law on Vietnamese Nationality 2008.
Vietnamese citizens residing overseas who did not lose their Vietnamese nationality under the provisions of Vietnamese law prior to July 1, 2009, shall retain their Vietnamese nationality.
Crucial Note: This applies to a large segment of Viet Kieu. If you settled abroad before this date and have not officially applied to renounce your Vietnamese nationality, you may still hold dual citizenship.
Case 2: Naturalization in Vietnam Without Relinquishing Foreign Nationality
Legal Basis: Clause 3, Article 19, Law on Vietnamese Nationality 2008 and Article 9, Decree 16/2020/ND-CP.
Foreigners applying for Vietnamese naturalization may be considered for retention of their foreign nationality (instead of mandatory relinquishment) in the following circumstances:

Being the spouse, natural father, natural mother, or natural child of a Vietnamese citizen.
Having made special contributions to the cause of construction and defense of the Fatherland.
Being beneficial to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (as determined by the State).

Case 3: Reacquisition of Vietnamese Nationality Without Relinquishing Foreign Nationality
Legal Basis: Clause 5, Article 23, Law on Vietnamese Nationality 2008 and Article 14, Decree 16/2020/ND-CP.
This applies to individuals who previously lost their Vietnamese nationality and are now applying for reacquisition. The conditions for retaining dual citizenship are similar to Case 2 (being the spouse/parent/child of a Vietnamese citizen; person with special contributions; person beneficial to the State…).
Case 4: Vietnamese Children Adopted by Foreigners
Legal Basis: Article 37, Law on Vietnamese Nationality 2008.
Children who are Vietnamese citizens adopted by foreigners shall retain their Vietnamese nationality.

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Procedure for Viet Kieu to Confirm or Reacquire Vietnamese Nationality

This is the most critical legal step for Overseas Vietnamese to formalize their nationality status.
Purpose and Submission Authority

Purpose of the Procedure	Place of Submission
Confirmation of Vietnamese Nationality (Reviewing current status)	Vietnamese Representative Agencies Abroad (Embassy/Consulate) OR the Department of Justice (Sở Tư pháp) in Vietnam.
Application for Certification of Vietnamese Nationality	Department of Justice (Sở Tư pháp) in Vietnam (if currently residing in Vietnam).

Required Documentation
The application must substantiate your Vietnamese origin or previous nationality status, including:

Application form (standard template).
Certified copies of documents proving Vietnamese nationality: Birth Certificate, Old Vietnamese Passport, Old ID Card/Citizen ID, Decision on naturalization/reacquisition of nationality (if applicable).
02 color photos (4×6 cm).
Note: If submitting abroad, foreign documents must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized.

Processing Time (Real-World Experience)
The legal processing time is 15 working days (for clear documentation) or 55 working days (if verification is required). However, in practice, if original documents are lost or personal information changes are complex, the verification process can be prolonged, often requiring expert legal assistance.

Key Considerations for Dual Citizens in Vietnam

To avoid unnecessary complications when traveling or conducting legal transactions, dual citizens must be aware of the following points:

Passport for Entry to Vietnam: When entering Vietnam, dual citizens SHOULD use their Vietnamese Passport to enjoy full civic rights within the country and bypass visa regulations and temporary residence limits applicable to foreigners.
Flexible Passport Use: Depending on the destination country, use the passport that provides the best advantages (visa-free access, longer stay duration). Example: A Vietnamese passport is highly convenient for travel within ASEAN countries.
Obligations and Rights: Full compliance with tax, military service (if applicable), and other legal regulations of both countries is required.

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Conclusion and Legal Assistance Contact

In summary, Vietnam does permit dual citizenship, but strictly within the specific and conditioned exceptional cases outlined by law. Understanding and correctly executing the legal procedures is key to safeguarding your full rights, especially concerning property ownership in Vietnam.
With years of experience as a Family Law Firm – An Law Vietnam, our legal team specializes in assisting Overseas Vietnamese with matters of nationality, ID cards, and property rights. We have successfully supported hundreds of clients annually in confirming and retaining their Vietnamese nationality.
Do you need an in-depth assessment of your legal status or assistance with the procedures?
Contact us today for a professional consultation:
📞 Phone: (+84) 986 995 543
📧 Email: info@anlawvietnam.com
📍 Head Office: Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
🏢 Vung Tau Branch: Vo Thi Sau Street, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City