Vietnam eases citizenship rules to attract global talent

Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved amendments to the Law on Nationality, streamlining the process for overseas Vietnamese and eligible foreign nationals to obtain or regain Vietnamese citizenship.

The revised law, aimed at attracting high-level talent and bolstering national human resource development, was reported by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a TV BRICS partner.

According to Vietnam’s Minister of Justice, Nguyen Hai Ninh, applicants may be exempted from certain requirements, including language proficiency, residency duration, and proof of financial self-sufficiency.

Under the new provisions, foreign nationals and stateless individuals who have resided in Vietnam for at least five years and can demonstrate financial stability may qualify for citizenship.

Additional exemptions apply to individuals with close familial ties to Vietnamese citizens—such as spouses, parents, children, or grandparents—or to those whose citizenship would serve Vietnam’s national interests.

However, all applicants must respect the Constitution, adhere to Vietnamese laws, and exhibit cultural awareness and basic language skills to support integration.

These amendments align with Vietnam’s broader strategy to attract foreign investors, experts, and scientists, thereby advancing the country’s socio-economic development.

Vietnam