4 Powerful Features in Decree 191/2025: Procedures to Apply For Vietnamese Nationality That Bring Hope to Investors and Overseas Vietnamese

New Hopes, New Rules

Some decisions change lives. Others change nations.

Vietnam’s new nationality law may do both.

For years, foreign investors, Vietnamese born citizens abroad, and professionals have struggled with the uncertainty around Vietnam’s citizenship policy and how to apply for Vietnamese nationality. The requirements were complex. The possibility of holding dual nationality was almost always off the table.

That changes now.

Interestingly, the changes come at the time other powerful countries are apply hard policy on immigration matters!

In July 2025, a game changing regulation came into effect, Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality. This is not just another rulebook. It is a gateway.

A gateway for those who consider to move to Vietnam. A framework for those who wish to live, invest, and belong officially.

Why Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality Matters

Vietnam is changing fast. The economy is booming. Global companies are shifting production here. Talents, experts, and overseas Vietnamese are returning to reconnect with their roots. But one thing held many of them back: citizenship.

The legal process to apply for Vietnamese nationality, return, or keep Vietnamese nationality was previously difficult. There were legal obstacles. And for those holding foreign citizenship, very few options exist.

Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality and how to apply for Vietnamese nationality is a response to these long-standing issues. It reflects Vietnam’s effort to modernize, internationalize, and humanize its nationality policies.

This decree provides clearer rules. And for the first time, it openly allows dual citizenship in specific cases.

Who Will Benefit and Why This Is a Turning Point

If you are a foreign investor living in Vietnam, a tech expert contributing to the country’s future, or an overseas Vietnamese who dreams of returning to apply for Vietnamese nationality, check for the eligibility for Vietnamese nationality, and the procedures on how to get Vietnamese nationality, and this decree might finally unlock your legal status.

Here is what it provides:

• A clearer process for acquiring or reclaiming Vietnamese nationality
• New flexibility for dual citizenship
• Specific exemptions for investors, experts, and descendants of Vietnamese citizens
• Reduced paperwork and digital submission options
• Transparent approval timelines

For many, this is the first time Vietnam offers a structured, welcoming path to official belonging.

What the New Policy Looks Like in Practice

Let’s imagine that you were born in Vietnam but have lived abroad for quite some time. You want to come home. Start a business. Maybe buy land in Vietnam. Now, with the help of Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality, you can:

• Submit your request to return to Vietnamese nationality
• Prove your heritage and current contribution
• Request to keep your foreign nationality
• Receive a decision within a transparent time frame
• Become a dual citizen with full rights

Key Features of the Decree

Let’s explore the highlights of Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality:

Dual Citizenship

This is the most powerful shift. The decree allows Vietnamese nationals to retain their foreign nationality, subject to:

• No national security risk
• Approval by the President of Vietnam
• Valid justification: economic, cultural, scientific contribution

Investor and Expert Exemptions

If you are an investor or expert in science, technology, education, or health, you may be exempt from:

• Residency time
• Language fluency
• Proof of financial self-sufficiency

Descendants of Vietnamese People

Children and grandchildren of Vietnamese nationals can:

• Reclaim Vietnamese nationality
• Request simplified procedures
• Apply even if they were never registered at birth in Vietnam

Legal Transparency

The decree sets a standardized process. It reduces discretion and ensures national unity in implementation.

Check How to Become a Vietnamese Citizen

Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality is Vietnam’s signal that it wants its people back. It wants international minds on its side.  You should act now if:

• You are an investor with long-term plans in Vietnam
• You were born in Vietnam and now live abroad
• You want to legally settle in Vietnam with your family
• You want your business leadership to reflect your citizenship

Step-by-Step Guide: Apply for Vietnamese Nationality

Step 1: Determine Eligibility to Apply for Vietnamese Nationality

• Are you of Vietnamese descent?
• Do you hold a long-term visa, work permit, or investment license?
• Are you an expert in a field Vietnam needs?

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents to Apply for Vietnamese Nationality

Depending on your case:

• Passport(s)
• Birth certificate or proof of Vietnamese origin
• Investment certificates
• Work contracts or business licenses
• Residence permit or temporary card
• Language ability

Step 3: Submit the Application to Apply for Vietnamese Nationality

• At Ministry of Justice
• Or through Vietnam’s overseas embassies
• Include request for dual citizenship if applicable

Step 4: Await Verification

• Ministry of Justice processes file
• Ministry of Public Security validates identity and background

Step 5: Receive Decision

• If approved, you would receive an official nationality certificate
• Provincial People’s Committees may hold an official ceremony
• If dual nationality was granted, your foreign citizenship remains intact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to Apply for Vietnamese Nationality

Can I keep my foreign citizenship if I become Vietnamese?

Yes. Under Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality, dual citizenship is permitted if:

• It does not harm national interests
• The President of Vietnam approves it
• You have significant personal or national contributions

Do I need to speak Vietnamese?

Normally, yes. But if you are:

• A high-level investor
• A scientific or cultural expert
• A returning overseas Vietnamese

…then the requirement may be waived.

How long does the process to Apply for Vietnamese Nationality take?

The review may take:

• Up to 30 days by the Ministry of Justice
• 45 days for security verification
• Extra time for Presidential approval if dual citizenship is involved

Can I apply for Vietnamese nationality from abroad?

Yes. You may apply through Vietnamese embassies and consulates. The decree encourages overseas Vietnamese to reclaim nationality.

From Residency to Belonging

Vietnam is no longer just a destination for short-term opportunity. It is building a future of shared citizenship.

With Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality, the door is open for those ready to contribute, return, and stay and apply for Vietnamese nationality.

Whether you are a business leader, a second-generation Vietnamese abroad, or a global expert drawn to Vietnam’s growth, this is your moment.

Now, Vietnam is not just welcoming tourists. 

Vietnam is welcoming you, the citizens.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT Lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi, and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.