A Vietnam passport is issued by the authorities at the place of issue passport Vietnam for individuals holding Vietnam citizenship. For children born in Vietnam to one or both foreign parents, understanding the legal process of obtaining a Vietnam passport is essential, as it involves specific eligibility requirements and official documentation.
Does Vietnam recognize dual citizenship? Vietnam dual citizenship remains a complex issue, as Vietnam does not recognize dual citizenship in most cases. However, exceptions may apply to children born in Vietnam to foreign parents, allowing them to hold both nationalities under certain conditions. Families should carefully review the regulations on Vietnam citizenship to ensure full compliance with Vietnamese law.
Legal Framework for Vietnam Dual Citizenship
The newly-amended Vietnam’s Law on Nationality 2024 (Resolution No. 203/2025/QH15 & Decree No. 191/2025/ND-CP) lifted certain limitations from allowing Vietnam dual citizenship under specific circumstances. A child born in Vietnam may hold both Vietnamese nationality and a foreign nationality at birth if:
- At least one parent is a Vietnamese citizen, and the other parent holds foreign nationality;
- Both parents are foreign nationals but at least one possesses permanent residence status in Vietnam;
- Exceptionally, the Prime Minister grants dual citizenship for compelling reasons (e.g., significant contributions to Vietnam or humanitarian factors).
In these cases, a child’s dual nationality must be registered with Vietnam’s Immigration Department before the child turns 18. Failure to register can lead to loss of Vietnamese nationality upon reaching adulthood.
Read More: A 3-Step Guide to Obtaining Your Child’s Birth Certificate in Vietnam
Eligibility Criteria
As specified under Decree 82/2015/NĐ-CP, to qualify for Vietnam dual citizenship and obtain a Vietnam passport and a foreign passport for a child born in Vietnam, the following conditions must be met:
- The child was born on Vietnamese soil;
- At least one parent meets the nationality/residence criteria;
- The child’s birth is properly registered with Vietnamese authorities within 60 days of birth;
- Parents provide proof of their own nationality documents and residency or marriage certificates;
- No prior revocation of Vietnamese nationality applies.
Read Related: Vietnam Marriage Certificate: How to Get It for Foreigners?
Birth Registration and Initial Nationality
Birth Registration
Register the child’s birth at the People’s Committee of the ward or commune where the birth occurred. Required documents include:
- Parents’ passports or identity cards;
- Parents’ marriage certificate;
- Child’s birth notification issued by the hospital.
Timely registration ensures the issuance of a Vietnamese Birth Certificate, which serves as the foundation for obtaining Vietnam citizenship and later applying for a Vietnam passport through the authorized place of issue passport Vietnam.
Automatic Foreign Nationality
Some foreign countries grant nationality by jus soli (birth on territory) or jus sanguinis (parentage). For instance, a U.S.-born child to an American parent automatically acquires U.S. citizenship regardless of birthplace. And, Vietnamese-American couples can register their child’s U.S. citizenship at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
Vietnam Passport Application
To apply for a Vietnam passport for the child, parents must arrive in person at the Immigration Department of the province where they are registered, and submit the following:
- Child’s original Birth Certificate;
- Parents’ ID cards/passport;
- Family Registration Book (“sổ hộ khẩu”);
- Completed passport application form (PA01);
- Two 4×6 cm color photos of the child;
- Proof of nationality if foreign dual citizenship is claimed (birth confirmation from foreign embassy).
Processing time is around 7 to 10 working days, and a fee of VND 200,000 for a 5-year passport is applied (Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC). Upon approval, the child receives a renewable passport that remains valid for the next 5 years, or until the child turns 14 years old, depending on which condition arrives first. Vietnamese citizens from 14 years old onwards are instead provided non-renewable passports valid for 10 years.
Foreign Passport Application
Holding a foreign passport does not jeopardize Vietnam citizenship if dual nationality is registered correctly. For children eligible for foreign nationality, follow consular procedures:
- Consular Registration: Register the child’s birth and nationality at the foreign embassy or consulate.
- Document Submission: Provide Birth Certificate, parents’ passport, marriage certificate, and application forms per the foreign country’s requirements.
- Issuance: Processing times vary from 2 weeks to 2 months. Fees are charged depending on the country of issuance; for example, the U.S. applies a passport fee of US$115 for children under 16.
Rights and Obligations of Dual Citizens
Rights
- Access to public education and healthcare in Vietnam under the same conditions as Vietnamese citizens;
- Entitlement to Vietnamese social benefits and citizenship privileges (e.g., property ownership rights);
- Freedom of movement with either passport.
Read Related: Essential Public Services for Expats Living in Vietnam: A Complete Support Guide
Obligations
- Mandatory conscription registration for males ages 18–27 under the Vietnamese Law on Military Service (unless exempted);
- Adherence to Vietnam’s tax laws if residing or earning income in Vietnam;
- Obligation to renew a Vietnam passport and national ID before expiration to maintain active citizenship.
Read Related: 3 Basic Needs of Expats: Healthcare, Banking, and Education
Retention and Loss of Vietnamese Nationality
Vietnamese nationals with dual citizenship must:
- Register dual nationality with the Immigration Department before age 18.
- Declare their foreign nationality when applying for Vietnam passports and ID cards.
Failure to do so can result in automatic loss of Vietnamese nationality at age 18 or upon discovery by authorities. Voluntary renunciation of Vietnamese nationality requires ministerial approval and is irreversible.
Practical Considerations
- Travel Planning: Use both passports strategically—Vietnam passport for Vietnam entry/exit; foreign passport for visa-free travel elsewhere.
- Legal Advice: Engage immigration lawyers familiar with dual-citizenship cases to navigate documentation and registration deadlines.
- Consular Updates: Keep abreast of changes in Vietnamese Law on Nationality and foreign consular requirements.
- Document Safeguarding: Maintain original certificates, consular confirmations, and dual nationality registration records securely.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a child born in Vietnam to two foreign parents automatically acquire Vietnamese citizenship?
A: No. A child born to two foreign nationals can acquire Vietnamese citizenship only if at least one parent has Vietnamese residency status of 5 years or longer, or upon Prime Minister exception.
Q2: What if dual nationality registration is missed before turning 18?
A: The child risks automatic loss of Vietnamese nationality. Parents must apply for restoration, which is discretionary and involves stricter procedures.
Q3: Are there limits on property ownership for dual-citizen children?
A: No. Dual citizens under 18 can inherit or own property through guardians until legal majority, when they may continue ownership on equal terms.
Q4: How do I report a change of address for a child dual citizen?
A: Notify the local Immigration Department within 15 days of moving. Update the Family Registration Book and residence card accordingly.
Q5: Can dual-citizen children serve in Vietnam’s military?
A: Male dual citizens aged 18–27 must register for conscription. Failure to register can lead to penalties.
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Disclaimer: The Nest Asia is not an authorized provider of official government or non-government services. The information provided is intended for general guidance only. While we strive to offer accurate and timely information, we make no representations or warranties regarding its completeness or accuracy.
