Vietnam Immigration Procedures for Dual Nationals in 2025

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Dual nationals can enter Vietnam using either a Vietnamese passport or a foreign passport accompanied by a valid visa or visa exemption certificate.

Below, Tân Văn Lang provides a detailed guide on the immigration process for dual nationals entering Vietnam. Read on for more information.

Vietnamese Law on Dual Nationality

Cases Where Dual Nationality is Permitted Under Current Law

According to the 2008 Vietnam Nationality Law, the general principle is that Vietnamese citizens hold only one nationality. However, in certain exceptional cases, individuals may retain dual nationality – both Vietnamese and foreign. The following are four specific scenarios where this is allowed:

1/ Vietnamese Citizens Residing Abroad Retaining Vietnamese Nationality

Under Clause 2, Article 13 of the 2008 Nationality Law ^[1] , Vietnamese citizens living abroad who have not renounced their Vietnamese nationality before July 1, 2009, are still recognized as Vietnamese citizens. These individuals may simultaneously hold foreign nationality if recognized by their country of residence.

2/ Acquiring Vietnamese Nationality Without Renouncing Original Nationality

1. In certain cases, individuals applying for Vietnamese nationality are not required to renounce their existing nationality. According to Clause 3, Article 19 of the Nationality Law, the following individuals may retain their foreign nationality:
   • Spouses, parents, or children of Vietnamese citizens;
   • Individuals who have made significant contributions to Vietnam’s development and protection;
   • Cases where acquiring Vietnamese nationality benefits the Vietnamese state.
2. Additionally, under Article 9 of Decree 16/2020/ND-CP ^[2] those wishing to retain foreign nationality when naturalizing as Vietnamese must prove that:
   • Retaining dual nationality does not harm Vietnam’s security or public order;
   • It complies with the laws of the foreign country;
   • Renouncing their original nationality would adversely affect their rights.

3/ Reacquiring Vietnamese Nationality Without Renouncing Foreign Nationality

According to Clause 5, Article 23 of the 2008 Nationality Law, individuals who previously held Vietnamese nationality, acquired foreign nationality, and now wish to reacquire Vietnamese nationality may not need to renounce their current nationality. Conditions are similar to those for new naturalization, including:

• Having close ties with Vietnamese citizens;
• Making significant contributions to Vietnam;
• Reacquiring Vietnamese nationality while retaining foreign nationality benefits Vietnam;
• Compliance with the laws of the foreign country;
• No negative impact on Vietnam’s national interests or security.

4/ Vietnamese Children Adopted by Foreigners

Under Article 37 of the Nationality Law, a Vietnamese child adopted by foreigners retains Vietnamese nationality. Many countries also grant citizenship to adopted children, allowing the child to hold both Vietnamese and foreign nationality.

>>> Read more: Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption (Five-Year Visa) – Simple Guide & Full Service

Should You Use a Vietnamese or Foreign Passport for Entry?

Entering with a Vietnamese Passport

According to Clause 2, Article 4 of the 2008 Nationality Law (amended in 2014), Vietnamese citizens generally hold only Vietnamese nationality, except in cases where the President permits retaining foreign nationality.

Furthermore, Law No. 51/2019/QH14 ^[3] stipulates that Vietnamese citizens must use documents issued by Vietnamese authorities—meaning a Vietnamese passport is required for entry and exit.

Benefits of using a Vietnamese passport:

• No need to apply for a visa, saving time and costs.
• No restrictions on the duration of stay, allowing long-term residence in Vietnam.
• Full protection under Vietnamese law, including citizenship rights, residence, education, work, and property ownership.

Using a Vietnamese passport simplifies immigration procedures and ensures your legal rights in Vietnam.

Entering with a Foreign Passport

If a dual national uses a foreign passport to enter Vietnam, they will be treated as a foreign national under Vietnamese law. In this case:

• A valid visa or visa exemption certificate is required for entry.
• The duration of stay is limited based on the type of visa issued.
• Temporary residence and activities must align with the purpose stated in the visa.
• Violations of visa regulations (e.g., overstaying, failure to declare residence, or using the visa for an incorrect purpose) may result in administrative penalties or deportation under Vietnamese law.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa service: Fast & secure solution for your trip 2025

Guide to Obtaining a 5-Year Visa Exemption for Dual Nationals

If you are an overseas Vietnamese (Việt Kiều) or a relative of an overseas Vietnamese/Vietnamese citizen, you can apply for a 5-year visa exemption to facilitate entry and residence in Vietnam without needing a visa each time.

Step 1: Prepare Application Documents

Prepare a complete set of documents tailored to your status (e.g., overseas Vietnamese or their relatives). The required documents vary by case, so review the specific requirements carefully to avoid delays.

Step 2: Submit the Application

You can submit your application in one of two ways:

1. At a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate Abroad Visit the website of the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence for accurate information on addresses, working hours, and application procedures.
2. At the Immigration Department in Vietnam Submit your application directly at one of the following locations:
   • Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
   • Da Nang: 7 Tran Quy Cap, Da Nang City
   • Ho Chi Minh City: 333-337 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1

Notes on the submission process:

• Your documents will be checked for validity.
• If complete, you will be guided to pay the fee and receive a receipt with a result collection date.
• If incomplete, you will be asked to provide additional documents.
• Working hours: Monday to Saturday morning, except public holidays, Tet, or Sundays.

Step 3: Receive the Visa Exemption Certificate

On the appointed date, bring your receipt and ID/passport (if applying abroad) for verification and to collect the visa exemption certificate.

• Result collection: Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

See also: Comprehensive Guide to the 5-Year Visa Exemption for Foreigners

>>> Read more: Vietnam Visa Extension for Foreigners – Requirements, Documents & How to Apply

Common Mistakes and Solutions for Dual Nationals Entering Vietnam

►  Using a Foreign Passport for Entry

Many dual nationals use their foreign passport to enter Vietnam. However, this requires compliance with visa or exemption procedures. It’s recommended to use a Vietnamese passport to be recognized as a citizen, eliminating the need for a visa and stay restrictions.

►  Expired or Incorrect Vietnamese Passport

Some individuals only have a valid foreign passport and fail to renew their Vietnamese passport. Contact a Vietnamese Consulate to renew or reissue a valid Vietnamese passport before traveling.

►  Misunderstanding Vietnamese Nationality Rights

Some believe acquiring foreign nationality automatically revokes Vietnamese nationality. Verify whether you still hold Vietnamese nationality. If you have not formally renounced it, you remain a Vietnamese citizen.

►  Lack of Documents Proving Vietnamese Origin

Overseas Vietnamese or their descendants may not have documents proving their Vietnamese origin. Prepare documents such as birth certificates, old household registration, or certificates of Vietnamese origin to support visa exemption or nationality verification applications.

>>> Read more: Form NA2 – Complete Guide for Vietnam Entry Visa Application

Important Notes for Exiting Vietnam

Here are key points to note when leaving Vietnam:

1. Ensure All Exit Documents Are Ready. Before your departure, verify that you have:
   • A valid passport (use the same passport for exit as used for entry).
   • A valid visa or residence permit for the destination country (if required).
   • A return ticket (if required by the destination country).
   • Immigration/health forms (if applicable). For visa-exempt countries like ASEAN members, double-check requirements with the respective embassy.
2. Complete Forms Accurately. If required, fill out immigration forms clearly, ensuring all information matches your passport. Errors may lead to delays or re-submission.
3. Be Respectful with Immigration Officers. Maintain a polite and calm demeanor during immigration checks. Answer questions directly, such as:
   • Purpose of leaving Vietnam?
   • Duration of stay abroad?
   • Do you have a visa for the destination country? Avoid joking or appearing agitated, as this may lead to stricter scrutiny.
4. Complete Procedures and Retrieve Passport. After verification, if there are no issues, your passport will be stamped for exit, and you can proceed to security checks. For checked luggage, ensure it is processed for the correct flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I enter Vietnam with a Vietnamese passport, will I be treated as a foreigner?

No. If you enter with a valid Vietnamese passport, you will be recognized as a Vietnamese citizen, exempt from visa requirements, with no stay restrictions and full citizenship rights.

What are the procedures for my child born abroad with dual nationality to enter Vietnam?

If your child holds Vietnamese nationality, they can enter using a Vietnamese passport or documents proving Vietnamese nationality. If using a foreign passport, apply for a 5-year visa exemption or a suitable visa. It’s advisable to obtain a birth certificate with foreign elements to confirm the parent-child relationship for smoother processing.

What is the maximum stay duration with a 5-year visa exemption?

Holders of a 5-year visa exemption can enter Vietnam multiple times, with each stay up to 180 days (6 months). Before the 180-day period ends, you can apply to extend your stay for another 6 months without leaving Vietnam, provided you have a valid reason.

For further assistance or consultation on obtaining a temporary residence card or other immigration matters, contact Tân Văn Lang at 0907.874.240 - 028.7777.7979 for prompt support. Thank you!