Vietnamese Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

The application for Vietnamese citizenship by descent is primarily handled through the Ministry of Justice or Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad. Under the 2025 reforms, you can now begin your application through the National Public Service Portal for initial document submission, though physical appointments are still required for verification.

Route 1: Confirmation of Vietnamese Nationality

This route is for those who are "presumed" to be citizens because they were born to Vietnamese parents and never formally renounced their citizenship.

1. Gather Ancestry Evidence: Collect your birth certificate and your parents' birth certificates. Under the 2025 law, you may also use Ho Khau (Family Books), old identity cards from the Republic of Vietnam (pre-1975), school records, or letters from recognized overseas Vietnamese associations.
2. Legalize and Translate: Any documents issued by foreign governments must be consularly legalized (authenticated by the relevant embassy/consulate) and translated into Vietnamese by a certified notary.
3. Submit Application:
   • If you are in Vietnam: Submit your dossier to the provincial-level Sở Tư pháp (Department of Justice) where you are staying.
   • If you are abroad: Submit your dossier to the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
4. Verification: The authorities will cross-reference your identity with the Ministry of Public Security and check nationality records.
5. Receive Certificate: Once verified, you will be issued a "Certificate of Vietnamese Nationality."

Route 2: Naturalization by Descent

This route is for descendants who do not qualify for automatic confirmation (such as children of mixed-nationality parents who did not sign a nationality agreement at birth).

1. Obtain a Judicial Record: You must provide a Lý lịch tư pháp (Judicial Record Card/Police Clearance) from both Vietnam (if you have resided there) and your current country of residence.
2. Submit Naturalization Dossier: Submit your application to the Sở Tư pháp or the Vietnamese Consulate. Because you are a child of a Vietnamese citizen, the standard 5-year residency and Vietnamese language proficiency requirements are waived.
3. Ministry Review: The Department of Justice forwards your file to the Ministry of Justice for a thorough review.
4. Presidential Approval: Your application is sent to the Prime Minister and finally to the President of Vietnam for a formal Decision on Naturalization.
5. Oath/Registration: Once the President signs the decision, you will be notified to complete your registration and can then apply for a Vietnamese Passport.

Total Estimate: Approximately $200 – $500 USD, depending on the number of documents requiring translation and legalization. This does not include costs for DNA testing (if required for missing records) or professional legal assistance.

• Confirmation of Nationality: Typically takes 2 to 4 months.
• Naturalization by Descent: Typically takes 6 to 12 months due to the requirement for Presidential approval.
• Complex Cases: If your birth was never registered or ancestral records are missing from provincial archives, processing can extend to 18 to 24 months.
• Document Validity: Most police clearances and identity documents must be issued within 6 months of your application submission date to be considered valid.