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.

Procedures to Apply for Vietnamese Nationality

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 rate 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.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/update/apply-for-vietnamese-nationality-steps.html

Vietnam Law on Digital Technology Industry: What Global Platforms Must Know by 2026

  Vietnam is introducing a major new legal framework for digital platforms, and it will reshape how apps, games, streaming services, and digital content businesses operate in here. The Vietnam law on digital technology industry, taking effect on January 1, 2026, is set to establish clear requirements for both domestic and foreign platforms that engage with Vietnamese users.

Whether your company offers in-app credits, digital tipping, or any monetized content features, this law is likely to affect your business, even if your company is not established in Vietnam.

In here, let us go through the overview of what the law covers, who it applies to, and what businesses should start doing now to prepare.

Why Vietnam Needs the Law on Digital Technology Industry Now?

Vietnam’s digital economy is booming. Mobile games, livestream platforms, social media, and app-based services are expanding rapidly, while the legal framework governing these sectors has remained fragmented, outdated, or simply nonexistent.

Up to now, platforms dealing in virtual goods (like in-app credits, top-ups, or digital gifts) operated in a legal gray zone. At the same time, foreign platforms often reached millions of Vietnamese users without any local registration or tax responsibility.

The introduction of the Vietnam law on digital technology industry is not about stopping innovation. It is about catching up to it, making sure platforms that profit from Vietnamese users also respect local rules, pay tax, and protect consumers. 

What Does The Law Cover?

The Vietnam law on digital technology industry is designed to regulate a wide range of online services and platforms. It introduces official definitions for digital units like in-app credits and reward points, classifying them as “virtual assets.” These virtual assets, previously were not clearly defined under Vietnamese law, are now subject to state oversight, especially when they are sold, exchanged, or used as part of a digital economy.

The Vietnam law on digital technology industry applies to:

• Game platforms with in-app purchases,
• Live-streaming and content apps with tipping or virtual gifting,
• Cloud services that support monetized user features,
• Any digital business offering reward-based engagement systems.

Another key feature of the Vietnam law on digital technology industry is its regulatory sandbox. This allows platforms to test new technologies and digital models in Vietnam under government supervision. Companies applying for sandbox approval can develop innovative services before full regulation kicks in, reducing the risk of being penalized for trying something new.

Vietnam Law on Digital Technology Industry: What Global Platforms Must Know by 2026

Who Needs To Comply?

If your digital platform serves Vietnamese users and includes features like virtual goods, monetized content, or creator payments, then your business is likely to fall within the scope of the Vietnam law on digital technology industry. This is true even if you have no office in Vietnam.

Many platforms allow users to buy in-app credits or offer tips to broadcasters and creators. If those credits or gifts have any monetary value, they may now be considered regulated virtual assets. Even reward points or loyalty tokens could trigger legal obligations.

The law is especially important for foreign platforms whose user base includes Vietnam, but who have not yet engaged with any local licensing, tax, or regulatory process. It closes the gaps that many services have relied on for years.

What Are The Risks?

Companies that do not adjust to the Vietnam law on digital technology industry may face a range of issues. These include local banks rejecting fund transfers related to digital goods, app stores being ordered to delist non-compliant platforms, and potential audits for tax violations or unlicensed business activity.

For example, some Vietnam-based resellers of virtual goods have already reported bank rejections for transactions connected to distributor agreements involving in-app digital units. These informal signals are early signs that enforcement is on the way.

Failure to act could result in commercial delays, frozen payments, or reputational risks. But platforms that prepare early may gain a strategic edge over competitors by securing sandbox access or applying for licenses before the rush.

Getting Ready And Steps To Consider

For now, platforms should review the structure of their digital services. If your app uses any system where users purchase or exchange digital items, whether as top-ups, gifts, or credits, you should consult legal counsel on how those features align with Vietnam’s new definitions of virtual assets.

You should also examine how your business model handles payments to creators or resellers. These flows may need to be disclosed or licensed under the law. Consider whether any part of your model would benefit from applying to the sandbox, particularly if you are trying something new in the market.

The Vietnam law on digital technology industry is not an isolated law. It will interact with existing rules on game licensing, tax declarations, cross-border payment reporting, and user data protection. Platforms should prepare with a broader compliance mindset.

From Virtual Goods To Platform Licenses

To further exploring, we will be looking forward to upcoming topics that discuss legal risks surrounding virtual goods in Vietnam, how game platforms must approach license classifications (from G1 to G4), and how digital reward systems are interpreted by local banks and regulators.

We will also explore what payment structures raise red flags for banks, how corporate contracts with Vietnamese resellers can be strengthened, and what the sandbox process means for apps looking to enter the market legally.

By understanding how the Vietnam law on digital technology industry fits into the broader digital economy, platforms can stay compliant, competitive, and prepared for what is next.

Go check your platform compliance.

Now is the time to align with the Vietnam law on digital technology industry before the year 2026!

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 rate 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.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/digital-assets/vietnam-law-on-digital-technology-industry.html

10 Essential Insights into Vietnam Trademark Opposition Procedures for Brand Protection

  In Vietnam’s rapidly evolving market, protecting your brand’s identity is more crucial than ever. The Vietnam trademark opposition procedures serve as a vital legal mechanism for preventing unauthorized trademark registrations that could harm your business. With the shortened opposition timeframe under Decree 65/2023/ND-CP, businesses must be more proactive in monitoring and challenging conflicting trademarks.

10 Essential Insights into Vietnam Trademark Opposition Procedures for Brand Protection

This article provides a brief guide to Vietnam trademark opposition procedures. Whether you are a business owner, an IP attorney, or a startup looking to safeguard your brand, this guide will help you navigate the trademark opposition landscape effectively.

What is Trademark Opposition in Vietnam?

Trademark opposition is a legal procedure that allows a third party to challenge a pending trademark application before it is officially registered. This process ensures that conflicting trademarks do not enter the market, reducing the risk of brand dilution and consumer confusion.

Unlike trademark cancellation or invalidation, which occur after a trademark is registered, opposition happens before the official grant of the trademark. This proactive approach helps businesses prevent costly legal disputes and brand damage in the future.

Legal Basis for Trademark Opposition

Intellectual Property Law which grants third parties the right to oppose trademarks before registration.
Decree 65/2023/ND-CP which provides detailed procedures for filing an opposition with the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP).

Why is Trademark Opposition Important?

Failing to act during the opposition window can lead to severe legal and financial consequences. Here’s why trademark opposition matters:

1.Protecting Brand Identity

Trademark opposition helps businesses prevent competitors from using names, logos, or symbols that closely resemble their own, safeguarding brand distinctiveness.

2.Avoiding Market Confusion

Similar trademarks create confusion among consumers, affecting brand loyalty and trust. By opposing conflicting trademarks early, businesses ensure that customers can easily recognize and trust their products.

3.Preventing Bad Faith Registrations

Some entities register trademarks with dishonest intent, hoping to either:
-Sell the trademark to the rightful brand owner.
-Profit from an established brand’s reputation.
-Block a competitor’s market entry.

Vietnam’s updated IP laws allow businesses to oppose trademarks on the basis of bad faith registration, preventing unfair competition.

4.Cost-Effective Legal Strategy:

Opposing a trademark at the application stage is significantly cheaper than pursuing cancellation or invalidation after registration.

Who Can File a Trademark Opposition in Vietnam?

Eligible Parties

Under Vietnam trademark opposition procedures, the following parties can file an opposition:
-Businesses or individuals with prior trademark rights.
-Owners of well-known trademarks, as recognized under the IP Law.
-Competitors who believe that a new trademark would cause market confusion.
-Government bodies and consumer protection organizations if public interest is at stake.

When Can a Trademark Be Opposed?

One of the most significant changes under Decree 65/2023 is the reduction of the opposition period:
-Previous Deadline: 9 months from the date of publication in the IP Gazette.
-New Deadline: 5 months from publication.

This means businesses must act faster to monitor trademarks and file oppositions within the revised timeframe.

Where to File a Trademark Opposition in Vietnam?

Trademark opposition applications must be submitted to the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP):

How to File a Trademark Opposition?

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search:

Use NOIP’s public database to check whether a newly published trademark conflicts with your brand.

Step 2: Prepare an Opposition Application:

Your application must include:
-Information about the opposed trademark (application number, owner).
-Grounds for opposition (e.g., similarity, bad faith).
-Evidence (prior registrations, brand usage, market reputation).
-Legal arguments based on Vietnam’s IP Law.

Step 3: Submit the Opposition to NOIP:

Ensure submission is made within 5 months of publication to be considered valid.

Step 4: NOIP Review and Decision:
-NOIP examines the legal basis and evidence.
-The trademark applicant can respond with a counterargument.
-NOIP issues a decision either:
-Rejecting the opposed trademark (opposition successful).
-Approving the opposed trademark (opposition denied).

Step 5: Appeal if Necessary:

If opposition is denied, the challenger can file an appeal or administrative lawsuit.

Common Grounds for Trademark Opposition

Vietnam’s IP Law recognizes the following legal grounds for opposition:
-Identical or confusingly similar to an existing trademark.
-Bad faith registration (e.g., registering a famous mark to demand payment).
-Lack of distinctiveness (generic or descriptive terms).
-Violation of public policy or morality.
-Infringement on geographical indications.

Challenges in Vietnam Trademark Opposition Procedures

While the opposition process is essential for brand protection, some challenges exist:
-Shorter opposition deadline increases the burden on businesses.
-Burden of proof is on the opposing party, requiring strong evidence.
-NOIP decisions can be unpredictable, leading to lengthy legal disputes.
-International businesses may face difficulties navigating local IP laws.

Best Practices for a Successful Trademark Opposition

To maximize success, businesses should:

Monitor the IP Gazette regularly for conflicting marks.
File oppositions as early as possible within the 5-month window.
Gather strong evidence (prior use, brand reputation).
Work with IP attorneys experienced in Vietnam’s trademark laws.
Be prepared for counterarguments from the trademark applicant.

Stay Proactive in Protecting Your Brand

The Vietnam trademark opposition procedures play a crucial role in safeguarding brand identity and preventing unfair competition. With the shortened opposition period, businesses must act quickly and strategically.

By monitoring trademarks proactively, leveraging legal expertise, and using strong evidence, businesses can successfully oppose conflicting trademarks and maintain their market reputation.

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 rate 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.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/ip/vietnam-trademark-opposition-procedures-10-insights.html

7 Vital Facts About the Electronic Birth Certificate in Vietnam Every Foreigner Needs to Know

  You may not realize it now, but failing to properly register your child’s birth in Vietnam, especially if you’re a foreigner can create many administrative headaches down the line.

Now with the introduction of the electronic birth certificate in Vietnam, the process has become more streamlined, secure, and accessible than ever before. But don’t let the word “electronic” fool you, it’s not as simple as uploading a selfie and clicking “submit.”

If you’re a foreigner navigating Vietnam’s civil registration system, things get a little more complicated. Birth registrations involving foreign nationals require extra documentation, precise procedures, and sometimes, bilingual diplomacy between your embassy and Vietnamese authorities.

In here we will help you understand about the electronic birth certificate in Vietnam. We’ll walk you through the rules, the steps, and the traps to avoid, so you can get the right documents in hand and move on with peace of mind.

7 Vital Facts About the Electronic Birth Certificate in Vietnam Every Foreigner Needs to Know

What Is an Electronic Birth Certificate in Vietnam?

The electronic birth certificate in Vietnam is a digital version of the traditional birth certificate, introduced as part of the government’s push to modernize public administration. It includes a QR code that links directly to the national civil registry, allowing for easy verification and retrieval.

This digitized certificate has the same legal validity as its paper counterpart. It’s accepted for all official procedures including passport applications, school registration, and health services. It is issued automatically when a child’s birth is registered with the authorities, either online or in person.

The key advantage? Accessibility. Instead of digging through files or requesting physical duplicates, parents can access and present the electronic birth certificate in Vietnam through digital means, saving time and hassle.

Who Can Apply for an Electronic Birth Certificate in Vietnam?

Foreigners can absolutely apply for an electronic birth certificate in Vietnam provided their child is born within the territory of Vietnam. In fact, the government has explicitly stated that the service applies to:

• Children born in Vietnam to one Vietnamese parent and one foreign parent.
• Children born in Vietnam to two foreign nationals, provided the parents are legally residing in Vietnam.

The key requirement is legal residence and the location of birth. The birth must occur in Vietnam, and the parent(s) must have either a temporary or permanent residence card, or at least a visa with a confirmed residential address.

The People’s Committee at the district level is responsible for birth registration involving foreign elements. Commune-level authorities (ward or town level) generally only handle registrations involving Vietnamese parents exclusively.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Foreigners Can Register and Obtain the Electronic Birth Certificate in Vietnam

This section walks you through the process in detail. Whether you prefer an online method or an offline visit, these steps remain consistent.

Step 1: Gather All Required Documents

 Before you touch the online portal or walk into the local office, prepare the following:

• Birth certificate from the hospital – original copy.
• Passports of both parents – copies must be notarized and translated into Vietnamese if required.
• Vietnamese parent’s ID or citizen card, and foreign parent’s visa/residence permit.
• Marriage certificate, if applicable. If issued overseas, it must be legalized and translated.
• Agreement on nationality – if the child will have Vietnamese citizenship.

Make sure your documents are current, legible, and translated by a certified translator where necessary.

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Registration Office

• If there’s a foreign element involved, head to the district-level People’s Committee.
• If both parents are Vietnamese, the commune-level (ward) People’s Committee is sufficient.

Step 3: Decide on Nationality

If at least one parent is Vietnamese, you may opt for Vietnamese nationality. This is the default option unless both parents request otherwise in writing. A written agreement on nationality is mandatory.

If the child is to hold a foreign nationality only, proof must be provided that the child qualifies under the other country’s laws.

Step 4: Submit the Application

You have two options:

Online via Public Service Portal:

1. Go to https://dichvucong.gov.vn.
2. Register an account and verify your ID.
3. Fill in the electronic form for birth registration.
4. Upload digital copies of all required documents.
5. Submit and wait for confirmation. 

Offline via Direct Visit:

1. Visit the appropriate People’s Committee.
2. Submit paper documents and complete the birth registration form in person.
3. Receive a receipt and appointment date to collect the certificate.

What Happens After You Apply

After you submit your application (either online or in person), authorities will process the information. If approved, they will issue both a paper birth certificate and a digital version, the electronic birth certificate in Vietnam. 

The digital version is usually emailed to the registered account or available via download from the portal. It contains a unique QR code tied to the national database. This certificate is accepted as proof of identity and birth across all Vietnamese government departments. 

Some provinces may also provide a personal digital locker for storing civil status records like birth, marriage, or death certificates.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Foreigners frequently run into issues that can delay or even cancel the registration process. Here’s how to avoid them:

Mistake 1: Applying at the Wrong Office

Only district-level People’s Committees handle foreign-related birth registrations. If you apply at the wrong office, your application will be refused or delayed.

Mistake 2: Late Registration

 Vietnamese law requires birth registration within 60 days from the date of birth. After this window, the process becomes more complex and may involve additional legal procedures.

Mistake 3: Document Issues 

All foreign documents must be:

• Translated into Vietnamese,
• Certified by a licensed translator, and
• Legalized if issued outside Vietnam.

Failing to meet these requirements will lead to delays. 

Mistake 4: Incomplete Online Submissions

Low-resolution files, missing pages, or poorly labeled uploads often result in application rejection.

Should You Get Legal Help?

For many expats, Vietnam’s civil procedure can be a challenge. Language barriers, translation requirements, and local customs often make the process feel overwhelming. If your situation involves:

• A foreign marriage certificate not yet recognized in Vietnam,
• Dual nationality decisions,
• Missed deadlines or previous failed applications, then hiring a Vietnamese legal consultant may save you time, money, and headaches.

They can:

• Navigate the bureaucracy,
• Ensure document compliance,
• Translate and notarize paperwork,
• Handle in-person visits on your behalf.

Why the Electronic Birth Certificate in Vietnam Is a Game-Changer

 The move to digitize civil registration is part of Vietnam’s broader national digital transformation. For foreign residents, this means less red tape, faster turnaround times, and centralized document control.

The electronic birth certificate in Vietnam eliminates the need to physically carry around copies. It integrates with other national databases and supports future automation in passport issuance, school enrollment, and even healthcare access.

Better yet, if you ever lose your paper certificate, the digital version is retrievable instantly. That’s a serious relief for foreign parents who move frequently or live in remote provinces.

Conclusion

The electronic birth certificate in Vietnam isn’t just a document, it’s the first step in giving your child access to rights, identity, and public services. It connects your family to healthcare, education, and legal protection in Vietnam.

But don’t underestimate the process. While it’s simpler than ever, it still demands attention to detail, especially if you’re a foreigner. Use this guide as your roadmap. Don’t wait until it’s “too late” to fix a paperwork issue that could’ve been avoided.

 And if in doubt, get help. Birth registration is one thing you absolutely want to get right the first time.

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 rate 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.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/update/electronic-birth-certificate-in-vietnam-7.html