1. What is a Vietnamese passport? What types of Vietnamese passport are there?

According to Clause 3, Article 3 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens 2019, a passport is a document owned by the State of Vietnam. Passports are issued by competent authorities of Vietnam to Vietnamese citizens for the purpose of exiting the country, entering the country, and proving their nationality and identity.

According to Article 6 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens 2019 and Clause 2, Article 2 of Circular 73/2021/TT-BCA, there are currently three types of passports recognized as exit and entry documents, including:

• Diplomatic assport: brown-red cover;
• Official passport: dark green cover;
• Ordinary passport: blue-purple cover.

In addition, exit and entry permit, and other documents as stipulated in International treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member can also be used as exit and entry documents besides these types of passports.

2. How long is a Vietnamese passport for Vietnamese overseas valid?

The validity period of passports is specifically regulated in Clause 2, Article 7 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens 2019, as follows:

• Ordinary passports issued to individuals aged 14 and older are valid for 10 years and cannot be renewed;
• Ordinary passports issued to individuals under 14 years old are valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed;
• Ordinary passports issued through expedited procedures are valid for no more than 12 months and cannot be renewed.

3. What are the conditions for overseas Vietnamese to apply for a Vietnamese passport?

Must still hold Vietnamese nationality;

Must provide documents proving Vietnamese nationality such as:

• Birth certificate;
• Identity card/Citizen identification card;
• Exit and entry permit;
• Other documents issued by competent authorities of Vietnam to its citizens from various periods between 1945 and before July 1, 2009 that indicate Vietnamese nationality or related information;
• Documents regarding nationality, civil status, household registration, identification or other papers issued by the old regime in southern Vietnam before April 30, 1975 or documents issued by the old government in Hanoi from 1911 to 1956 that indicate Vietnamese nationality or related information;

Must not fall under the cases specified in Article 21 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens 2019.

4. What are the benefits of overseas Vietnamese to apply for a Vietnamese passport?

Holding a Vietnamese passport offers several benefits for overseas Vietnamese, including:

• Unlimited stay: No restrictions on the duration of stay in Vietnam.
• Quick entry: Fast entry into Vietnam without needing a visa.
• Driving license: Ability to take the driving test in Vietnam just like Vietnamese citizens.
• ASEAN travel: No visa required for travel between ASEAN countries such as Singapore and Laos.
• Permanent residency: Easier to register for permanent residency or dual citizenship in Vietnam.
• Legal support: Simplified access to assistance from Vietnamese representative offices abroad in legal emergencies or issues related to their citizenship rights.
• ...

5. What are the procedures for overseas Vietnamese to apply for a Vietnamese passport?

a. To apply for an ordinary passport abroad, overseas Vietnamese should prepare and follow these steps:

Step 1: Preparing necessary documents

Step 2: Filling out the application form either on paper or online

For applicants aged 14 and above living abroad: Here

For applicants under 14 living abroad: Here

Step 3: Submitting the application

Submit the complete documents, including the application form, to:

• The Vietnamese diplomatic mission or consular post in the country of residence (for first-time applicants).
• The nearest Vietnamese representative office abroad. (for subsequent applications).

Application and result processing times: on working days as prescribed by the Diplomatic mission (excluding public holidays as stipulated by the host country and national holidays of Vietnam).

Step 4: Reviewing and processing by the Diplomatic mission

The Vietnamese embassy or consular post abroad will accept and review the application if all required documents have been submitted. If the application is incomplete, the relevant authorities will request the applicant to provide additional information as soon as possible. The verification process involves coordination with:

• The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• The Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security.

Step 5: Receiving results

A passport will only be issued after the verification of identity is successfully completed and approved by the competent authorities in Vietnam

b. To apply for an ordinary passport in Vietnam, overseas Vietnamese should prepare and follow these steps:

Step 1: Preparing necessary documents

Step 2: Filling out the application form either on paper or online

For applicants aged 14 and above residing in Vietnam: Here

For applicants under 14 residing in Vietnam: Here

Step 3: Submitting the application

Submit the complete documents, including the application form, to:

• The Provincial Public Security Immigration Department of applicant’s permanent or temporary residence. If the applicant has a citizen identification card, they can apply at a more convenient Immigration Management Department (for first-time applicants).
• The Provincial Public Security Immigration Department at a convenient location or the Ministry of Public Security (for subsequent applications).
• The headquarters of the Immigration Department or electronically via the national public service portal or the public service portal of the Ministry of Public Security

Step 4: Reviewing and processing the documents

The assigned individual is responsible for receiving the application form, portrait photo, and related documents. They will check and cross-reference this information with the national database on the entry and exit of Vietnamese citizens. For first-time applicants requesting a passport with an electronic chip, they will take a photo and collect fingerprints. A receipt for receiving the results will also be issued.

Step 5: Results receiving

The authority will provide the results. If a passport cannot be issued, the Immigration Department will respond in writing, stating the reasons for the denial.

6. What documents are required for overseas Vietnamese to apply for a Vietnamese passport?

a. Application documents for ordinary passports in Vietnam for overseas Vietnamese

According to Article 15 of the 2019 Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens and Clause 3 of Article 1 of the 2023 Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens and the Law on Entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam. The application documents for ordinary passport within Vietnam for overseas Vietnamese include:

Application form: Here

Two portrait photos: 2 inches x 2 inches (equivalent to 5 cm x 5 cm).

Related documents:

• Last issued passport: For those who have been issued a passport; if the passport is lost, it must be accompanied by a loss report or a notification from the competent authority as stipulated in Point a, Clause 2, Article 28 of the 2019 Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens.
• Birth certificate or extract: A copy is required for applicants under 14 years old who have not been assigned a personal identification number; if a copy is not available, a photocopy can be submitted along with the original for verification.
• Proof of legal representation: A copy of documents issued by a competent authority in Vietnam proving legal representation for individuals who are legally incapacitated, those with cognitive difficulties, or minors under 14 years old; if no copy is available, a photocopy can be submitted along with the original for verification.
• Identification document: Present either a Citizen ID card, a Citizen Identification Card, or a valid passport.

b. Application documents for ordinary passports for overseas Vietnamese living abroad

Article 16 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens 2019 and Clause 4 of Article 1 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens and the Law on Entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2023. The application documents for ordinary passport for overseas Vietnamese living abroad, include:

Application form: Here

Two portrait photos: 2 inches x 2 inches (equivalent to 5 cm x 5 cm).

Related documents:

• Birth certificate or extract: A copy is required for applicants under 14 years old.
• Last issued passport: For those who have been issued a passport; if the passport is lost, it must be accompanied by a loss report or a notification from the competent authority as stipulated in Point a, Clause 2, Article 28 of this law.
• Identification document: A photocopy of either a Citizen ID card or a Citizen Identification Card is required if there are changes in personal information compared to the last issued passport.
• Proof of legal representation: A copy of documents issued by a competent authority in Vietnam or abroad proving legal representation for individuals who are legally incapacitated, those with cognitive difficulties, or minors under 14 years old; if no copy is available, a photocopy can be submitted along with the original for verification.
• Valid Vietnamese passport.
• Or Other Identification Documents: Issued by competent authorities in Vietnam.
• If no Vietnamese passport available: Present identification documents issued by foreign authorities along with documents proving Vietnamese nationality or documents used to determine Vietnamese nationality according to nationality laws.

Note: The Vietnamese consulate in each country may require additional documents; therefore, overseas Vietnamese should contact the consulate in their current country to prepare according to their requirements.​

7. What is the cost for overseas Vietnamese to apply for a Vietnamese passport?

• According to the regulations of the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam under Circular No. 264/2016/TT-BTC and Circular No. 113/2021/TT-BTC, the fee quotation for issuing new and renewing passports abroad for overseas Vietnamese is as follows:

• According to Point 1, Section I of the Fee quotation issued with Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC, , the fee quotation for issuing passports (including electronic chip passports and non-chip passports) in Vietnam from January 1, 2024, is as follows:

For Vietnamese citizens applying for a passport online:

• From January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, the fee will be charged at 90% (ninety percent) of the fee specified in Point 1, Section I of the Fee quotation issued with Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC.
• From January 1, 2026, onwards, the standard fee specified in Point 1, Section I of the Fee quotation will apply.

8. What is the processing time for overseas Vietnamese to apply for a Vietnamese passport?

a. Processing time for passport applications for overseas Vietnamese living abroad:​

• 5 working days from the date of receiving the application for a first-time passport.
• 3 working days from the date of receiving the application for subsequent passport requests.

If there is insufficient evidence to issue the passport or if additional time is needed to determine the basis for issuing the passport, applicant will receive a written response detailing the reasons and the additional waiting time required.

b. Processing time for passport applications for overseas Vietnamese in Vietnam:

• 8 working days from the date of receipt, the Immigration Department of the provincial police will provide results to the applicant.
• 5 working days from the date of receipt, the Ministry of Public Security’s Immigration Department will provide results to the applicant.

If a passport cannot be issued, the Immigration Department will respond in writing, stating the reasons.

9. What should overseas Vietnamese pay attention to when applying for a Vietnamese passport?

When apply for a Vietnamese passport as an overseas Vietnamese, there are several important points to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process without any issues:

• Prepare complete and accurate documents
• Translate and notarize documents
• Update personal information
• Check requirements of the Diplomatic mission
• Secure all documents and personal information
• ...

10. FAQ

a. Can overseas Vietnamese apply for a Citizen ID card?

According to Article 19 of the Citizen ID Law 2023, which takes effect on July 1, 2024, the following regulations apply:

"Article 19. Eligibility for a Citizen ID card:

• A Citizen ID card is issued to Vietnamese citizens.
• Vietnamese citizens aged 14 and older are required to apply for a Citizen ID card.
• Vietnamese citizens under 14 years old can apply for a Citizen ID card upon request."

Additionally, based on Clause 1 of Article 5 of the Nationality Law 2008:

"Article 5. Relationship between the State and citizens:

• Individuals with Vietnamese nationality are considered Vietnamese citizens."

Thus, if overseas Vietnamese retain their Vietnamese nationality and are 14 years old or older, they are eligible to apply for a Citizen ID card. If they are under 14 years old and have a need for one, they can also be issued a Citizen ID card.

b. Can overseas Vietnamese apply for Vietnamese ordinary passport?

According to Articles 14 and 21 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens 2019, the following regulations apply regarding eligibility for an ordinary passport:

Vietnamese citizens are considered for an ordinary passport issuance unless they fall under specific exceptions:

• Individuals who have not complied with administrative penalty decisions related to violations specified in Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 of Article 4 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens.
• Individuals who are temporarily banned from exiting (except in special cases where the Minister of Public Security agrees with the decision-maker regarding allowing the individual to exit).
• Cases related to national defense or security as determined by the Minister of National Defense or the Minister of Public Security.

Therefore, only Vietnamese citizens can be considered for an ordinary passport. Consequently, overseas Vietnamese can be issued a passport if they still hold Vietnamese nationality. If they have renounced their Vietnamese nationality, they will not be eligible for a passport.

c. How do overseas Vietnamese establish a company in Vietnam?

Click here: https://phong-partners.com/en/how-do-overseas-vietnamese-establish-a-company-in-vietnam

d. How do overseas Vietnamese apply for an ID Card?

• In Danang City: https://phong-partners.com/en/how-do-overseas-vietnamese-apply-for-an-id-card-in-danang-city
• In Ho Chi Minh City: https://phong-partners.com/en/how-do-overseas-vietnamese-apply-for-an-id-card-in-ho-chi-minh-city