In recent years, a growing trend among Overseas Vietnamese has been the desire to return to their homeland to live permanently. This shift has sparked significant interest in the procedures for securing permanent residence in Vietnam. Understanding the complex legal pathways and requirements is crucial for those looking to make this significant transition.
This guide explains how overseas Vietnamese can apply for permanent residence in Vietnam, including the eligibility criteria, documents required, application process and responsibilities after approval.
Who is Eligible for Permanent Residence in Vietnam?
This directive outlines the eligibility and procedural requirements for overseas Vietnamese seeking to register for permanent residence in Vietnam. It is designed to cater to various categories of Vietnamese nationals living abroad:
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Eligible Applicants: This includes overseas Vietnamese who hold valid passports or equivalent documents issued by foreign authorities, referred to as "foreign passports". These individuals can apply for permanent residence in Vietnam under this directive.
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Alternative Documentation: The directive also extends to those overseas Vietnamese who may not have foreign passports but possess permanent residency documents granted by foreign authorities.
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Vietnamese Passport Holders: Under Decision No. 1523/QĐ-BCA-C06 dated 26 March 2026, overseas Vietnamese who retain Vietnamese nationality must provide a valid Vietnamese passport when registering for permanent residence. If the passport is unavailable or expired, they may need to provide proof of Vietnamese nationality and the required immigration approval instead.
Exclusions: However, certain individuals are excluded from this directive:
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Those who have renounced Vietnamese nationality must first complete procedures to restore their Vietnamese nationality under Vietnamese law before they can register.
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Individuals who are deemed ineligible for entry into Vietnam according to Clause 1, Article 8 of the 2000 Ordinance on Entry, Exit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam are not permitted to apply under this directive.
What Documents Are Required for Permanent Residence in Vietnam?
General Requirements (two sets needed)
- Application Form: Applicants must submit Form CT01 for permanent residence registration. Overseas Vietnamese who retain Vietnamese nationality but do not hold a valid Vietnamese passport use Form CT02, as prescribed under Circular No. 53/2025/TT-BCA.
- Identification and Nationality Verification:
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Certified copy or original plus a photocopy of a foreign passport or residence paper.
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Supporting documents proving Vietnamese nationality (e.g., birth certificate, identity card, Vietnamese passport, nationality restoration or adoption documents, and other relevant legal papers).
- Photographs: Three recent 4 cm x 6 cm photos on a white background, with the applicant facing forward, head uncovered, and not wearing tinted glasses.
Additional Requirements for Central City Residency
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Applicants may need to provide proof of at least one year of temporary residence supported by the relevant residence records or confirmation from the local police authority.
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For inclusion in a household residence book, documents proving familial relationships, or a certified statement when such documents are unavailable.
Specific Cases
Religious Institutions: Written permission from the head of the institution, along with verification of the applicant’s religious status and official permission for religious activities in Vietnam.
Where to Apply for Permanent Residence in Vietnam?
Overseas Vietnamese who are planning to apply for permanent residence in Vietnam, can submit their application dossier at one of the following places:
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Vietnamese Diplomatic Missions: This includes embassies and consulates located in the country where you currently reside.
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Domestic Immigration Offices: Applications may also be submitted to the Immigration Management Department of the Ministry of Public Security or the relevant provincial or centrally administered city immigration authority where the applicant intends to establish permanent residence.
Applicants approved for permanent residence must pay the applicable fees in line with Ministry of Finance regulations.
Permanent Residence Application Process and Responsibilities
Functional Agencies
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Overseas Vietnamese Missions:
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Provide guidance to applicants and receive permanent residence applications in Vietnam. Once an application is complete and valid, the mission must submit it, together with its recommendations, to the Immigration Management Department within 10 working days.
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Inform applicants of the decision on their permanent residence application within 5 working days of receiving notice from the Immigration Management Department.
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Issue repatriation laissez-passers to applicants granted permanent residence, which are valid for 12 months and cannot be extended.
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The Immigration Management Department:
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Review and decide on permanent residence applications within 60 days of receiving complete and valid application.
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Communicate the application outcome to the relevant Vietnamese mission abroad, local police authority, and the applicant or their authorised relative.
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Investigate and resolve any fraudulent activities detected during the application process.
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Local Police Departments must:
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Review and forward complete dossiers with their recommendations to the Immigration Management Department within 30 working days.
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Support overseas Vietnamese throughout the permanent residence registration process.
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Applicants must:
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Provide truthful information about their background, previous activities, and the purpose of seeking permanent residence in Vietnam.
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Pay the applicable fees as determined by the Ministry of Finance upon approval of their permanent residence.
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Submit a complete and correctly prepared permanent residence application in line with the applicable requirements.
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Collect the repatriation laissez-passers from overseas missions within 12 months of approval notification. If residing in Vietnam, they must promptly register their permanent residence at the local police departments.
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If more than 12 months lapse without collecting the laissez-passer or registering, they must reapply, submitting two new applications and recent photographs within 24 months of the original notice.
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Apply for a Vietnamese passport after permanent residence is granted for future travel in and out of Vietnam, as foreign passports or foreign permanent residence documents are no longer used for this purpose.
Conclusion
Apply for a Vietnamese passport after permanent residence is granted for future travel in and out of Vietnam, as foreign passports or foreign permanent residence documents are no longer used for this purpose.
If you are planning to return to Vietnam and make it your long-term home, the process can feel detailed, especially when different authorities and documents are involved. Having clear guidance at each stage can make the next steps easier to understand and manage.
At Ascentium, we can help you understand which permanent residence requirements apply to you, identify the documents you need and support you through the application process. Our role is to give you clear answers and practical guidance, so you can move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
