As Vietnam continues to integrate more deeply into the global community, the management and issuance of citizen identification cards for Vietnamese citizens living abroad has become increasingly important. The citizen identification card is not only a vital identification document but also a tool for exercising legal rights. Therefore, issuing new or reissuing citizen identification cards to Vietnamese citizens living, working, or studying abroad follows a clear process that ensures legality and convenience for the citizens.
This article will provide a detailed guide on the procedures, requirements, and necessary steps for Vietnamese citizens abroad to easily and quickly apply for a new or reissued citizen identification card.
1. Overseas Vietnamese – Who Are They?
Typically, the term “overseas Vietnamese” refers to Vietnamese individuals who have settled outside of Vietnam. They may hold Vietnamese nationality, and/or the nationality of the country where they reside.
According to the Nationality Law, overseas Vietnamese can be categorized into two types:
- Vietnamese citizens residing abroad: According to Clause 3, Article 3 of the 2008 Nationality Law, ““Overseas Vietnamese” are Vietnamese citizens and persons of Vietnamese origin who permanently reside in foreign countries.“
- People of Vietnamese origin residing abroad: According to Clause 4, Article 3 of the 2008 Nationality Law, ““Persons of Vietnamese origin residing abroad” are Vietnamese people who used to have Vietnamese nationality which had been determined at the time of their birth on the consanguinity principle and their offsprings and grandchildren are permanently residing in foreign countries.“
2. Condition for overseas Vietnamese can apply for ID card
According to Article 19 of the Law on Identity 2023, Persons entitled to issuance of identity cards are Vietnamese citizens.
Under the Nationality Law, individuals who hold Vietnamese nationality are considered Vietnamese citizens. Therefore, overseas Vietnamese are eligible to receive a Vietnamese Citizen Identification Card if they hold Vietnamese nationality (Vietnamese citizens residing abroad).
At the same time, they must meet the age requirement of being 14 years old or older to be issued a Citizen Identification Card.
3. Procedure for applying
3.1. Places of carrying out procedures for issuance, renewal and re-issuance of identity cards
According to Article 27 of the Law on Identity 2023, citizens can choose one of the following locations to complete the procedures for issuing, renewing, or reissuing a Citizen Identification Card:
- Identity management agencies of Public Security Divisions of rural districts, urban districts, towns or provincial/municipal cities or identity management agencies of Public Security Departments of provinces and centrally run cities where citizens reside.
- The identity management agency of the Ministry of Public Security, for cases decided by the head of the agency.
- When necessary, the identity management agencies specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article shall perform procedures for issuance of identity cards at communes, wards, townships, workplaces or places of residence of citizens.
3.2. Required Documents Citizen ID Card
When applying for a ID Card, overseas Vietnamese must prepare the following documents:
- 4×6 cm identification photo (white background, dark-colored shirt).
- Vietnamese passport or documents proving Vietnamese nationality (if available).
- Vietnamese birth certificate or documents proving Vietnamese nationality origin.
- Household registration book or certificate of local residence information.
- Application form for ID Card, as provided by the police authority.
3.3. Citizen ID Card Application Process
Step 1: Go to the district police station where your permanent or temporary residence is registered.
Step 2: Submit your application and the required documents, then provide all necessary information as instructed by the officer in charge.
Step 3: Complete the photo capture, fingerprint collection, and information verification at the relevant authority.
Step 4: Receive an appointment slip for collecting your Citizen ID Card.
Step 5: Collect your Citizen ID Card on the specified date or choose the express delivery option if registered.
The process of obtaining a Citizen Identification Card is crucial for overseas Vietnamese as it provides not only a form of identification but also a means to fully participate in legal and civic activities in Vietnam. By understanding the procedures, requirements, and necessary steps, overseas Vietnamese can navigate the process with ease and confidence. Whether applying for a new card or reissuing one, it is important to follow the correct steps, submit the required documents, and meet the eligibility criteria to ensure a smooth application process. As Vietnam continues to connect with the global community, the issuance of these cards plays a significant role in strengthening the ties between Vietnam and its citizens abroad.
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– Nguyen Huong Huyen-