Procedures for registration as a dignitary or sub-dignitary by a Vietnamese citizen ordained abroad

According to Decree No. 162/2017/NĐ-CP of Vietnam’s Government, the religious organization or religious affiliate that directly manages a Vietnamese citizen ordained, appointed, elected or selected abroad by a foreign religious organization shall apply to the central government's folk belief and religion authority for such person’s return to Vietnam to assume the role of a dignitary or sub-dignitary.

An application includes:

- An application form, which specifies the name and base of the religious organization or religious affiliate; full name, area of operation, rank and position of the applicant in the foreign country and Vietnam;

- The resume and judicial record of the applicant;

- The applicant’s written summary of religious activities carried out abroad;

- Documentary evidence for rank, position and area of operation of the person ordained, appointed, elected or selected abroad.

The central government’s folk belief and religion authority shall respond in writing within 60 days from the receipt of the satisfactory application. In the case of rejection of the application, written explanation shall be provided.

Any Vietnamese citizen applying for registration as a dignitary or sub-dignitary shall carry out religious activities according to their rank and position after the central government’s folk belief and religion authority grants approval for the registration.

Decree No. 162/2017/NĐ-CP of Vietnam’s Government takes effect from January 01, 2018.

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE