Poles in Vietnam - Polish-Vietnamese relations

Contents:

• The history of Polish-Vietnamese relations
• Cultural and scientific cooperation
• Poles in Vietnam
• Polish community in Vietnam

The history of Polish-Vietnamese relations

The history of Polish-Vietnamese relations dates back to the period after World War II, when Poland established official diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1950. During the communist era, Polish-Vietnamese relations developed intensively, primarily within the framework of cooperation between socialist states. Poland supported Vietnam during the war, providing humanitarian aid and sending doctors, engineers, and teachers. Many Vietnamese studied at Polish technical, medical, and agricultural universities, and the knowledge they acquired there became the foundation for their subsequent professional careers.

Following Poland's political transformation, Polish-Vietnamese relations weakened somewhat, but remained intact. Poland became an attractive emigration destination for the Vietnamese , contributing to the emergence of one of the largest Vietnamese communities in Europe. Simultaneously, Polish-Vietnamese relations developed economically, with increased trade, and companies from both countries collaborating in sectors such as textiles, electronics, and agriculture.

Today, the history of Polish-Vietnamese relations continues through regular diplomatic contacts, mutual visits by government representatives, and cooperation in education, business, and culture. Poland supports the development of academic cooperation , and Vietnam remains a significant trading partner for Poland in Southeast Asia. The enduring presence of the Vietnamese diaspora in Poland and the small but active Polish diaspora in Vietnam further strengthen the ties between the societies.

Cultural and scientific cooperation

When discussing Polish-Vietnamese relations, culture cannot be overlooked. The activities of the Polish Embassy in Hanoi and the Vietnamese Embassy in Warsaw have a significant impact on how Vietnamese people think about Poles and how Poles are perceived in Vietnam. Thanks to long-standing cooperation, citizens of this Asian country are no strangers to Chopin's etudes and Wieniawski's mazurkas. Numerous concerts, literary evenings, and film screenings are organized at the initiative of both embassies .

The large Asian student population also shouldn't be overlooked. The positive opinions Vietnamese have of Poles, the relatively low cost of education, and scholarship programs encourage Vietnamese to choose Poland as a place to study . On the other hand, Polish citizens rarely choose to study in Vietnam on a regular basis, although student exchange programs like Erasmus+ are popular .

Poles in Vietnam

Currently, Poles are welcome in Vietnam – those traveling to the country for tourism purposes, for a period no longer than 45 days, do not require a visa. However, a passport valid for at least six months from the planned return date will be required. Temporary passports are not accepted. All foreigners can freely travel within the country, except for restricted zones, military zones, and mountainous areas, where tourism restrictions apply. It should also be noted that Polish driving licenses are not recognized in Vietnam . However, international driving licenses issued under the Vienna Convention are accepted.

Polish community in Vietnam

In Poland, from the 1950s to the present day, there has been a large Vietnamese community, which finds our country attractive both as a place to work and pursue higher education. Migration in the opposite direction is much smaller, but Poles in Vietnam form a close-knit community , largely thanks to Facebook groups and other messaging services. The Polish diaspora in Vietnam has been present since the communist era, when, as part of the cooperation between the socialist states, some Polish specialists—engineers, doctors, and academics—worked in the country. Many of them remained in Vietnam, raising families there.

Today, you can still meet descendants of Polish immigrants from the 1950s and 1960s in Vietnam. They are often connected to our country and still cultivate Polish traditions. It's no wonder, then, that some of them plan to study or even settle permanently in Poland. How does the legalization of residence and work for Vietnamese citizens work? It all depends on the specific case and the purpose of their trip. Fortunately, foreigners don't have to face this alone. The Citizenship Office can help clarify the details of Polish law , support them in writing applications, and, if necessary, appeal negative decisions. If necessary, we also offer power of attorney to represent a foreigner – especially useful for those who are not yet confident in Polish.

Summary

Polish-Vietnamese relations have a long and rich history, in which both political cooperation and social and cultural ties have played an important role. From the earliest years of mutual contact, trust was built on solidarity, joint projects, and support during difficult historical moments. Today, this cooperation is reflected in growing economic contacts, academic exchange, and the presence of communities of both nations in Poland and Vietnam. All this ensures that these relations remain stable and open to further development in the future.

The Polish community in Vietnam—though relatively small—remains a cohesive group that maintains contact and participates in joint initiatives. Descendants of immigrants often express a desire to return to Poland and integrate permanently into Polish society. How do you handle the formalities? Fortunately, you don't have to deal with this alone. Comprehensive services for foreigners are our specialty. We'll advise you on how to apply for a residence card , how to obtain Polish citizenship for foreigners , and help you gather the necessary documents.