Vietnam Immigration Guide 2026 | Visas, E-Visa & Expat Life

Population

100 million

Capital

Hanoi

Languages

Vietnamese, English (growing)

💰Cost & Practicalities

Currency:Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Timezone:UTC+7 (Indochina Time)

Cost of Living:$ Low

Internet:Excellent

🏥Living Conditions

Safety:High

Climate:Tropical monsoon in south, humid subtropical in north. Dry season Nov-Apr, rainy May-Oct

Healthcare:Good

🛂Immigration

English:Common in cities

Citizenship:5+ years permanent residence, Vietnamese language fluency, renounce other citizenships

Remote Work:Nomad friendly

Visas & Immigration

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🤝Business Visa (DN)

The Vietnam Business Visa (DN) is issued for short-term business purposes without requiring a work permit. Valid for 1 month to 12 months with single or multiple entries. Allows business activities for up to 90 days per year total. Suitable for attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, market research, or exploring investment opportunities. Does not permit employment or receiving salary from Vietnamese entities. Often used by entrepreneurs scouting locations or managing investments remotely. Requires sponsoring company or invitation letter from Vietnamese business partner.

📱E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

Since August 2023, Vietnam grants e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories, valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entry options. Apply online at the official government portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Multiple-entry e-visa allows unlimited exits and re-entries within 90 days. Processing takes 3-5 working days. No extension available inside Vietnam—must do a "visa run" by exiting and applying for a new e-visa. Very popular with digital nomads and long-term travelers. Upon exit from a 90-day visa, eligible nationalities can re-enter immediately with a 45-day visa exemption.

👨‍👩‍👧Family Visa (TT)

The TT visa is issued to foreign family members (spouse, children, parents) of Vietnamese citizens or foreigners legally residing in Vietnam. Validity up to 12 months initially. TRC available for up to 3 years with family relationship proof. Spouses of Vietnamese citizens may qualify for visa exemption allowing 180-day stays, renewable for additional 6 months. Required documents include marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other relationship proof—all must be legalized and translated. Work permit needed for employment. Can lead to permanent residence after 3+ years of continuous residence.

🏆Golden Visa (Proposed)

Vietnam's 10-year Golden Visa was proposed in May 2025 and is expected to launch mid-2026. It will target high-value residents who can make economic, scientific, or cultural contributions. The program will offer 5-10 year validity with renewal options and provide a pathway to permanent residence after 5 years. Alongside the Golden Visa, a 5-year Talent Visa for skilled professionals in rapid-growth sectors was introduced in 2025. Details remain subject to official government decisions, but the program aims to attract foreign investment and expertise similar to regional competitors like Thailand's LTR visa.

💰Investor Visa (DT1-DT4)

The Vietnam Investor Visa (DT1-DT4) allows foreign investors to gain residency based on investment amounts. DT1 (VND 100 billion/$4M+ or priority sectors) offers 5-year validity. DT2 (VND 50-100 billion/$2-4M) also 5 years. DT3 (VND 3-50 billion/$120K-2M) offers 3 years. DT4 (under VND 3 billion/$120K) offers 1 year. This is the most popular route for retirees and those seeking long-term residence without employment. Investment can be in property, business establishment, or capital contribution to existing companies. Pathway to permanent residence available after continuous residence and investment.

🏡Permanent Residence

Vietnam permanent residence is available after continuous legal residence, typically through investor visa or TRC. Golden Visa holders (when launched) may apply after 5 years. Requirements include Vietnamese language proficiency, clean record, and demonstrated ties to Vietnam. Path to citizenship requires 5+ years of permanent residence, Vietnamese language fluency, and renunciation of other citizenships (Vietnam does not allow dual nationality). The process is complex and rarely pursued by foreigners—most opt to maintain long-term TRC status instead. Processing can take 1-2 years with significant documentation requirements.

🎓Student Visa (DH)

The DH visa is for foreigners studying at Vietnamese educational institutions including universities, language schools, and vocational programs. Initial validity depends on program length, with extensions possible. TRC available for students with programs over 1 year, valid up to 10 years. Part-time work limited—students can work up to 20 hours/week with proper authorization. Vietnamese language programs are popular for long-term stay. Tuition at Vietnamese universities is very affordable compared to Western countries. Must maintain enrollment and attendance for visa validity.

🪪Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

The Temporary Residence Card (TRC) provides long-term stay without frequent visa renewals. Validity ranges from 1-10 years depending on category: LD (labor) up to 2 years, investor/student (DT/DH) up to 10 years, family (TT) up to 3 years. Requires passport valid for at least 13 months. TRC allows unlimited entry/exit without new visas and enables bank account opening and property purchase (apartments). Processing takes 5-7 working days. Eligible categories include work permit holders, investors, company owners, lawyers, and family members of Vietnamese citizens or legal residents.

✈️Visa Exemption

Vietnam offers visa exemption for citizens of 25 countries for stays of 15-90 days. Most exemptions are 15-30 days (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea). ASEAN countries get 30 days. Chile, Panama, and Kyrgyzstan get 90 days. No extension or conversion available—must exit and re-enter or apply for different visa type. Can combine with e-visa: after 90-day e-visa, exit and re-enter on visa exemption for additional days. Useful for short trips or as buffer between longer visas. Must have passport valid 6+ months and proof of onward travel.

💼Work Visa & Permit (LD2)

The LD2 visa is issued to foreigners requiring a work permit to work in Vietnam. Foreign nationals working over 3 months must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor (MoLISA). Employers must apply for approval 30 days before the worker starts. Work permits are valid up to 2 years with one renewal allowed—after that, a fresh application is required. Eligible worker categories include managers, executives, experts (bachelor's degree + 3 years experience), and technicians (5+ years experience). Most foreign documents require notarization and consular legalization. BOI-promoted companies get faster processing.

Expat Life

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Cost of Living

Vietnam offers exceptional value with costs roughly 60% lower than the USA. Comfortable expat living runs $900-1,600/month in Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi is 15% cheaper. Street food meals cost $1-2, private apartments $400-800/month.

Healthcare

Vietnam has excellent private hospitals in major cities, though public facilities are overcrowded. Private care at international hospitals costs a fraction of Western prices. International health insurance is strongly recommended. Medical tourism is growing.

Banking

Opening a Vietnamese bank account requires a long-term visa (12+ months) or TRC. Tourist visas are generally not accepted since 2024. New biometric requirements from July 2026 for large transfers. HSBC and Standard Chartered offer good expat services.

Housing

Renting is straightforward for foreigners with no restrictions. Modern apartments range from $300-900/month depending on location. Most rentals come furnished. Foreigners can buy apartments (condos) but not land. Security deposits are typically 1-2 months rent.

Remote Work

Vietnam is increasingly popular with digital nomads despite lacking a dedicated visa. Internet speeds reach 100+ Mbps in cities. Ho Chi Minh City has a thriving coworking scene with spaces like Dreamplex and CirCO. Most remote workers use 90-day e-visas with visa runs.

Taxes

Vietnam taxes residents (183+ days) on worldwide income at progressive rates of 5-35%. Non-residents pay 20% flat on Vietnamese-source income. Major 2026 PIT reforms increase deductions. Remote income from foreign clients is a gray area.

Transportation

Grab dominates ride-hailing with transparent pricing. Motorbike culture is prevalent but risky—scooter rentals are $40-60/month. Ho Chi Minh City is building a metro system (Line 1 opening 2024-2025). Getting a Vietnamese license requires residency.

Language

Vietnamese is the national language with 6 tones making it challenging for foreigners. English proficiency is moderate in cities, especially among younger generations. Basic English works in tourist areas and business districts.

Safety

Vietnam is generally safe for expats with low violent crime. Main concerns are traffic accidents (motorbikes), phone snatching, and petty theft. Scams are less common than they used to be. Grab has largely eliminated taxi scams.

Expat Community

Vietnam has a growing expat community, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Digital nomads are increasingly prevalent. Facebook groups are the main community hub. Coworking spaces and regular meetups facilitate networking.

Climate & Weather

Vietnam's climate varies by region: tropical south with distinct wet/dry seasons, subtropical north with cooler winters. HCMC is hot year-round (25-35°C). Hanoi has four seasons with cold winters. Best time: Nov-Apr for most regions.

Food & Dining

Vietnamese cuisine is world-renowned for fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and incredible value. Street food meals cost $1-2. Regional cuisines vary significantly between north, central, and south. Food is central to Vietnamese culture.

Education

Vietnam has numerous international schools following British, American, and IB curricula. Annual fees range from $8,000-30,000. HCMC and Hanoi have the most options. Vietnamese public schools are an option for immersive experience but conduct classes in Vietnamese.

Family Life

Vietnam is family-friendly with Vietnamese people adoring children. Domestic help is affordable ($150-250/month for full-time). Many family activities exist. Challenges include air pollution in major cities and traffic safety concerns.

Culture & Lifestyle

Vietnamese culture emphasizes family, respect for elders, and community. Buddhism and ancestor worship shape traditions. Key customs include removing shoes indoors, respecting temples, and understanding "face." Tet (Lunar New Year) is the biggest holiday.