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.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- •Invitation letter from Vietnamese company
- •Business registration of sponsoring company
- +2 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- •At least 2 blank passport pages
- •Passport photo (4x6cm, white background)
- +2 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificate)
- •Sponsor's valid residence status in Vietnam
- •Documents legalized and translated to Vietnamese
- +2 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Economic, scientific, or cultural contribution capability
- •Investment amount (to be finalized)
- •Clean criminal record
- +2 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Capital contribution documentation
- •Business registration or investment certificate
- •Clean criminal record
- +3 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Continuous legal residence (typically 5+ years)
- •Vietnamese language proficiency
- •Clean criminal record
- +2 more 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.
Key Requirements:
- •Acceptance letter from Vietnamese institution
- •Proof of tuition payment
- •Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- +2 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Passport valid for at least 13 months
- •Valid visa or legal status in Vietnam
- •Category-specific documents (work permit, investment certificate, family relationship proof)
- +2 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Passport valid 6+ months
- •Proof of onward travel
- •Citizenship of eligible country
- +1 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Job offer from Vietnamese company
- •Bachelor's degree + 3 years experience (experts) or 5+ years experience (technicians)
- •Clean criminal record from Vietnam and abroad
- +3 more requirements
Questions
No visa questions for Vietnam yet.