Vietnam Golden Visa 2025: Long-Stay Visas for Investors and Skilled Professionals

What Is Vietnam's "Golden Visa"?

Vietnam does not use the term "golden visa" officially, but the 2024 amendments to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners introduced two new long-stay visa categories that serve a similar purpose: the DT (investor) visa and the NN (expert/scientist/talent) visa - both available in 5-year and 10-year terms.

These are not Temporary Residence Cards (TRCs). They are long-duration visas that allow continuous stays without visa runs, and they can be issued relatively quickly compared to the full TRC process.

Who Qualifies

Investor Visa (DT Visa)

The DT visa is issued to foreign investors committing capital into Vietnam. The duration tiers are:

| Investment Amount | Visa Duration | |

|

| | From VND 3 billion ($120,000 USD) | Up to 5 years | | From VND 50 billion ($2 million USD) | Up to 10 years | | High-tech or priority sector projects | Up to 10 years (lower thresholds may apply) |

The investment must be registered and documented through a Vietnamese company or project with a proper investment registration certificate (IRC) or enterprise registration certificate (ERC).

Expert, Scientist, and Skilled Professional Visa (NN Visa)

This category covers:

• Foreign experts with specialist qualifications recognized by Vietnamese authorities (typically requiring a university degree plus 3+ years in the relevant field, or a postgraduate degree)
• Scientists and researchers holding a doctorate or recognized research credentials
• Skilled workers in sectors designated as high-priority by the government (technology, semiconductors, AI, renewable energy, and others)
• Foreign employees of enterprises operating in hi-tech parks or economic zones

Visa duration is typically 5 years for experts and up to 10 years for scientists and hi-tech workers in qualifying roles.

Application Process

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Gather Documents

Investor applicants need:

• Investment registration certificate or enterprise registration with capital contribution record
• Passport (minimum 12 months validity beyond intended visa end date)
• Proof of capital contribution or investment approval

Expert/talent applicants need:

• Degree certificates and work experience documentation (notarized and apostilled or consularized)
• Employment contract or letter of engagement from a Vietnamese entity
• A sponsoring organization in Vietnam (your employer, a hi-tech park, or an approved institution)

Step 2: Sponsoring Organization Submission

Unlike tourist or business visas, long-stay visas under these categories require a sponsoring entity in Vietnam to submit an approval request to the Immigration Department (under the Ministry of Public Security) before the visa can be issued.

The sponsor submits a formal request letter, supporting documents, and the required forms. Processing by the Immigration Department typically takes 5-10 working days for the approval.

Step 3: Visa Issuance

Once approved, the visa can be stamped at a Vietnamese embassy abroad or (in many cases) issued as an e-visa or stamp at a port of entry if you are already in Vietnam.

Long-Stay Visa vs. Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

| Feature | Long-Stay Visa (DT/NN) | TRC | |

|

|

| | Duration | Up to 5 or 10 years | 1-5 years (varies by route) | | Multiple re-entry | Yes | Yes | | Bank account | Yes | Yes | | Processing time | 1-3 weeks | 2-4 weeks | | Requires work permit | Not always | Not for investment route | | Upgradeable to TRC | Yes | N/A |

The TRC remains the more settled long-term option - it functions as a quasi-resident card and is more widely accepted in administrative contexts (property purchase, hospital registration, etc.). Many investors and skilled professionals obtain the long-stay visa first, then upgrade to a TRC once their Vietnamese entity and documentation are fully established.

Common Questions

Can I apply from outside Vietnam? Yes - through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, once your sponsoring entity has obtained the immigration approval.

Does the visa allow me to work? The DT visa permits activities related to managing your investment. The NN visa is linked to your employment. You may still need a work permit exemption certificate or a standard work permit depending on your role and the activities you perform.

Can my family join me? Dependants (spouse and minor children) can apply for visas under their own categories. They do not automatically receive the same long-stay terms but can usually obtain visas matching the duration of your stay.

Last updated April 2026. Visa rules in Vietnam change regularly. Confirm current requirements with a qualified immigration consultant before applying.