Vietnam is one of the easiest countries in Asia to visit and one of the more complicated to live in long term. There is no retirement visa and no digital nomad visa yet, so the right route depends on why you are here: work, business, family or an extended stay.
Most people start on an e-visa and, if they stay, move to a work, investor or family-based visa with a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Each route has its own paperwork, and the order you do things in matters.
In this guide we explain the main options, who each one suits and what to expect along the way.
Overview of visa options in Vietnam
Vietnam has several visa types, each tied to a specific purpose:
- E-visa (EV): up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, open to all nationalities
- Visa exemption: visa-free stays of up to 45 days for citizens of some countries
- Work visa (LĐ): for people with a Vietnamese work permit or a work permit exemption
- Investor visa (ĐT1–ĐT4): for people who invest capital in a Vietnamese company
- Family visa (TT): for spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or of foreigners holding certain visas
- Business visa (DN): for short business visits to a Vietnamese company
- Student visa (DH): for study at a Vietnamese school or university
For most of our clients, the e-visa, work visa, investor visa and family visa are the most relevant routes, and they are the ones we focus on below.
Vietnamese immigration rules change often. This guide reflects the rules as we understand them in 2026. Always confirm the current requirements before you apply.
Vietnam Residency and Citizenship Timeline
Long-term residence in Vietnam is built in steps:
- Short stays: e-visa for up to 90 days, or a visa exemption if your nationality qualifies
- Long-term residence: a TRC linked to your work permit, investment or family tie, usually valid for 1 to 10 years depending on the category
- Permanent residence: limited mainly to people sponsored by a Vietnamese parent, spouse or child, after at least 3 years of continuous temporary residence
- Citizenship: under the amended Law on Nationality in force since 1 July 2025, the standard route needs at least 5 years of residence with a residence card, sufficient Vietnamese and the ability to support yourself
Citizenship normally requires giving up your original nationality. The 2025 amendments allow exceptions in some cases, for example for applicants with close Vietnamese family ties or recognised contributions, when their home country also allows dual nationality.
Vietnam E-Visa and Visa Exemptions
For most people, the e-visa is the first step.
What is the e-visa?
Since August 2023, citizens of every country can apply online for an e-visa valid for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry. The government fee is USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry.
Citizens of some countries, including the UK and several EU countries, can also enter without a visa for up to 45 days. ASEAN citizens usually get shorter visa-free stays. Check your own nationality before you travel.
What the e-visa does not allow
- Working for a Vietnamese employer
- Applying for a Temporary Residence Card
- Staying beyond the dates on the visa
Overstaying, even by a few days, can lead to fines and problems with future applications. If you are already past your date, get advice quickly.
E-visa costs
- Government fee: USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry)
- Processing: usually a few working days when the application is complete
- Professional support: optional, useful if your case is not straightforward
Work Permit and Work Visa (LĐ)
If you are employed by a Vietnamese company, this is your route.
What is the work permit?
A work permit lets a foreigner work for a specific employer in a specific role. Under Decree 219/2025, which replaced the earlier rules in 2025, a work permit is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed. Some roles are exempt, but they still need confirmation of the exemption.
Key requirements
- A job offer from a Vietnamese employer that has registered its need for foreign workers
- A health check certificate
- A criminal record check, usually from your home country and legalised
- Proof of qualifications or experience, such as a degree and work references, legalised and translated
- A valid passport
Residence
Once the work permit is issued, you can get an LĐ visa and a TRC valid for up to 2 years, matching your permit. The TRC means no more visa runs while you hold the job.
Typical timeline
- Collecting and legalising documents abroad: 2–6 weeks
- Work permit processing: a few weeks, depending on the province
- TRC processing: usually a few weeks after the work permit
Investor Visa (ĐT) and Residence Card
The investor visa is for founders and investors who put capital into a Vietnamese company.
Investor visa tiers
- ĐT1: investment of VND 100 billion or more; visa up to 5 years, TRC up to 10 years
- ĐT2: VND 50 billion to under 100 billion; visa up to 5 years, TRC up to 5 years
- ĐT3: VND 3 billion to under 50 billion; visa up to 3 years, TRC up to 3 years
- ĐT4: under VND 3 billion; visa up to 12 months, no TRC
The capital must be contributed to a Vietnamese company. Money sitting in a bank account does not count.
Who is a good fit?
- Founders opening a company in Vietnam
- Investors buying into an existing Vietnamese company
- People who want to run their own business rather than work for an employer
For smaller businesses, the ĐT4 tier gives a one-year visa but no residence card, so plan the size of your capital contribution with your residence in mind.
Family Visa (TT) for Spouses and Children
If you are married to a Vietnamese citizen, or you are the spouse or child of a foreigner with a qualifying visa, the family route is usually the simplest.
What is the TT visa?
The TT visa lets family members live in Vietnam based on their relationship to a Vietnamese citizen or to a foreigner holding a work, investor or similar visa. It can lead to a TRC valid for up to 3 years.
Key requirements
- Proof of the relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate, legalised and translated
- A sponsor: your Vietnamese spouse or parent, or the visa-holding family member’s employer or company
- Proof of residence registration in Vietnam
Spouses of Vietnamese citizens who have held a TRC for at least 3 years may later qualify for permanent residence.
Other Vietnam Visa Options (Brief Overview)
These routes are less common but may be relevant:
- Business visa (DN): for short visits to work with a Vietnamese company, not for employment
- Student visa (DH): for study at a recognised school or university
- Talent visa: introduced in August 2025 for a small group of highly qualified people, with strict criteria
- Golden visa: a longer-term visa has been proposed, but as of mid-2026 it is still a draft and not yet in force
If you are not sure which route applies, ask early. Choosing the wrong visa can delay your move by months.
Choosing the Right Vietnam Visa
For most people, the decision comes down to:
- E-visa: best for exploring Vietnam before committing, or for stays of up to 90 days
- Work visa (LĐ): best if you have a job with a Vietnamese employer
- Investor visa (ĐT): best for founders and investors running a business here
- Family visa (TT): best for spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or of qualifying visa holders
Remote workers and retirees do not have a dedicated long-stay visa yet, so their options depend on their situation. We can walk you through what is realistic.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam is a rewarding place to live, and the visa system is workable once you know which route fits you. It rewards preparation: documents legalised in advance, applications filed in the right order and renewals planned before they are due.
With the right plan, most people move from first enquiry to living legally in Vietnam within a few months.
If you are considering the move, the most important step is choosing the right visa and building your plan around it.
Frequently Asked Questions: Vietnam Visas
Can I apply for a work visa while I am in Vietnam on an e-visa?
In many cases the work permit can be processed while you are in Vietnam, but changing visa type from inside the country is not always possible. It depends on your situation, so check before you plan your trip.
How long does it take to get a Temporary Residence Card?
Usually a few weeks once your work permit, investment certificate or family documents are ready. Document preparation is normally the longest part.
How long does it take to get Vietnamese citizenship?
The standard route needs at least 5 years of residence with a residence card, plus Vietnamese language ability and proof you can support yourself. In practice it is uncommon for foreigners.
Is there a retirement visa in Vietnam?
No. Retirees usually rely on e-visas or, where eligible, a family visa. We can explain the options for your situation.
Is there a digital nomad visa in Vietnam?
Not yet. Many remote workers use the 90-day e-visa, but it is not designed for working in Vietnam, so get advice on your situation.
Do I need to legalise my documents?
Most documents issued abroad, such as degrees, criminal record checks and marriage certificates, must be legalised and translated before Vietnamese authorities accept them.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
You may face a fine and problems with future applications. Deal with it as soon as possible rather than waiting until you leave.
When do I become a tax resident?
Generally if you spend 183 days or more in Vietnam in a year. Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, so get tax advice before you move.
What are the most common reasons applications are delayed?
Missing legalisation, inconsistent names or dates across documents, and expired health or criminal record certificates.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Spouses and children of work permit and investor visa holders can usually apply for family visas and residence cards.
Do I need to speak Vietnamese to get a visa?
No, not for visas or residence cards. Vietnamese is only required for citizenship.