Are you considering traveling to Vietnam? Whether your itinerary includes tourism, business activities, or even attending seminars, there is no shortage of available visas to allow you to visit Vietnam. This article will serve as a guide to visas in Vietnam and will walk you through the requirements for both short-term stays and long-term relocation.
Visa-free entry into Vietnam
Depending on your country of nationality, you may be entitled to enter Vietnam without a visa for a period of 14 to 90 days. Currently the following countries have visa-free travel agreements with Vietnam:
| 14 day visa free entry | 21 day visa free entry | 30 day visa free entry | 45 day visa free entry | 90 day visa free entry |
| Brunei Myanmar | Philippines | Cambodia Indonesia Singapore Thailand Malaysia Laos Kazakhstan Kyrgystan | United Kingdom Sweden Denmark Norway Germany Italy Spain France Finland South Korea Russia Belarus | ChilePanama |
Short-term visas in Vietnam
Short-term stays for tourism
If you want to travel longer than what is permitted through visa-free agreements, the Vietnam Du Lich (DL) tourist visa allows you to visit the country for an additional 90 days. The visa can be applied for both in your home country via an embassy or consulate, or upon arrival in Vietnam through border officials.
The tourist visa allows you to participate in tourism and leisure-oriented activities, visit relatives or friends or relatives, as well as participate in short-term courses. Limited business activities, such as meetings, can also be undertaken via this visa, as long as it is not the main purpose of your stay. To apply for a tourist visa you will also need to provide the following:
- Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay
- An outbound ticket from Vietnam (or in some cases proof of sufficient funds to purchase a ticket)
- A Visa approval letter issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department (for visas on arrival)
Visas in Vietnam to attend conferences and seminars
To position itself as a leading business hub within Southeast Asia, Vietnam has established the Hội nghị (HN) conference visa which is specifically intended to allow 90-day stays for attending conferences and seminars. The visa is valid for attendees, speakers, or even if you simply want to participate in related scientific research events and networking.
Remember that this visa does not give you the right to work or participate in business activities such as signing contracts, negotiations, etc. It is, therefore, not suitable if your primary purpose for coming to Vietnam is to set up a company. To be eligible for this visa, the conference/seminar organizers must provide you with an official invitation letter.
Simplified entry requirements through the Vietnam Electronic Visa
In recent years, Vietnam has designed the Electronic (EV) visa which is specifically aimed at making it easier and more appealing for foreigners to enter the country. This is a popular type of visa which can allow up to 90-day stays for several purposes:
- Tourism and leisure
- Attending business meetings and conferences
- Visiting family and friends
- Short-term study or training programs
- Short-term non-commercial or volunteer work
Since the entire process is managed online, receiving approval is generally easier and faster, making it a convenient option for traveling on shorter notice. Emerhub’s advisors can also help review and manage your application to ensure the visa is approved as quickly as possible to accommodate your travel needs.
Long-term visas in Vietnam
Long-term visas in Vietnam for foreign investors
Vietnam has established a specific type of visa to encourage foreign investments into the economy, known as the Đầu Tư (DT) investor Visa. The investor visa is broken down into 4 categories, which determine the length of stay based on the amount and industry of your investment:
| Visa classification | Investment requirement(s) | Validity period |
| DT1 | Investments totaling ≥ VND 100 billion or investing in preferential areas, occupations, and industries | 5 years |
| DT2 | 50 – <100 billion VND or investing in industries and professions that encourage investment and development | 5 years |
| DT3 | 03 – <50 billion VND | 3 years |
| DT4 | <03 billion VND | 1 year |
The investor visa allows you to conduct business activities as well as employment within the company in which you are investing. However, if your main purpose for relocating to Vietnam is work, then you should consider work or business visas. For more information, be sure to read our related guide on how to work in Vietnam as a foreigner.
Temporary relocation to Vietnam to study
If you are considering studying within a recognized Vietnamese educational institution, then you may be eligible to apply for the Vietnam Study visa. This extendable visa allows 1 year stay in the country, as long as you have an ongoing degree or study program. Keep in mind that you must have been accepted by the school before applying for the visa, as they will act as sponsor.
The Study visa is only valid for the specific program in which you have been accepted, therefore, it is not possible to change institutions or study tracks once the visa is issued. You also are not allowed to work in Vietnam, and will therefore have to provide proof that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
Emerhub can help you secure the necessary documents for studying in Vietnam, as well as help you secure the right type of health insurance coverage, which is mandated for this type of visa. We will manage the application for you and advise you on how to find the right kind of accommodation in Vietnam for your specific situation.
Special long-term visas in Vietnam
Beyond the standard visa types that we have mentioned previously, Vietnam also has several special long-term visas available to accommodate more specific travel purposes and encourage foreigners to relocate to the country:
- Visitor Visa: 180-day stays aimed at facilitating extended tourism, medical procedures, and visiting relatives
- Delegation Visa: Allows 1-year stays for heads of representative offices and branches that are part of official delegations or foreign trade groups
- Press visa: Allows 1-year relocation for journalists, reporter, and their crew, and media professionals with assignments in Vietnam.
- Diplomatic Visa: Issued to allow extendable 1-year stay periods for members and employees of foreign delegations and consulates.
Securing a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam
Do you intend on staying in Vietnam for a longer period than what is allowed through your visa, for example in the event of multi-year study programs or extended working contracts? Then you may be eligible to apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam, which is valid for up to 2 years. Remember that you must first be residing in Vietnam based on a visa.
You must have a residential address before applying for the TRC. Emerhub can assist you with this and manage the application process in your stead:
- We will prepare and review your application for the TRC
- We will submit the application and follow up with the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
- We will collect your TRC upon approval and deliver it when it is convenient for you.
Are you interested in planning a short-term stay in Vietnam, or are you considering relocation? Contact Emerhub’s team of local advisors via the form below and we’ll put you in touch with one of our Visa experts to help you start the process!
