Vietnam plans 10-year Golden Visa to boost tourism and investment

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam plans a 10-year Golden Visa, offering long-term residency for investors, tourists, and skilled professionals.
• The program features three visa types: 5-10-year Golden Visa, 10-year Investor Visa, and 5-year Talent Visa.
• Pilot launches in Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang; investment minimums and final rules pending approval.

Vietnam 🇻🇳 is moving forward with a bold plan: a 10-year Golden Visa program that could change its position in Southeast Asia’s busy tourism and investment markets. By offering longer stays and new routes to residency, the country hopes to compete with major neighbors—and become a more attractive place for travelers, investors, and talented professionals. Let’s break down what’s in this proposal, why it matters, how it compares to nearby programs, and what people need to know if they’re interested in making Vietnam 🇻🇳 their new, long-term home.

What Is Vietnam’s 10-Year Golden Visa Proposal?

Vietnam 🇻🇳 has put forward a plan to launch a 10-year Golden Visa program. Golden visas are special permits that allow foreigners to live in a country for a longer time—usually because they invest money, start a business, or have special skills. This program is meant to bring in more tourists, encourage investment, and help Vietnam 🇻🇳 bounce back after the hard years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three Types of Visas in the Proposal

The government wants to create three main visa options so the program can work for different groups of people:

1. 5–10-Year Golden Visa:
   • Who is it for? Tourists, retirees, and working professionals.
   • What does it offer? It allows long stays for those who want to enjoy Vietnam 🇻🇳’s beaches, cities, and culture without having to go through frequent renewals.
2. 10-Year Investor Visa:
   • Who is it for? People who put money into Vietnam 🇻🇳’s economy (like buying property, investing in businesses, or supporting certain sectors).
   • What does it offer? A full decade of legal stay. If the investment is kept for at least five years, the person could get permanent residency.

3. 5-Year Talent Visa:
– Who is it for? Skilled professionals, artists, and researchers.
– What does it offer? Easier renewals for people who help Vietnam 🇻🇳 grow in science, arts, and other important fields.

These categories are designed to cover a broad range of potential residents—each one bringing something different and valuable to the country.

Pilot Locations

The government wants to begin by testing the program in four main places:

• Phu Quoc
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Hanoi
• Da Nang

Phu Quoc is a scenic island known for its beaches and rising tourism numbers, making it a smart starting point for attracting both tourists and new residents with a tropical lifestyle. The other cities—Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang—are economic and cultural hubs, each with their own appeal to foreign investors and professionals.

How Does Permanent Residency and Citizenship Work Under the Plan?

The new program may lead to two important long-term options:

• Permanent Residency (PR): The plan will allow investors to apply for PR after five years, as long as they keep their investments actively growing the economy. Under current Vietnam 🇻🇳 rules, anyone can get PR after three years if they fit key requirements.
• Citizenship: To become a citizen, people must live in Vietnam 🇻🇳 for five straight years, pass a language test, and give up any other citizenships they hold. This shows how serious Vietnam 🇻🇳 is about building a deeper connection with those who want to make it their home.

Why Is Vietnam Introducing a 10-Year Golden Visa Program Now?

Several reasons stand out:

• Tourism Growth: In the first three months of 2025, Vietnam 🇻🇳 reached a new record by welcoming 6 million international visitors. The country’s goal is to hit 23 million visitors in one year—a high bar that shows how much it wants to grow as a travel hotspot.
• Regional Competition: Countries nearby already have popular golden visa pathways. Thailand 🇹🇭, for instance, gives 10-year visas for big investors and retirees. Malaysia 🇲🇾 has the “Malaysia My Second Home” program, and Indonesia 🇮🇩 offers golden visas for money deposits ranging from $2.5 million to $5 million. Vietnam 🇻🇳 doesn’t want to get left behind—it wants to be as welcoming and exciting as its neighbors.
• Economic Goals: With more international residents, Vietnam 🇻🇳 can bring in extra cash, create jobs, and build up sectors such as tourism, innovation, and education. After years of uncertainty, this program is seen as a fresh way to grow the economy.

How Do the Proposed Golden Visas Compare to Current Vietnamese Visas?

Vietnam 🇻🇳 already offers certain long-term visas, mostly called “DT” visas. Let’s see how the old and new rules line up:

*Sources say investment rules may not be final yet.

The new 10-year Golden Visa would let more people from outside Vietnam 🇻🇳 come and stay longer—without needing to be deeply involved in business. This is good news for those who want to enjoy the country’s beaches, cities, and food while adding value in different ways.

What Are the Main Challenges for the Golden Visa Program?

Even though the program has a lot of promise, there are hurdles to clear before everything is approved:

1. Setting Clear Investment Minimums
   • As of now, the government hasn’t shared exact numbers for how much money people will need to invest or deposit in order to qualify. Neighbors like Indonesia 🇮🇩 and Thailand 🇹🇭 are already setting the bar high; their minimums are $350,000 for Indonesia 🇮🇩 and $500,000 for Thailand 🇹🇭. Vietnam 🇻🇳 has to find a balance: If requirements are too low, it could miss out on bigger, more committed investors; if too high, fewer people may apply.
2. Infrastructure
   • If Vietnam 🇻🇳 wants to welcome tens of thousands of new long-term residents, its hospitals, schools, roads, and public services must be up to the task. Modern infrastructure helps keep both locals and new arrivals happy and safe.
3. Regulation and Enforcement
   • To make the program work well, the systems that check backgrounds, handle renewals, and track investments must be strong. Poor rules could lead to abuse or questions about security.
4. Post-Pandemic Recovery
   • Vietnam 🇻🇳 is still bouncing back from COVID-19’s effects on its economy and health. A successful golden visa program will need to stay flexible as tourism, trade, and public health all change in the coming years.

How Does Vietnam’s Golden Visa Stack up Against Others in the Region?

Vietnam 🇻🇳 is not alone in its effort to keep high-spending tourists, digital workers, and foreign investors interested. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Thailand 🇹🇭: Offers 10-year Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas for investors, skilled workers, and retirees. Investment starts at $500,000.
• Malaysia 🇲🇾: The “Malaysia My Second Home” (MM2H) program is open to retirees and investors with financial proof and fixed deposits.
• Indonesia 🇮🇩: Golden visas for investments of $350,000 and above (with higher, million-dollar tiers for longer stays and whole families).

Vietnam 🇻🇳’s proposed Golden Visa, especially if set at a lower investment level and including places like Phu Quoc, could attract many more middle-class retirees, entrepreneurs, and families looking for safety, warm weather, and cultural experiences.

Spotlight on Phu Quoc: Why Is It Part of the Pilot?

Phu Quoc is a rising star among Vietnam 🇻🇳’s destinations. This island is famous for:

• Soft sandy beaches and clear water.
• Resorts and hotels catering to all budgets.
• Enough room for long-term growth and housing.

As one of the first places to test the 10-year Golden Visa, Phu Quoc could become a home base for tourists, digital workers, and snowbirds who want an easy and beautiful lifestyle. It also stands as proof that the visa program is not just about business in big cities—it’s about making Vietnam 🇻🇳 an all-around destination for living, not just visiting.

What Are the Possible Short- and Long-Term Impacts?

The Golden Visa’s ripple effects could touch many lives:

For Immigrants, Retirees, and Professionals:

• More Options: They could have a safe and legal way to live and work in Vietnam 🇻🇳 for many years, with possible steps toward permanent residency or even citizenship.
• Less Paperwork: The streamlined process should make it easier to renew visas, especially for the talent and investment categories.
• Lifestyle Choices: Places like Phu Quoc offer a mix of city comforts and island beauty, drawing a wider range of foreigners.

For Vietnam and Its People:

• New Income Streams: International arrivals bring money, not just to tourism but to health, education, and property.
• Global Connections: More expats mean more networks for trade, art, and science.
• Modernization Needs: To fully enjoy the benefits, Vietnam 🇻🇳 will have to keep improving public services, which could also help locals.

For Businesses and Investors:

• Room to Grow: Foreign capital can bring new businesses, real estate projects, and tech start-ups.
• Clearer Rules: A transparent Golden Visa program offers security, making Vietnam 🇻🇳 a less risky place to invest.

What Should Interested People Do Next?

Since full details (including investment amounts and application processes) are not finalized, staying informed is key. The proposal is still awaiting full government approval as of May 2025.

If you’re thinking about joining this wave, you can:

• Watch for official updates on sites like the Vietnam Immigration Department for new application forms and rules.
• Reach out to Vietnamese embassies or trusted immigration specialists for the latest guidance.
• Plan a visit to see Phu Quoc or one of the other pilot cities in person before making any big decisions.
• Follow reputable news sources for regular updates on the status of the 10-year Golden Visa.

For more details on the differences between current long-term visas and the proposed Golden Visa, you can also consult VisaVerge.com, which reports on global visa trends and official policy changes: As reported by VisaVerge.com, this new initiative may mark a big shift for Vietnam 🇻🇳 in how it welcomes foreign talent and money.

Conclusion: Is the 10-Year Golden Visa a Game Changer for Vietnam?

Vietnam 🇻🇳 is stepping onto the world stage with its 10-year Golden Visa plan, hoping to turn places like Phu Quoc and top cities into magnets for global talent and money. The program’s focus on long-term stays, options for different types of immigrants, and a possible route to permanent residency speaks to a broader change—one where Vietnam 🇻🇳 no longer just wants tourists, but new neighbors who invest and help shape the country’s future.

What happens next depends on how well the details are set, how attractive the investment requirements turn out to be, and how Vietnam 🇻🇳 supports new residents in areas like health, transport, and education. For now, this is an exciting proposal that has the power to reshape Vietnam 🇻🇳’s place in the region—and open new doors for people seeking warm beaches, growing cities, and a welcoming community.

People watching developments or hoping to apply should keep an eye on both government and trusted news outlets for the most accurate, timely updates as Vietnam 🇻🇳 finalizes its Golden Visa rollout.

Learn Today

Golden Visa → A residence permit allowing foreigners to live in a country for extended periods, typically through investment or special skills.
Permanent Residency (PR) → Legal status letting someone reside indefinitely in a country, usually with fewer restrictions than temporary visas.
Pilot Location → Selected area where a new program is tested before wider implementation to evaluate effectiveness and address challenges.
Passive Investment → Financial contribution not requiring active business management, such as funding, property purchase, or deposits.
Naturalization → The legal process by which a foreign citizen acquires citizenship of another country, often including residency and language requirements.

This Article in a Nutshell

Vietnam’s bold 10-year Golden Visa program seeks to attract global investors, tourists, and talent. With flexible long-term stays and clearer residency pathways, it rivals neighboring countries. Key cities and Phu Quoc lead the pilot, promising economic growth, more options for foreigners, and global connections as investment requirements await finalization.
— By VisaVerge.com

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