Vietnam launches Golden Visa offering up to ten years’ residency

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam’s Golden Visa offers five to ten years’ residency for investors, professionals, retirees, and long-term tourists starting in 2025.
• Applicants can include family, work, invest, and renew online, with a clear path to permanent residency for qualifying investors.
• The Golden Visa enables digital applications, longer stays, and fewer renewal hassles compared to previous short-term or business visas.

Vietnam’s new Golden Visa offers a unique chance for long-term tourists, investors, professionals, and retirees to live in the country for much longer periods than ever before. This visa is part of the government’s wider plan to boost tourism, welcome more foreign investment, and encourage talented people from around the world to contribute to Vietnam’s growing economy. In this detailed overview, you’ll learn who qualifies for the Golden Visa, how to apply, what rights and benefits you get, and how it compares to past visa types. We’ll also discuss real-life scenarios, common questions, and provide clear guidance on where to find the latest updates from official sources.

Definition of the Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a residency permit that allows certain foreigners to live in Vietnam 🇻🇳 for five to ten years, far longer than usual tourist or business visas. This visa can even be extended for another one or two years. It is aimed mainly at long-term tourists, retirees, investors, and high-earning professionals who want to live, work, or retire in Vietnam 🇻🇳 without having to leave frequently or deal with repeated visa renewals. Unlike short-term options, the Golden Visa gives greater freedom to stay, travel in and out, and even involve family members.

Eligibility Requirements

Qualifying for the Golden Visa depends on which category you fit into. The main groups who can apply include:

– Long-term tourists looking to enjoy life in Vietnam 🇻🇳 for months or years, not just a short vacation.
– Foreign investors, especially those bringing money into the country by starting a business or making other investments.
– Skilled professionals and talented people who work in key sectors, such as technology, green energy, arts, or advanced manufacturing.
– Retirees who want to settle in Vietnam 🇻🇳 for its lifestyle, healthcare services, or affordable living.
– Entrepreneurs and business leaders considering new ventures in the Vietnamese market.
– Digital nomads—people working remotely who want to make Vietnam 🇻🇳 their long-term base.

Specific criteria, like the required minimum investment or who exactly counts as a “talent” in priority sectors, are being finalized as of May 2025. Officials will likely set these requirements soon.

Purpose and Benefits of the Visa

Vietnam’s Golden Visa tackles a few big goals at once. First, it’s designed to draw in more tourists who aren’t just visiting for a few weeks but want to stay and really experience the country. Second, it supports Vietnam’s broader economic strategy by attracting foreign capital and expertise. Third, it offers a stable, welcoming place for foreigners who may have grown tired of stricter or less affordable immigration systems in other countries.

Some of the main benefits for Golden Visa holders include:

• Being able to come and go from Vietnam 🇻🇳 as often as you need during the visa’s validity.
• Having the right to set up and run a business in Vietnam, or directly invest in existing companies.
• Living with your immediate family, since spouses and children qualify for residency too.
• Working in Vietnam 🇻🇳 with simplified or, in some cases, no work permit requirements.
• All major processes expected to be completed online, so you won’t need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate for most steps.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Overview

Exact details for each step will be released once the government finalizes the program, but here’s what is expected:

1. Preparation: Gather documents showing your eligibility, such as proof of investment, employment contract, retirement funds, or other financial resources.
2. Online Submission: Fill out the application on an official online portal (this will likely become available at https://www.vietnam-immigration.org.vn/ or a similar site). Upload your documents and personal information.
3. Review and Assessment: Authorities will check if you meet all requirements and may ask for extra proof or information if needed.
4. Approval and Visa Issuance: If approved, you will receive digital confirmation and visa documents, which let you enter Vietnam 🇻🇳 for the long-term stay.
5. Arrival and Registration: After arrival, you may have to register your residence at a local immigration or police office and provide details of your stay.
6. Extension or Renewal: Near the end of your visa, you can usually apply to extend it online for another one or two years, as long as you still meet the basic conditions.

Required Documents and Evidence

While exact requirements may change depending on your situation, here’s what most applicants can expect to provide:

• Valid passport with at least one year left before expiration.
• Proof of qualifying activity. This may be documents showing your investment, such as bank statements or company registration, or proof of professional skills for the talent visa.
• Health insurance covering your stay in Vietnam 🇻🇳.
• Clear criminal record check, possibly from both Vietnam 🇻🇳 and your own country.
• Proof of where you’ll be living in Vietnam 🇻🇳—a lease agreement or property ownership papers.
• Family documents (if bringing spouse or children), such as marriage or birth certificates.
• Recent passport-sized photos that meet official guidelines.

Processing Times and Fees

Processing times are expected to be much faster than with older paper-based systems, thanks to the online application route. Early reports suggest processing may take from a few weeks to a couple of months depending on the volume of applications and your individual case.

The exact fees for the Golden Visa have not been confirmed but are likely higher than those for regular tourist visas. Fees may vary by visa category, the length you request, and whether you are including family members. It’s best to check official updates as the program goes live to get the latest figures.

Validity Period and Renewal Options

• The main Golden Visa allows you to stay in Vietnam 🇻🇳 for five to ten years, a big step up from past caps (which limited stays to only a few months or, at best, 1–2 years under special multiple-entry cases).
• After the initial period, you can renew for another one or two years, provided you still meet the basic requirements.
• Investor Visa: Offers a clear path to permanent residency if you live continuously in Vietnam 🇻🇳 for five years.
• Talent Visa: Valid for five years at a time, with easy renewals for those who continue to qualify.

If you plan to make Vietnam 🇻🇳 your main home, these long renewal periods add stability and peace of mind.

Rights and Restrictions Associated with the Visa

Rights you receive:

• Freedom to live, travel, and do business in Vietnam 🇻🇳 within the visa’s period.
• Bring your immediate family under the same residency umbrella.
• In some career fields, you do not need to apply for a regular work permit or enjoy a much simpler process.
• Access to essential services: You can sign rental contracts, open bank accounts, and use healthcare services as a resident.
• Opportunity to apply for permanent residency (mainly for investors after five years).

Limitations to keep in mind:

• You must keep meeting the qualifying criteria (such as holding your investment or active contract) throughout your stay.
• The visa does not automatically grant citizenship or voting rights.
• Some government jobs or local benefits may remain out of reach for foreign residents.
• If you break Vietnamese law or give false information, your visa can be canceled, and you may have to leave the country.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

One of the stand-out features, especially for investors, is the clear path to permanent residency. If an investor with this visa lives in Vietnam 🇻🇳 for five years without big gaps or problems, they can directly apply for permanent status. This means they can stay as long as they want, even if they later stop working or investing. Talent visa holders may see possible routes to permanent residency in future updates if their skills stay in high demand, but current focus is on the investor route.

Comparison With Other Vietnamese Visas

The Golden Visa stands apart from old systems in several ways:

• Duration: The Golden Visa allows five to ten years, compared to just one to two years for older long-term visas. Tourist and business visas were even shorter.
• Renewal: Extensions are built-in and much easier to apply for.
• Target group: Aimed at investors, skilled workers, long-term tourists, and retirees, not just business travelers or people coming for family reasons.
• Family benefits: It’s easier to live with your spouse and kids for the long term.
• Permanent Residency: Investors now have a direct pathway, unlike before.
• Application: Online process expected, rather than hard copy applications through embassies.

Here is a quick comparison table:

Common Misconceptions or FAQs

Some people think a Golden Visa is the same as citizenship. It’s not. It gives lots of rights, but not all the rights a citizen has. Another myth is that only millionaires can apply. While investment is one route, skilled workers and long-term tourists with enough proof of financial means may qualify, depending on the exact rules set by the government.

A question many ask is, “Do I have to stay in Vietnam 🇻🇳 all ten years without leaving?” No. You can travel freely in and out, as long as your visa is active and you meet the rules.

Another common worry is that the process is slow or requires many embassy visits. The new system is meant to be mainly online. You may only need to appear in person at certain steps if there is a question about your documents or background.

Real-World Examples

• A retiree from Europe who wants to enjoy Vietnam 🇻🇳’s beaches, warm climate, and affordable healthcare now has an easier way to live there with their spouse, instead of leaving every 90 days to renew a tourist visa.
• An American tech entrepreneur looking to open a branch in Ho Chi Minh City can move with their family, set up a company, and live comfortably for up to ten years.
• A digital nomad who works in creative design can relocate to Vietnam 🇻🇳 for several years, rather than hopping countries for visa reasons, if they meet income or work-related conditions.

Recent Changes and Updates

The Golden Visa is brand new as of 2025. Final rules, qualifying amounts, and forms are still being designed. The government is focusing on attracting “sticky” tourism (people who come and stay), more foreign spending, and skill transfer for local industries. Interested applicants should stay alert for official news from government sources.

Pros and Cons of the Vietnam Golden Visa

Pros:
– Much longer and renewable stay.
– Stable residency for your family.
– Freedom to invest and do business.
– Streamlined application with digital tools.
– Clear permanent residency route for investors.

Cons:
– Eligibility criteria, such as the investment amounts, may be high for some.
– Total fees are higher than short-term visas.
– Lack of voting rights or citizenship.
– Some uncertainty, since the final rules are still pending.

Additional Resources

For up-to-date information and official forms as they are released, check the official Vietnamese immigration site at Vietnam Immigration – Official Government. VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals the new Golden Visa is expected to spark keen interest from international investors and long-term tourists alike, especially as Vietnam 🇻🇳 positions itself as a friendly, business-ready country in Southeast Asia.

Summary

Vietnam 🇻🇳’s Golden Visa introduces a major new choice for long-term tourists, investors, professionals, and retirees. With stays up to ten years, the visa brings stability, expanded rights, and a simple application process for those ready to make Vietnam 🇻🇳 their home. While much is still being finalized, this visa is set to transform how foreigners live, work, and invest in the country. Those considering a move should watch for more updates as final details, application forms, and fees become available in the coming months.

Learn Today

Golden Visa → A long-term residency permit that allows eligible foreigners to live in Vietnam for five to ten years.
Permanent Residency → A legal status letting foreigners live indefinitely in Vietnam with fewer restrictions than standard visas.
Digital Nomad → A person who works remotely online and chooses to live in different countries for extended periods.
Eligibility Requirements → The specific conditions or criteria that applicants must meet to qualify for the Golden Visa.
Investment Threshold → The minimum financial amount an applicant must invest to qualify for certain categories of the Golden Visa.

This Article in a Nutshell

Vietnam’s new Golden Visa lets investors, skilled professionals, retirees, and long-term tourists live in the country for up to ten years. The application is streamlined and mostly digital, offering family residency, flexible business rights, and an easier path to permanent status. Final rules, investments, and application details are coming soon.
— By VisaVerge.com

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