(VIETNAM) Vietnam’s new 5-Year Talent Visa gives top foreign specialists a stable way to live and work in the country while keeping strong links abroad. Launched in 2025 as part of Vietnam’s broader Golden Visa program, it targets people at the top of their professions rather than general tourists or short‑term workers. The visa is especially attractive for Executives and Business Leaders, scientists, high‑end tech workers, artists, and elite athletes who want a clear, repeatable process and predictable status.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Vietnam is using this visa to compete with countries that already welcome global talent with long‑term residence options. What makes Vietnam stand out is the mix of multiple entries, five years of legal status, and a clear focus on people with proven records in their fields.
Overview of the 5-Year Talent Visa Journey
The full journey for a candidate usually follows these stages:
- Check if you fit an eligible talent category.
- Secure an invitation or nomination from Vietnam.
- Collect supporting documents and prepare your file.
- Submit the application to the Immigration Department.
- Wait for review and a decision.
- Use the visa exemption card to enter Vietnam.
- Manage 90‑day stays, renewals, and family status over the five‑year period.
Each step has its own timing and expectations, detailed in the sections below.
Step 1: Confirm You Are in an Eligible Talent Group
Before investing time in paperwork, confirm you match at least one of the official groups. If you don’t fit one of these categories, this visa is likely not suitable and you should consider other immigration options.
Main eligible categories:
| Category | Examples / Criteria |
|---|---|
| Executives and Business Leaders | CEOs and senior executives of companies ranked in the world’s top 100 by market value |
| Scientists and Researchers | Holders of major international awards, strong publications, quality patents, or leaders of major research projects. Medical scientists must have a doctorate and an invitation from a respected Vietnamese university, hospital, or research institute. |
| Engineers and Technologists | Chief engineers and top IT workers who meet standards in Vietnam’s science and technology laws |
| Artists and Cultural Figures | Film directors, actors, musicians, producers, painters, photographers with international awards or major public influence |
| Elite Athletes | Medal winners at the Olympic Games, Paralympics, ASIAD, or Asian Para Games, or holders of top AFC/FIFA titles (e.g., Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer) |
Step 2: Secure an Invitation or Nomination in Vietnam
A formal invitation or nomination letter is required to proceed. Typical issuers include:
- A relevant Vietnamese ministry or government body
- A top‑ranked public university or research institute
- A major hospital (for medical scientists)
- Another authorized organization in your field
This step often takes the longest. Typical actions and expectations:
- Build cooperation with a Vietnamese company or institution.
- Share your CV, awards, and portfolio.
- Discuss your planned role or projects in Vietnam.
Timeframes vary: some prominent figures may receive invitations quickly; others may spend months building ties and finalizing a role before a nomination is issued.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Dossier
Once you have an invitation, assemble your application package. Common required items include:
- Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity for a multi‑year card.
- Invitation or nomination letter from an authorized Vietnamese entity.
- Proof of achievements, such as:
- Award certificates
- Copies of patents or publications
- Employment contracts and company ranking proof (for executives)
- Festival awards, reviews, or portfolios (for artists)
- Official sports records (for athletes)
Important preparation tips:
- Ensure names, dates, and roles match across all documents.
- If documents are in another language, obtain certified translations into Vietnamese (likely required).
- Confirm the current checklist and formats with the Vietnam Immigration Department or your local sponsor.
Official contact information is available on the Vietnam Immigration Department website: https://immigration.gov.vn
Step 4: Submission and Review by the Immigration Department
Applications are processed by the Ministry of Public Security via its Immigration Department. Submission pathways:
- Your sponsor in Vietnam may submit the file on your behalf.
- You may be instructed to apply through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate abroad.
During processing, officials will:
- Check you match one of the eligible talent groups.
- Confirm the authenticity of awards, rankings, and positions.
- Review the invitation letter and the standing of the inviting institution.
Processing timelines:
- No publicly fixed processing time yet.
- Expect weeks to several months depending on case complexity and document verification.
- Authorities may request additional proof or clarifications — responding quickly helps move your case forward.
If approved, you receive a 5‑Year Talent Visa exemption card, which proves your right to enter Vietnam and stay for repeated periods.
Step 5: Arriving in Vietnam and Using the Visa Exemption Card
Key features of the exemption card:
- Validity: Up to five years from date of issue.
- Multiple entries: Unlimited entries and exits during the card period.
- Length of stay per entry: Normally 90 days; if the card expires in less than 90 days from your entry date, your allowed stay ends on the card’s expiry date.
This setup supports people who split time between countries for work, research, tours, or sports seasons, while maintaining a clear legal base in Vietnam.
Important: Keep your card and supporting documents accessible when traveling, and monitor expiry dates to avoid overstays.
Long-Term Residence, Renewals, and Family Members
The talent card provides up to five years of legal residence, with a simpler renewal process compared with first issuance because your prior vetting and track record are already on file.
Family reunification is a major feature:
- Eligible professionals can bring their spouse and children.
- The sponsor can help them obtain the right status in Vietnam.
- This family support is a key reason many mid‑career professionals prefer Vietnam over destinations with stricter family rules (per VisaVerge.com).
You must still comply with Vietnamese laws on work permits, tax, and local registration where required, but the talent card creates a stable base for planning careers, research projects, or creative work over several years.
Difference from the 10-Year Investor Golden Visa
The 5‑Year Talent Visa is distinct from the 10‑Year Investor Golden Visa:
- 5‑Year Talent Visa: Designed for people whose skills and records are their primary contribution — e.g., Executives and Business Leaders, scientists, artists, and elite athletes.
- 10‑Year Investor Golden Visa: Intended for those whose main contribution is capital investment in approved projects, and it can lead toward permanent residence after five years of investment.
In short, the talent route is ideal for highly skilled individuals who may not want to commit large capital but can bring rare skills to Vietnam. It offers a clear, time‑limited path with practical benefits and the possibility of future extension.
Vietnam’s 5‑Year Talent Visa, launched in 2025 under the Golden Visa program, offers top professionals five years of repeatable legal status with multiple entries. Target groups include executives, scientists, technologists, artists, and elite athletes who must secure a Vietnamese invitation or nomination, assemble proof of achievements, and apply via the Immigration Department. The card typically grants 90‑day stays per entry, supports renewals, and allows family reunification, offering a stable, talent‑focused residence pathway.
