Vietnam’s Golden Visa program is strategically designed to attract foreign investors and skilled professionals to live and work long‑term in Vietnam. By offering extended residency rights and access to many privileges akin to those of citizens, this program aims not only to draw in direct investment capital but also to leverage expertise and technical skills for domestic economic and technological development. For Golden Visa holders, understanding the conditions for maintaining their residency status—including the renewal process—is crucial to ensure legal compliance while maximizing benefits in terms of residency rights, business opportunities, and long‑term integration in Vietnam.
1. Key Features
Validity: From 1 to 5 years, depending on investment category and capital amount (pursuant to Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit and Residence)
Renewal: Upon visa expiry, a new visa may be issued under Clause 7, Article 9 of that Law
Multiple Entry: Unlimited entries and exits during the visa’s validity
Sponsorship for spouse and children under 18 to receive TT‑type visas (Clause 18, Article 8 of the Law on Entry, Exit and Residence of Foreigners)
2. Investor Visa Categories
Visa Type
Investment Threshold
Visa Code
Maximum Validity
ĐT1
≥ VND 100 billion or investment in specially‑incentivized sectors/regions
ĐT1
Up to 5 years
ĐT2
VND 50 billion – < 100 billion or investment in encouraged sectors
ĐT2
Up to 5 years
ĐT3
VND 3 billion – < 50 billion
ĐT3
Up to 3 years
ĐT4
< VND 3 billion
ĐT4
Up to 1 year
3. Temporary Residence Card Issuance Procedure
Golden Visa holders must prepare a complete dossier and follow the procedure below: 3.1. Application The dossier for applying for a Temporary Residence Card is stipulated in Article 38 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners, and includes: a) A written request from the inviting or sponsoring agency, organization, or individual; b) The completed application form for a Temporary Residence Card, with photo affixed; c) Passport; d) Documents proving that the foreign investor entered Vietnam on a ĐT1, ĐT2, or ĐT3 visa.
3.2. Processing of Temporary Residence Card Application a) Foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, or other authorized foreign entities in Vietnam submit NG3‑type Temporary Residence Card applications to the competent body of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; b) Inviting or sponsoring agencies, organizations, or individuals submit applications directly for cases under point b, clause 1, Article 36 of this Law to the Immigration Authority where the sponsor’s headquarters or residence is located; c) Within 5 working days from the date of receipt of a complete dossier, the Immigration Authority or the competent body of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall review and issue the Temporary Residence Card.
Issues all types of visas and Temporary Residence Cards (Article 47 of Law 47/2014/QH13).
Promulgates and updates forms NA5 (visa) and NA7 (Temporary Residence Card); controls entry/exit at border gates.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Issues, amends, supplements, or cancels visas at Vietnam’s overseas missions.
Renews Temporary Residence Cards (via consulates/embassies) upon request and as provided by law.
Ministry of National Defense
Issues, amends, cancels visas and grants residence certificates at military‑controlled checkpoints.
People’s Committees (Provincial/City and Communal/Ward levels)
Manage and register temporary residence; certify residence status for Temporary Residence Card dossiers.
Inspect and handle violations of residence and entry/exit regulations locally.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residence
Foreigners holding a Golden Visa—a long‑term investor visa—may apply for permanent residence in Vietnam after a continuous period of residence and investment. Being granted permanent residence allows them to reside long‑term without periodic visa renewals and to enjoy certain citizen‑equivalent rights in residence, investment, and employment.
1. Eligibility Conditions for Permanent Residence Under Articles 39 and 40 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners, a foreigner may be granted permanent residence if they meet one of the following: a. Awarded a Vietnamese state order or honorary title for contributions to Vietnam’s development and defense; b. Scientist or expert currently holding a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam; c. Sponsored by a parent, spouse, or child who is a Vietnamese citizen with permanent residence; d. Stateless persons who have continuously resided in Vietnam since before 2000.
Conditions for Consideration
General: Must have legal accommodation and stable income to ensure living standards in Vietnam.
For scientists/experts: A recommendation from the relevant Minister or head of a ministerial‑level agency is required.
For sponsored foreigners: Must have continuously resided in Vietnam for at least 3 years.
2. Dossier and Procedure Applicants prepare their dossier under Article 41 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners and submit it to the Immigration Authority. The dossier includes:
Permanent residence application form;
Criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority of their home country;
Diplomatic note from their home country’s mission requesting permanent residence in Vietnam;
Certified copy of passport;
Documents proving eligibility under Article 40;
(For sponsored cases) Sponsorship letter.
Processing Time by the Ministry of Public Security:
Up to 4 months from the date of receipt of a complete, valid dossier;
May be extended by up to 2 months if additional verification is required.
Notification:
The Immigration Authority notifies the applicant and the provincial/city police in writing of the decision.
Within 5 working days of receiving this notification, the local police inform the foreigner of the outcome.
Card Collection:
Within 3 months of receiving the approval notification, the foreigner must collect their Permanent Residence Card from the Immigration Authority of the respective province or city
Vietnamese
