🌍
🇻🇳

Vietnam

Asia

Fast growing Southeast Asian hub with a 90 day e visa, 45 day exemptions for some passports and a large remote worker and expat scene.

8
Visa Types
38
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

90 day e visa (tourism, business, visiting family)

Online 90-day e-visa available to all nationalities for tourism, business visits or seeing friends and relatives.

90 days
Duration
₫2.0M
$79 fee
+₫3.1M additional
⚠️Remote Work: Grey Area

The e-visa does not authorise employment in Vietnam. However, remote work for foreign clients is a legal grey area and is the most common visa choice among digital nomads staying up to 90 days. There is no enforcement framework targeting remote workers as of 2026.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Available to almost all nationalities with a fully online process.
✓Allows up to 90 days in Vietnam with single or multiple entry options.
✓Very popular with remote workers who want to try living in Vietnam for one to three months.
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date of first entry
  • •Clear digital photo that meets the portal requirements
  • •Scan of the passport data page
  • •Entry and exit through an approved airport, land border or sea port listed on the e visa website
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Official guidance is about 3 working days but 3–5 working days is common in practice.
  1. 1Go to the official Vietnam e visa portal and start a new application.
  2. 2Fill in personal data, planned travel dates and the border gate you will use.
  3. 3Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of the passport data page.
  4. 4Pay the e visa fee online using a card and save your application code.
  5. 5Wait for approval and then download the e visa PDF.
  6. 6Print the e visa and carry it together with your passport for airline check in and border control.
Apply Online

🛡️ Tax Implications

Foreigners present in Vietnam for 183 days or more in a calendar year or 12-month rolling period become tax residents and owe personal income tax on worldwide employment income at progressive rates from 5 percent to 35 percent. Non-residents pay a flat 20 percent on Vietnam-sourced employment income.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Apply at least one to two weeks before arrival, especially around major holidays or peak travel times.
  • •Choose multiple entry if you plan side trips to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos or other countries during the 90 days.
  • •Print two copies of the approved e visa and keep a digital copy on your phone.
  • •On arrival, check that the entry stamp dates match the validity shown on your e visa.

Visa exemption for eligible nationalities

TouristPopular

Visa-free entry for 39 eligible nationalities — 45 days for most Western countries, Japan, South Korea and Russia; 14 to 30 days for ASEAN and select Asian countries

45d
Duration
₫0
<$1 fee
+₫2.2M additional
📍Apply: On Arrival
⏱Granted immediately by the border officer if you are eligible.
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
VNDUSD
Required
Visa free entryNo government visa fee for eligible passports within the allowed stay
₫0<$1
Additional (estimated)
Travel insurance (1–2 months)Basic policy for medical emergencies and evacuation
₫1.5M$60
Airport fast track serviceOptional assistance at major international airports
₫700K$28
Required Total
₫0<$1
+ Additional (estimated)
₫2.2M$88
Estimated Total
₫2.2M$88
💱1 USD = 24,500 VND•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date of entry
  • •At least 2 blank pages in the passport
  • •Return or onward ticket may be requested
  • •No recent overstays or entry bans in Vietnam

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Confirm that your passport is on the official Vietnam visa exemption list and check the exact number of days allowed.
  2. 2Book flights so that your entire stay fits inside the permitted visa free period.
  3. 3On arrival, present your passport and any onward ticket or hotel bookings if asked.
  4. 4Check the exit date on your entry stamp before leaving the airport.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Only available to specific nationalities under current exemption agreements.
  • •Stay length is strictly limited and there is no guaranteed extension route.
  • •Not suitable if you already know that you want to stay close to or beyond 90 days.

🚫 Remote Work: Not Permitted

Tourist entries do not authorise any form of employment. Remote work for foreign clients is a legal grey area but is widely practised by digital nomads on short stays.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Foreigners present in Vietnam for 183 days or more in a calendar year or 12-month rolling period become tax residents and owe personal income tax on worldwide employment income at progressive rates from 5 percent to 35 percent. Non-residents pay a flat 20 percent on Vietnam-sourced employment income.

💡 Tips

  • •If you think you may need more than the visa free period, consider applying for a 90 day e visa instead.
  • •Keep a copy of the official exemption rules from an official source so you can show it if needed.
  • •Avoid repeated back to back visa free stays, as this can attract additional questions at immigration.

Tourist or short term business visa via embassy or approval letter

Tourist

Classic sticker or approval letter route used mainly for special or complex cases.

30d
Duration
₫2.0M
$79 fee
+₫3.1M additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Varies by embassy and the use of approval letters, often around 3–10 working days.
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
VNDUSD
Required
Single entry embassy visa feeAbout 25 USD for single entry up to 30 days
₫659K$26
Multiple entry embassy visa feeAbout 50 USD for multiple entry up to 90 days; 95 USD for 6 months; 135 USD for 1 year
₫1.3M$53
Additional (estimated)
Agency service for approval letterIf a third-party company arranges the letter for you
₫1.0M$40
Travel insurance (1–3 months)Recommended cover for medical treatment and evacuation
₫2.1M$84
Required Total
₫2.0M$79
+ Additional (estimated)
₫3.1M$124
Estimated Total
₫5.1M$203
💱1 USD = 24,500 VND•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport and completed visa form
  • •Passport photos that meet embassy or consulate requirements
  • •Approval letter or invitation if required for your case
  • •Any extra documents requested by the specific embassy or airline

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Check the website of your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate to see if they still issue tourist or short term business visas for your passport.
  2. 2If needed, arrange an approval letter through a reputable agency or sponsoring company in Vietnam.
  3. 3Submit your passport, photos and forms at the embassy or bring the approval letter if visa on arrival is still available for your route.
  4. 4Pay the relevant stamping and processing fees and wait for the visa sticker or entry stamp to be issued.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •More complex and often more expensive than the standard e visa.
  • •Involves higher risk of scams if you use an unreliable agency for approval letters.
  • •Generally unnecessary for normal tourism or remote work stays.

🚫 Remote Work: Not Permitted

Tourist visas do not authorise any form of employment. Remote work for foreign clients is a legal grey area but is widely practised by digital nomads.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Foreigners present in Vietnam for 183 days or more in a calendar year or 12-month rolling period become tax residents and owe personal income tax on worldwide employment income at progressive rates from 5 percent to 35 percent. Non-residents pay a flat 20 percent on Vietnam-sourced employment income.

💡 Tips

  • •Use this option only if specifically recommended by an embassy, airline or trusted legal advisor.
  • •Avoid agencies that promise unrealistic outcomes or rush processing without clear documentation.
  • •Keep printed and digital copies of any approval letter and correspondence when you travel.

Work visa and work permit (LD)

Work

Employment visa for foreigners who hold a work permit with a Vietnamese employer.

24m
Duration
₫1.9M
$77 fee
+₫6.8M additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Work permit processing takes 5 working days after complete submission. Total process including demand approval is 15 to 22 working days.
🔄Extendable +24m
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
VNDUSD
Required
Work permit government feeVND 600,000 to 1,000,000 depending on province; paid by employer
₫600K$24
Visa stamping feeAt immigration office, about 25 to 135 USD depending on visa duration
₫1.3M$53
Additional (estimated)
Temporary residence cardUSD 145 for up to 2 years, USD 155 for 2 to 5 years
₫3.8M$153
Document legalisation and health checkCriminal record, degree, experience letters, health examination
₫3.0M$120
Required Total
₫1.9M$77
+ Additional (estimated)
₫6.8M$273
Estimated Total
₫8.7M$350
💱1 USD = 24,500 VND•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Signed labour contract with a Vietnamese company or organisation
  • •Relevant degree or professional qualification where required
  • •Clean criminal record from your home country or recent country of residence
  • •Health certificate and company documents prepared by your employer

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Secure a job offer with a Vietnamese employer that is allowed to sponsor foreign staff.
  2. 2Provide legalised and translated documents such as degrees and police clearance according to local rules.
  3. 3Your employer applies for your work permit and then for the LD work visa or residence card.
  4. 4Once approved you receive the visa or card and can legally work for that employer in Vietnam.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Tied to a single sponsoring employer; changing jobs requires new approvals.
  • •Involves significant paperwork and coordination between you, your employer and authorities.
  • •Not designed for pure remote work only serving foreign clients.

✅ Remote Work: Allowed

A work permit authorises the holder to work for the sponsoring Vietnamese employer. It does not cover freelance or remote work for foreign clients unless the employment contract specifically includes such activities.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Work permit holders present 183 days or more are tax residents. Residents pay progressive PIT from 5 to 35 percent on worldwide employment income. Non-residents pay 20 percent on Vietnam-sourced income. From July 2026 the personal deduction rises to VND 15.5 million per month.

💡 Tips

  • •Consider this route only if you genuinely plan to build a career with a Vietnamese employer.
  • •Keep digital copies of all legalised documents and approvals for future renewals.
  • •Avoid informal jobs without permits; they can damage your long term ability to live in Vietnam.

Student visa (DH)

Education

Study visa for foreigners enrolled in recognised Vietnamese schools or universities.

12m
Duration
₫4.2M
$169 fee
+₫5.8M additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Approval letter takes about 5 working days, then 3 to 7 working days at the embassy. Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before intended start date.
🔄Extendable +12m
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
VNDUSD
Required
Student visa fee (single entry)About 25 USD for single entry
₫659K$26
Student visa fee (multiple entry up to 1 year)About 135 USD for multiple entry up to 12 months
₫3.6M$143
Additional (estimated)
Student temporary residence cardUSD 145 for up to 2 years validity
₫3.8M$153
Document translation and legalisationDiplomas and transcripts may need translation and legalisation
₫2.0M$80
Required Total
₫4.2M$169
+ Additional (estimated)
₫5.8M$233
Estimated Total
₫10.1M$402
💱1 USD = 24,500 VND•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Official letter of acceptance from a Vietnamese school or university
  • •Passport valid for the entire planned period of study
  • •Photos and completed visa or residence forms
  • •Clean criminal record and sometimes a health certificate

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Apply to a Vietnamese school or university and obtain an official acceptance letter.
  2. 2Follow the school guidance on the visa process, which may involve a Vietnamese embassy or direct submission to immigration.
  3. 3Provide required documents including passport, photos and any translated and legalised certificates.
  4. 4Receive the DH student visa and, where applicable, a temporary residence card for the duration of your studies.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Work rights are limited and must be checked with both your school and local regulations.
  • •Using a student visa mainly as a residence shortcut without real study is risky and may cause problems.

🚫 Remote Work: Not Permitted

Student visas do not authorise any form of employment. Work rights are very limited and must be checked with both the school and local regulations.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Foreigners present in Vietnam for 183 days or more become tax residents. Students with taxable income from Vietnam would owe PIT at progressive rates from 5 to 35 percent.

💡 Tips

  • •Choose institutions with a good track record of supporting international students through the visa process.
  • •Keep tuition receipts and enrolment confirmations organised for future renewals.
  • •Think about how study fits into your broader long term plan, especially if you also want to work or invest in Vietnam.

Family and dependent visa (TT)

Special Program

Dependent visa for spouses, children and close family of foreigners who already hold residence in Vietnam.

12m
Duration
₫1.3M
$53 fee
+₫6.8M additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Typically 2–6 weeks depending on local processing times and how quickly you gather documents.
🔄Extendable +36m
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
VNDUSD
Required
TT visa stamping feeAbout 25 to 135 USD depending on single or multiple entry and duration
₫1.3M$53
Additional (estimated)
Temporary residence card for dependentsUSD 145 for up to 2 years, USD 155 for 2 to 3 years
₫3.8M$153
Legalisation of family certificatesMarriage and birth certificates may need legalisation and translation
₫3.0M$120
Required Total
₫1.3M$53
+ Additional (estimated)
₫6.8M$273
Estimated Total
₫8.1M$326
💱1 USD = 24,500 VND•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Proof of family relationship such as marriage or birth certificates
  • •Valid residence card or visa of the sponsoring foreigner
  • •Passports and photos for all dependents
  • •Legalised and translated family documents if they were issued abroad

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1The main resident in Vietnam maintains a valid work, investor, study or other long term status.
  2. 2Prepare and legalise proof of family relationships according to Vietnamese requirements.
  3. 3Submit TT visa or residence card applications for dependents via immigration with the help of the sponsor or a lawyer.
  4. 4Collect the visas or cards once the applications have been approved.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Dependents on TT visas do not automatically have permission to work in Vietnam.
  • •If the sponsor loses their status, dependents may also lose the right to stay and need a new route.

🚫 Remote Work: Not Permitted

Dependents on TT visas do not have permission to work in Vietnam. A separate work permit would be needed for employment.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Foreigners present in Vietnam for 183 days or more become tax residents and owe personal income tax on worldwide employment income at progressive rates from 5 to 35 percent.

💡 Tips

  • •If you plan a long term family life in Vietnam, factor in that each adult may eventually want their own work or business path.
  • •Keep several certified copies of key family documents such as marriage and birth certificates.
  • •Consider comprehensive private health insurance for the whole family as public cover for foreigners is limited.

Investor visa and long term residence (DT)

Special Program

Investment based visa path for foreigners who invest capital in Vietnamese companies or projects.

12m
Duration
₫5.4M
$217 fee
+₫50.0M additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱From several weeks to a few months depending on how long company registration and investment approvals take.
🔄Extendable +120m
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
VNDUSD
Required
Investor visa stamping feeAbout 25 to 135 USD depending on entry type and duration
₫1.3M$53
Temporary residence card feeUSD 145 for up to 2 years, USD 155 for 2 to 5 years, USD 165 for 5 to 10 years
₫4.1M$164
Additional (estimated)
Legal and consulting servicesTo structure the investment and handle tax and compliance
₫20.0M$800
Company or investment establishment costsBase budget for registering or buying into a Vietnamese company
₫30.0M$1.2K
Required Total
₫5.4M$217
+ Additional (estimated)
₫50.0M$2.0K
Estimated Total
₫55.4M$2.2K
💱1 USD = 24,500 VND•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Investment in a Vietnamese company or qualifying project at required DT category levels
  • •Company registration documents and tax code
  • •Proof of funds and clean criminal record

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Decide whether to create a new company or acquire shares in an existing Vietnamese business.
  2. 2Work with experienced local lawyers or corporate service firms to structure and register your investment.
  3. 3Apply for the relevant DT investor visa and residence card using company and personal documents.
  4. 4Renew residence at each cycle while maintaining the required investment level and tax compliance.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Requires significant capital and professional advice, not suitable for casual nomads.
  • •More complex and expensive than standard remote work arrangements.
  • •Not a quick fix for people who only want to spend a few months per year in Vietnam.

✅ Remote Work: Allowed

Investor visa holders can work for or manage the company they have invested in. A separate work permit may still be required depending on the role. Remote work for foreign clients is not specifically addressed.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Investor visa holders present 183 days or more become tax residents and owe PIT on worldwide income at progressive rates from 5 to 35 percent. Investment income such as dividends and capital gains is taxed separately. Non-residents pay 20 percent on Vietnam-sourced employment income and 5 percent on dividends.

💡 Tips

  • •Explore investor routes only if you want to build or buy a real business in Vietnam.
  • •Use qualified legal and tax advisors both in Vietnam and in your home country.
  • •Plan for ongoing compliance costs such as accounting, reporting and taxes.

Temporary residence card (TRC)

Special Program

Multi year residence card for long term foreign residents with work, investor, study or family status.

24m
Duration
₫12.3M
$491 fee
+₫3.0M additional
📍Apply: On Arrival
⏱5 working days from the date of receiving complete documents.
🔄Extendable +120m
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
VNDUSD
Required
TRC for up to 2 yearsUSD 145 government fee
₫3.8M$153
TRC for 2 to 5 yearsUSD 155 government fee
₫4.1M$164
TRC for 5 to 10 yearsUSD 165 government fee, only for DT1 investors
₫4.4M$174
Additional (estimated)
Agency or legal supportIf you hire a service company to manage the process
₫3.0M$120
Required Total
₫12.3M$491
+ Additional (estimated)
₫3.0M$120
Estimated Total
₫15.3M$611
💱1 USD = 24,500 VND•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid underlying status such as LD work, DT investor, DH student or TT family
  • •Registered local address and temporary residence registration
  • •Passport with enough remaining validity to cover the card duration

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain or renew your underlying status such as work, investor, study or family dependent.
  2. 2With the help of your sponsor, gather passport, photos and address registration documents.
  3. 3Submit the TRC application to the relevant immigration office and wait for processing.
  4. 4Collect the plastic residence card and use it instead of repeated visa stickers for identification.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •You cannot obtain a TRC directly from a short tourist or e visa.
  • •If your underlying status ends or is cancelled, your TRC may also be revoked.

🛡️ Tax Implications

TRC holders present 183 days or more are tax residents. Residents pay progressive PIT from 5 to 35 percent on worldwide employment income. Non-residents pay a flat 20 percent on Vietnam-sourced income.

💡 Tips

  • •Treat your TRC as your main ID document in Vietnam and keep it safe.
  • •Update your registered address promptly if you move to a new apartment or city.
  • •Start renewal preparations early to avoid gaps in your legal status.

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalHanoi
CurrencyVND (₫)
LanguageVietnamese
TimezoneUTC+7
Last UpdatedNov 28, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vietnam have a dedicated digital nomad visa
No. As of late 2025 Vietnam does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Most remote workers stay using the 90 day e visa and sometimes combine it with visa free periods or long term work, study or investor routes when they want more stability.
What is the difference between visa exemption and the 90 day e visa
Visa exemption gives certain passports a short stay, usually up to 45 days, with no visa fee and a very simple process at the border. The 90 day e visa requires an online application and a fee but covers almost all nationalities and offers more time and the option of multiple entries.
Can I extend a Vietnamese e visa without leaving the country
There is no straightforward public extension route for 90 day e visas. Some people work with local agencies to change to work, study or investor status, but if you are only on an e visa you should plan to leave Vietnam before it expires and apply for a new visa if you want to return.
Can I work online for a foreign company while staying in Vietnam
Vietnamese rules focus on preventing foreigners from taking local jobs without permission. Quiet remote work for foreign employers is not clearly described in the law but does not give you the right to work for Vietnamese clients or companies and you still need to respect tax rules if you become tax resident.
Do I need onward travel to enter Vietnam
Immigration officers and airlines can ask for proof of onward or return travel, especially if you enter visa free or on a short visa. Many travellers are not checked in practice, but it is safer to have at least a flexible outbound ticket or a clear onward plan.
What happens if I overstay my visa or visa free period in Vietnam
Overstaying can lead to daily fines, extra questioning when you depart and, in serious or repeated cases, blacklisting and bans on future entry. It is much better to leave or regularise your status before the last day of your authorised stay.
Do I have to register my address with the police in Vietnam
Hotels and registered guesthouses register foreign guests automatically. If you rent an apartment long term your landlord or host is expected to register your temporary residence with the local police or through online systems, which becomes particularly important if you later apply for work, study or investor status.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: November 28, 2025

Back to Visa Hub