VietnamBusiness and self-employment

Vietnam investor visa (ĐT)

Investor visa and residence card (ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3, ĐT4)

In short

Foreign investors in Vietnam and foreign lawyers practising there receive ĐT visas, graded ĐT1 to ĐT4 by the size of the investment. ĐT1 and ĐT2 visas can be issued for up to five years and ĐT4 for up to one year; from 1 July 2026 an ĐT1 temporary residence card can be valid for up to ten years. Applicants must prove their investment under the Law on Investment.

checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 12 months stamped on entry, then a residence card (ĐT1 up to 10 years from 1 July 2026)
Validity
ĐT1 and ĐT2 visas up to 5 years; ĐT4 up to 1 year
Fee
US$165Residence card USD 145 (up to 2 years), USD 155 (2–5 years), USD 165 (5–10 years); visas USD 25 to 155
Processing time
Visa approval and residence card each within 5 working days of a complete file
Work
An investor named in the Investment Registration Certificate can obtain an ĐT card without a work permit exemption certificate
Family
Spouse and children under 18 can receive TT residence cards; other relatives VR visas
Where to apply
Through the investment enterprise as sponsor; visa abroad or at a border gate; card in Vietnam

Who qualifies

The ĐT category covers foreign investors in Vietnam and foreign lawyers practising in Vietnam. Since 2019 it is divided into ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3 and ĐT4 according to the capital contributed or the type of investment project; the exact thresholds are set in the amending law and are not restated on the Immigration Department's public pages. Investors must hold documents proving their investment under the Law on Investment, and foreign lawyers a practising licence under the Law on Lawyers.

Fees

Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC: single-entry visa USD 25; multiple-entry visas USD 50 to 145 up to two years and USD 155 for two to five years. Temporary residence cards cost USD 145 (up to two years), USD 155 (two to five years) and USD 165 (five to ten years).

Visa and residence card

The investment enterprise sponsors the visa at the Immigration Department, which replies within five working days. On arrival with an ĐT visa you receive up to 12 months of temporary residence and can be considered for an ĐT temporary residence card. The Ministry of Public Security has confirmed that an investor named in the Investment Registration Certificate does not need a certificate of exemption from a work permit to obtain the card.

Law 118/2025, in force from 1 July 2026, sets the validity of ĐT1 and ĐT2 visas at no more than five years and that of ĐT1 temporary residence cards at no more than ten years. Every card must expire at least 30 days before the passport.

  1. Register the investment and make sure you are named in the Investment Registration Certificate.
  2. The enterprise notifies the Immigration Department of its documents and files your ĐT visa request.
  3. Collect the visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate or the border gate named in the approval.
  4. After entry, the enterprise applies for your ĐT temporary residence card at the immigration office where it is based.
  5. Apply for TT cards for your spouse and children under 18 with proof of the relationship.

Permanent residence

Holding an ĐT card does not by itself lead to permanent residence. The Law limits permanent residence to people decorated by the State, scientists and experts residing in Vietnam, foreigners sponsored by a Vietnamese parent, spouse or child after three years of continuous residence, and certain stateless persons.

Family members

The spouse and children under 18 of an investor can be granted TT temporary residence cards on proof of the relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate; the Ministry of Public Security cites a three-year TT card in its guidance. Other relatives can visit on a VR visa, valid for up to 180 days.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid at least 30 days beyond the visa or card

Work

  • Investment Registration Certificate or other proof of investment under the Law on Investment
  • Sponsor request from the investment enterprise

Other

  • Application or declaration form with photo

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Work

  • Practising licence under the Law on Lawyers (foreign lawyers)

Family

  • Marriage and birth certificates for TT cards of family members

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Vietnam golden visa?

Vietnam has no residence-by-investment scheme with a fixed price. Investors use the ĐT visa and card, whose validity depends on the ĐT grade.

How long can an investor residence card last?

An ĐT1 card can be valid for up to ten years from 1 July 2026; every card must end at least 30 days before the passport expires.

Do investors need a work permit?

For the ĐT residence card, an investor named in the Investment Registration Certificate does not need a work permit exemption certificate, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Can my parents join me?

Parents are not TT dependants of an investor; they can visit on a VR visa of up to 180 days, which a residence card holder can sponsor.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Vietnam

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to the visa validity, at most 1 year

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: DH residence card up to 5 years, at least 30 days shorter than the passport

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Temporary residence of up to 12 months on entry; then a residence card of up to 2 years

Family

Residence

  • Residence permit Validity: ĐT1, UĐ1, UĐ2: up to 10 years; NG3, LV1, LV2, DH and other ĐT: up to 5 years; NN1, NN2, TT: up to 3 years; LĐ, PV1: up to 2 years
  • Permanent residence Validity: Card exchanged every 10 years

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days, matching the validity printed on the e-visa
  • Visa on arrival Maximum stay: According to the visa issued, for example up to 90 days for a DL tourist visa

Vietnam visa guide