Vietnam is one of the most accessible countries in Southeast Asia for expats — but its visa and legal framework can feel opaque at first. This guide covers every visa type, work permit process, and legal requirement you need to settle in Vietnam for the long term.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of ASEAN member states can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days. Many other nationalities also enjoy visa-free access — the list has expanded significantly since 2023. Check the latest list on the Vietnam Immigration Department website before assuming you need a visa, as the eligible countries and durations change regularly.
The E-Visa (Most Common Starting Point)
The Vietnam E-Visa is the standard entry point for most foreigners. It grants a 90-day single or multiple-entry stay and is available to citizens of over 80 countries. Apply online at the official Vietnam Immigration portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) — the process takes 3 working days and costs .
The E-Visa is not extendable, but you can exit Vietnam and re-enter on a new one. Many long-term residents do this every 90 days — crossing into Cambodia, Laos, or flying to a neighbouring country.
Tourist Visa (On Arrival / Embassy)
For nationalities not covered by the E-Visa, a tourist visa on arrival is available for up to 30 days, extendable once. Embassy-issued tourist visas offer similar durations. These have largely been superseded by the E-Visa for eligible nationalities.
Business Visa (DN / DN1 / DN2)
If you are working or conducting business in Vietnam, a Business Visa is more appropriate than a tourist visa. Categories include:
- DN1: For those invited by a Vietnamese company or organisation — up to 90 days, multiple entry
- DN2: For those attending conferences, trade fairs, or business meetings — shorter durations
Business visas require a sponsoring company in Vietnam to submit an invitation letter to the Immigration Department on your behalf. Your employer or a visa agent handles this.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
For stays beyond 90 days, the Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is the standard legal status for working expats. It replaces the need to hold a visa and is issued for 1–2 years, renewable. To qualify, you typically need:
- A valid work permit (see below)
- A sponsoring employer or business entity
- Health certificate and criminal background check
- Authenticated copies of educational certificates
The TRC is processed through the provincial Immigration Department where you are registered. Allow 15–20 working days. Many employers handle the application on behalf of their foreign staff.
Work Permits
Any foreigner working for a Vietnamese employer or entity must hold a Work Permit (Giấy phép lao động). Key points:
- Issued for 1–2 years, tied to your employer
- Your employer sponsors the application and submits it to the provincial Department of Labour
- Required documents: passport, health certificate, criminal record check (apostilled from your home country), academic certificates (apostilled), and passport-size photos
- Applications should begin within 30 days of your arrival in Vietnam
- Work permits are position-specific — if you change jobs, your new employer must apply for a new permit
Work permit exemptions exist for certain roles: company owners/representatives, lawyers registered with the Vietnamese Bar, and participants in short-term training under 30 days. Consult an immigration lawyer if you think you may qualify for an exemption.
DT Investor Visa (Long-Stay Option)
The DT (Investor) Visa grants a 5-year multiple-entry stay — the longest legally available option for most foreigners. Requirements: a minimum investment of 3 billion VND (~,000 USD) in a registered Vietnamese company or qualifying real estate project. This is widely used by retirees and long-term residents who want to avoid regular border runs. The rules around qualifying investments change frequently — always verify with a licensed immigration lawyer before committing funds.
Permanent Residency
Vietnam does offer permanent residency, but it is rarely granted to foreigners in practice. Standard eligibility requires either: 3 consecutive years of TRC residency, or marriage to a Vietnamese citizen, or exceptional contributions to Vietnam (cultural, scientific, economic). Applications go to the Ministry of Public Security. Most long-term expats simply renew their TRC or investor visa rather than pursuing permanent residency.
Taxes for Expats
Vietnam operates a progressive personal income tax (PIT) system with rates from 5% to 35% based on monthly income:
- Up to 5 million VND/month: 5%
- 5–10 million VND: 10%
- 10–18 million VND: 15%
- 18–32 million VND: 20%
- 32–52 million VND: 25%
- 52–80 million VND: 30%
- Over 80 million VND: 35%
Tax residency applies if you spend 183 days or more in Vietnam in a calendar year, or if you have a registered place of residence in Vietnam. Tax residents pay PIT on worldwide income; non-residents pay a flat 20% on Vietnam-sourced income only.
Vietnam has double taxation agreements (DTAs) with over 80 countries including the US, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea. If your home country has a DTA with Vietnam, you may be able to offset tax paid in one country against obligations in the other. Verify your specific situation with a tax advisor — the interaction between Vietnamese PIT and your home country’s tax rules can be complex.
Banking
Opening a bank account in Vietnam as a foreigner is straightforward at major banks (Vietcombank, Techcombank, VPBank, HSBC, Citibank). You will typically need:
- Passport
- Valid visa or TRC
- Proof of address (rental contract or hotel registration)
A local account is essential for receiving salary, paying rent, and managing daily expenses. ATM withdrawals using foreign cards attract fees of 50,000–100,000 VND per transaction — a local account eliminates this cost quickly.
Property: Can Foreigners Buy in Vietnam?
Yes — with restrictions. Under the 2014 Housing Law (updated 2023), foreigners can purchase:
- Apartments in buildings where foreigners own no more than 30% of units
- Landed property (houses, villas) in projects where foreigners own no more than 10%
Ownership is on a 50-year leasehold basis, renewable once for another 50 years. You cannot own freehold land as a foreigner — the land belongs to the Vietnamese state. Factor in an additional 3–5% of the purchase price for transaction taxes, notary fees, and registration costs.
Most expats in Vietnam rent rather than buy — the rental market is efficient, flexible, and significantly cheaper than purchasing. Renting is the sensible default unless you have a strong long-term commitment to staying.
Required Documents Checklist
For most visa and residency applications you will need the following, authenticated and translated into Vietnamese:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity; at least 2 blank pages)
- Passport photos (4×6 cm on white background)
- Health certificate from a recognised Vietnamese hospital
- Criminal background check from your home country (apostilled)
- Educational certificates (apostilled by your home country’s foreign ministry)
- Employment contract or company invitation letter
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property ownership document)
- Financial records if required for investor visa
Apostille: Many documents require an apostille seal from your home country before Vietnamese authorities will accept them. Allow 4–8 weeks for this process depending on your country’s bureaucracy. Plan well ahead.
Finding an Immigration Lawyer
Vietnam’s immigration rules change frequently and enforcement can be inconsistent between provinces. For anything beyond a straightforward E-Visa or single work permit application, a reputable local immigration lawyer or visa service is worth the cost. Fees for a full work permit + TRC package typically run –600 USD through a reliable agent. Recommendations circulate in expat Facebook groups for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 113
- Fire: 114
- Medical emergency: 115
- Your country’s embassy or consulate for passport loss, arrest, or other consular emergencies