With a GDP growth rate growing 8.02% in 2022, Vietnam is positioned as one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia. Countless international investors are looking for solid investment opportunities in Vietnam, and in order to do so, they must obtain a Vietnam investor visa.
In this article, we’ll show you how to obtain an investor visa in Vietnam to help you make your investment.
What is a Vietnam Investor Visa?
The Vietnam investor visa (DT visa) is a type of visa granted to foreign investors who contribute capital to Vietnamese companies or industries, as well as foreign lawyers who are licensed to practice in Vietnam.
Types of Vietnam investor visa
Vietnam investor visa is categorized into four types:
- Visa DT1
This type of visa is granted to:
(1) foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in companies operating in Vietnam, with a total capital of VND 100 billion ($4.3 million) minimum, or
(2) business fields of investment encouragement decided by the Vietnam Government
- Visa DT2
The following can be eligible:
(1) foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in companies operating in Vietnam, with a total capital from VND 50 billion to VND 100 billion ($2.15 – 4.4 million), or
(2) industries of investment incentives decided by the Government
- Visa DT 3
This is issued to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives for foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with a total capital of between VND 3 billion and VND 50 billion ($132,000 – 2.3 million).
- Visa DT 4
Foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives for foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with total investment capital worth less than VND 3 billion ($132,000) are eligible for this visa.
Vietnam investor visa validity duration
The validity period depends on the type of investor visa you apply for:
- Visa DT 1 and DT 2: valid for 5 years maximum
- Visa DT 3: valid for 3 years maximum
- Visa DT 4: valid for 12 months maximum
Note
International investors entering Vietnam with a DT1, DT2, DT3, or DT4 visa can receive a temporary residence certificate with a stay period equal to the visa validity.
Foreign investors can request to convert the certificate into a temporary residence card by following the temporary residence card application procedure, except for DT4 visa holders.
The temporary residence card validity is 10 years for DT1 visa holders.
Comparison of Vietnam investor visa and business visa
Type of Vietnam Visa | Investor Visa | Business Visa |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Granted to foreigners who want to invest in Vietnam | Granted to foreigners visiting Vietnam for business objectives |
Validity | A maximum of 5 years | A maximum of 12 months |
Dig deeper into how you can apply for a business visa in Vietnam.
Getting a Vietnam investor visa
Depending on where you apply for the Vietnam investor visa, in Vietnam or a foreign country, there are three ways to acquire it.
In countries outside of Vietnam
To get a Vietnam DT visa in a foreign country, you need to apply directly at the nearest Vietnam embassy/consulate.
- Required documents
Based on the Vietnam investor visa requirements, make sure you prepare the following documents:
(1) Original passport;
(2) Form of temporary residence registration;
(3) NA5 application form for Vietnam investor visa;
(4) Proof of legal status;
(5) Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate/Investment Certificate;
(6) A seal registration certificate or notice of posting information about the enterprise’s seal sample on the national business registration portal;
(7) NA16 registration form for the seal and the signature of the legal representative of the inviting enterprise operating in Vietnam;
- Processing time
Usually, the embassy/consulate processes everything within 5-7 working days.
After verifying your submitted documents, you will then pay the visa letter fee to receive the letter of appointment for result pickup.
- Result pickup
On the appointed date, you will receive your visa result at the Vietnam embassy/consulate.
Furthermore, you can receive the visa result through regular mail upon your request during the application process.
In Vietnam
If you are already in Vietnam and desire to apply for a DT visa, you need to submit the required documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department Office in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh, or Da Nang.
Required documents
According to the Vietnam investor visa requirements, you need to prepare the following documents:
(1) Original passport;
(2) Form of temporary residence registration;
(3) Proof of legal status;
(4)NA5 application form for Vietnam investor visa;
(5) Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate/Investment Certificate;
(6) A seal registration certificate or notice of posting information about the enterprise’s seal sample on the national business registration portal;
(7) NA16 registration form for the seal and the signature of the legal representative of the enterprise operating in Vietnam;
- Processing time
You will get the investor visa after around 5 working days from the date of document submission.
- Result pickup
Once you are granted a Vietnam investor visa, you need to get to the nearest international airport in Vietnam to receive your visa.
Vietnam Investor Visa On Arrival
Applying for the Vietnam investor visa on arrival is a fast and convenient way to get the DT visa stamped on your passport at the arriving airport in Vietnam.
Required documents
You need to prepare all the following documents for the Vietnam investor visa on arrival application:
(1) Photos of your passport;
(2) NA5 application form for Vietnam investor visa;
(3) Proof of legal status;
(4) Form of temporary residence registration;
(5) Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate/Investment Certificate;
(6) A seal registration certificate or notice of posting information about the enterprise’s seal sample on the national business registration portal;
(7) NA16 registration form for the seal and the signature of the legal representative of the inviting enterprise operating in Vietnam;
- Application process
Firstly, have your visa agent or representative submit the documents above to the office of the Vietnam Immigration Department in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh, or Da Nang to get your visa approval letter.
Once your dossiers are verified to be completed and valid, your visa agent or representative will receive an appointment letter to get the visa letter of approval.
Next, your visa agent or representative needs to scan the letter and send it to you by email. After acquiring the approval letter, print it out along with the completed investor visa application form available online.
At the arriving Vietnam international airport, present your approval letter, visa application form, and 2 passport-sized photos at the visa-issuing counter. Then, pay the stamping fee in cash to get the visa stamped on your passport.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Vietnam investor visa is a condition for foreigners to invest in businesses or industries in Vietnam.
To support you facilitate your investment in Vietnam, BBCIncorp provides high standards banking assistants, company establishment, and many other extra services, including visa application support.
For further information about BBCIncorp services, contact us now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Vietnam Investor Visa (DT Visa) last?
Depending on the type of DT visa you registered for, it is usually valid for 12 months to 5 years.
Fortunately, the DT visa qualifies you to apply for a temporary residence card, which allows you to stay in the country without a work permit for up to 5 years.
Who is eligible for Vietnam Investor Visa exemption?
Foreigners entering border-gate or coastal economic zones may be eligible for visa exemption, under the government’s decision.
The coastal zone must meet the following requirements:
- Having an international airport and a distinct space (with defined boundaries and separation from the mainland);
- In accordance with the policy of socioeconomic development; and
- Does not endanger national security, defense, social order, or safety.
Can foreigners be exempted from work permit in Vietnam?
In certain circumstances, a foreigner may work in Vietnam without a work permit, but must apply for a work permit exemption certificate.
Refer to Article 154 Labor Code No.45/2019/QH14 for full categories of exemption case.
Can foreigners invest in Vietnam?
Vietnam welcomes global investment and innovation by showing its openness to foreign investor around the world.
Foreigners can start a business in Vietnam with ease and enjoy certain benefits provided by the government.
Disclaimer: While BBCIncorp strives to make the information on this website as timely and accurate as possible, the information itself is for reference purposes only. You should not substitute the information provided in this article for competent legal advice. Feel free to contact BBCIncorp’s customer services for advice on your specific cases.
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