How long can you stay in Vietnam without a visa, how to obtain one, and what does it entitle you to? These questions are the ones being asked by those planning to spend a long holiday, work, or move to one of the popular countries of Southeast Asia. The state is becoming more and more attractive not only for holidaymakers but for also overseas investors. Affordable prices of apartments in Vietnam allow you to expand your investment portfolio with minimal investments and save money from inflation. What’s more, local real estate can be considered as a good relocation option. Let’s look in more detail what the republic’s visa policy is like and how to arrange living or holidays in Vietnam for over 90 days.
Content:
- Visa regime between Vietnam and other countries
- How many days you can stay in Vietnam without a visa
- Extension of stay over 90 days in Vietnam
- Long-term visas
- Learn about the visa regime with us
Visa regime between Vietnam and other countries
Citizens of 25 countries are allowed to stay in the country visa-free for up to 90 days. Most of the rest of the world can obtain an e-visa. On August 15, 2023, changes were made to the legislation to simplify the procedure for getting documents for a 90 days stay in Vietnam electronically. This eliminates the need to visit a consulate or embassy.
Under the law, the government determines a list of countries and territories whose citizens are eligible and a list of international border checkpoints allowing foreign nationals to enter and exit on e-visas. The document is either single- or multiple-entry, but it does not allow you to stay in Vietnam for more than 90 days.
It is important to bear in mind that foreign owners of property in Vietnam have no additional privileges when it comes to obtaining a residence permit or becoming a citizen. However, they can enter and leave the republic visa-free.
How many days you can stay in Vietnam without a visa
Residents of 13 countries enjoy a unilateral visa-free regime and are allowed to live in the country for up to 45 days. Citizens of a number of European states, including Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, the UK, France, and Germany, can take advantage of this opportunity. Therefore, there are no longer any difficulties with how to fly in Vietnam for more than a month. Previously, the maximum allowed period was 15 days.
Extension of stay over 90 days in Vietnam
There are several possible options how expats can legally spend more than 3 months in the country:
- Taking advantage of the long-established and frequently used process when you leave the republic to one of its neighbouring countries on a tourist visa. You can return literally immediately after passing the checkpoint at the border, and the visa will be issued again. However, leaving home every 3 months and spending time and money on such trips is not very convenient.
- Extending your e-visa. This can only be done while in the country and by submitting documents to one of the immigration offices in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City.
- Applying for a long-term visa.
Long-term visas
Foreigners can get a visa in Vietnam to reside long-term. There are several types of the document:
- Investor visa. It can be issued for 3 to 12 months. The validity period is determined by the immigration service, taking into account the company’s reputation and investment capital.
- Temporary residence card (TRC). It can be obtained on the basis of an investor endorsement if you have an authorised capital and shares. You must invest a minimum of about $125,000, and the exact figure depends on the current currency conversion rate. A TRC allows you to sponsor visas for family members, open a personal bank account, and enjoy other benefits.
- Work visa. In practice, this requires clear documentary evidence. The company that wants to employ an overseas employee must be real and not fictitious. When it comes to newly established organisations, immigration services may require justification for the need to hire a foreign employee rather than a local one.
There is another opportunity to spend more than 30 days in Vietnam. To do this, you can obtain a 5-year permit. However, this will require you to marry a citizen. Nationals of the republic living abroad and their children are also eligible for the document. They are issued a visa exemption certificate, which serves as a long-term permit allowing holders to visit the country at any time for a period of 5 years.
Learn about the visa regime with us
On the website, you can study useful information about the country, its lifestyle, and visa regime. Experts will be happy to advise on how long you can live in Vietnam if you plan to buy or rent local property. In the catalogue, you will find a large selection of housing in all regions of the country. Start choosing an apartment or villa in Vietnam right now!