See more articles… Vietnam Golden Visa: Duration, Extension and Roadmap to Permanent Residence (Updated 2025)

1. Residence Rights and Privileges

Extended Residency Rights

Holders of Investment Visas (DT1–DT4 visas) are initially granted a maximum term of up to 5 years (DT1, DT2 up to 5 years; DT3 up to 3 years; DT4 up to 1 year) and are considered for a new visa when the visa expires. (Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam)

Opportunity to Convert to Long-Term Temporary Residence Card

Visa holders may apply for conversion to an Investment Temporary Residence Card (Form NA8). (Article 38 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners and Circular 04/2015/TT-BCA (as amended by 22/2023))

1. General principles
– The granted temporary residence card must be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the passport.
– Upon expiration, foreigners may apply for a new card under a similar process.

2. Investment Temporary Residence Card
– DT1 (capital ≥ VND 100 billion or in specially incentivized sectors/locations): not more than 10 years.
– DT2 (capital from VND 50 to <100 billion or incentivized sectors): not more than 5 years.
– DT3 (capital from VND 3 to <50 billion): not more than 3 years.

3. Visa Purpose Conversion Rules:
General principle: Visas are not convertible in purpose. However, there are four exceptions:

(a) Documents proving status as an investor or representative of a foreign investment organization.
(b) Family relationship (parent/spouse/child) with the sponsor.
(c) Invited for work and holding a work permit (or exemption certificate).
(d) Entered with e-visa and holds a work permit (or exemption certificate).

2. Family Benefits and Inclusion

1. Issuance of Dependent Visa (TT) for Family Members

• Clause 18 Article 8 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam
• Applicable to: Spouse and dependent children under 18 years old.
  Validity: 1 year. (At least 30 days shorter than passport or international travel document)

2. Education

• Investment policy in the education sector reflects the orientation to encourage socialization and international integration.
• Encourages and protects the legitimate rights and interests of domestic individuals/organizations, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign investors in education. (Clause 2 Article 17 Law on Education 2019)
• Attracts social resources, enhances education quality, and promotes a diverse, modern education system aligned with socio-economic development and international integration.

3. Healthcare

Entitled to access hospitals and enroll in health insurance. (Clause 1 Article 5 Decree 146/2018/ND-CP as amended by Clause 1 Article 2 Decree 104/2022/ND-CP)

3. Travel Advantages

Multiple Entry–Exit

The visa may be valid for single or multiple entries. In case of group visas for international tourists entering by sea or foreign military personnel under official programs, the visa is single-entry only.

Children under 14 years old may be granted visas on a joint passport with parent/guardian.
International tourists entering by sea or foreign military personnel under official programs may be issued group visas (personnel approval list).

ASEAN Benefits

Vietnam has signed the ASEAN Agreement on Movement of Natural Persons (MNP) under Notification 23/2018/TB-LPQT to:

Facilitate temporary movement of investors among ASEAN countries
Simplify and enhance transparency of entry and temporary stay procedures
Protect domestic labor rights and ensure border security.

4. Work Permit Privileges

With DT1-DT4 visas, if the investor holds a position such as owner or capital contributor of a limited liability company, Chairman of the Board of Directors or member of the Board of Directors of a joint stock company, a work permit is exempted. (Article 154 of the 2019 Labor Code)

This not only shortens the procedure, but also reduces the administrative burden, helping investors focus on running the business instead of worrying about personnel procedures.

5. Business Opportunities

Right to Own a Company

Foreign investors are entitled to 100% ownership and direct management of enterprises in most sectors not restricted for investment. (Clause 1 Article 9 Law on Investment 2020)

Investment Incentives

Exemptions and reductions in taxes such as corporate income tax (CIT) and import tax for eligible investment projects – especially those in industrial zones, hi-tech parks, or incentivized sectors. (Articles 15, 16, 17 Law on Investment 2020; Article 14 Law on Corporate Income Tax 2008)

Incentive Types

– CIT: Preferential rates, CIT exemption/reduction
– Import tax: Exemption for machinery, equipment, materials, and components for the project
– Land use/lease fees: Exemption/reduction of land use fees, land rent, land use tax
– Depreciation and expenses: Accelerated depreciation, increased deductible expenses when calculating taxable income

Eligible Beneficiaries

– Incentivized sectors: hi-tech, clean energy, key mechanical products, IT, healthcare, education…
– Incentivized locations: disadvantaged areas, industrial zones, export-processing zones, hi-tech parks, economic zones
– Large scale: capital ≥ VND 6,000 billion, disbursed ≥ VND 6,000 billion in 3 years and revenue ≥ VND 10,000 billion or employing ≥ 3,000 workers
– Social/community: social housing; rural projects employing ≥ 500 workers; employing people with disabilities
– Technology/innovation: hi-tech enterprises, science & tech firms; technology transfer; tech incubation; startups, innovation hubs
– SME support: distribution chains, technical facilities, co-working spaces

Priority Banking Services

Foreign investors may enjoy specialized financial services, such as:

• Convenient foreign/domestic currency accounts
• Flexible credit lines
• VIP services for investment support, profit remittance, capital loans…

Right to Contribute Capital in Foreign Currency

• Residents may contribute capital via wire transfer in foreign currency to implement foreign investment projects in Vietnam. (Clause 5 Article 4 Circular 32/2013/TT-NHNN)
• Foreign investors (residents) may open foreign currency accounts at banks and remit contributed capital directly in USD, EUR, etc. to serve the project.

Other Uses of Foreign Currency

• Residents (including foreign investors) may make internal foreign currency payments in the business, pay salaries to foreign employees, entrust import/export, etc. (Article 4 Circular 32/2013/TT-NHNN)
• Facilitates investment and project operations without converting to VND at each step.

Optimal Planning

1. Choose Enterprise Type

– Limited Liability Company (LLC): Simple governance, limited liability, easy control of 100% ownership.
– Joint Stock Company (JSC): Easier to raise capital via shares, easier transferability, suitable for multiple shareholders.

2. Capital Contribution vs. Share Purchase

– Contributing capital to establish a new company: Capital is recorded immediately, no need for multiple conversion steps. Suitable for real estate, hi-tech projects to meet statutory capital requirements. (Real Estate Business Law 2023, Article 9)
– Purchasing shares/contributed capital: Quick access to an existing business, but requires due diligence to avoid tax debt, disputes.

3. Use of Double Taxation Agreements (DTA)

Choose a holding company jurisdiction: Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan… all have DTAs with Vietnam to reduce withholding tax to 0–5% (depending on provisions) when remitting dividends to parent country.

See more articles Guide to Applying for a Vietnam Business Visa: Requirements & Procedures in 2025

Conclusion

The Investment Visa Program offers a comprehensive package of benefits—from long-term residency and family support to mobility advantages, labor privileges, and strong business opportunities. It provides a solid foundation for international investors and professionals aiming to live and grow sustainably in Vietnam.

For more information about applying for a Visa or to discuss your eligibility, contact Harley Miller Law Firm

Harley Miller Law Firm

• Email: info@luatminhnguyen.com/miller@hmlf.vn
• Website: luatminhnguyen.com or hmlf.vn
• Hotline: +84 9372 15585