Plan your Vietnam golden visa application with our guide for investors! Learn about investment requirements, application process, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Start your golden visa journey with Vietnam’s vibrant glowWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers and investors, please note: Vietnam’s golden visa, also known as the investor visa or residency by investment program, offers long-term residency for foreign investors meeting specific criteria. This program is designed for high-net-worth individuals investing in real estate, business, or other approved sectors. It provides a 5–10 year visa with multiple entries, renewable upon meeting conditions. This guide details requirements for applicants from all countries, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless investment and exploration journey.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding Vietnam’s golden visa application requirements ensures smooth residency for investors from all countries, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or establishing long-term bases. The golden visa, tied to investments in real estate, business, or capital contributions, offers 5–10 year residency with multiple entries, facilitating business, family, or leisure travel vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical application insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international investors.
Following Vietnam’s updated investment regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports, making golden visa applications and travel seamless. This guide blends application requirements, process details, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment journey.
International investors from all countries can apply for Vietnam’s golden visa through investments in real estate ($250,000+ or 6,250,000,000 VND+), business setup ($100,000+ or 2,500,000,000 VND+), or capital contributions ($200,000+ or 5,000,000,000 VND+). Visas are issued for 5–10 years, renewable. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration is required within 14 days at local police stations or via sponsors. Verify investment requirements via vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
Standard Golden Visa (DT Visa):
Purpose: Long-term residency for foreign investors contributing to Vietnam’s economy through real estate, business, or capital investments.
Eligibility: Investors from all countries meeting minimum investment thresholds vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 5 years for investments of $100,000–$250,000 (2,500,000,000–6,250,000,000 VND); 10 years for investments over $250,000 (6,250,000,000 VND+); multiple entry; renewable upon continued investment vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); investment thresholds start at $100,000 (2,500,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment (e.g., real estate purchase contract, business registration certificate, bank transfer for capital contribution); passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages; criminal record certificate; health insurance; application form vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for additional 5–10 years upon investment verification and fee payment ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai), and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
Real Estate Investment Visa:
Purpose: Residency through property investment in approved projects.
Eligibility: Investors purchasing real estate valued at $250,000 (6,250,000,000 VND) or more in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 5–10 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND); minimum investment $250,000 (6,250,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of property purchase (contract, title deed); passport; criminal record; health insurance; application at Vietnamese immigration offices vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable upon property ownership verification vietnam-visa.com.
Business Investment Visa:
Purpose: Residency through business establishment or investment.
Eligibility: Investors starting a business with capital of $100,000 (2,500,000,000 VND) or more vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 5 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND); minimum investment $100,000 (2,500,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Business registration certificate; investment proof (bank transfer); passport; criminal record; health insurance vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable upon business operation verification vietnam-visa.com.
Capital Contribution Visa:
Purpose: Residency through capital investment in Vietnamese companies.
Eligibility: Investors contributing $200,000 (5,000,000,000 VND) or more to Vietnamese enterprises vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 5–10 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND); minimum contribution $200,000 (5,000,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of capital contribution (bank transfer, share certificate); passport; criminal record; health insurance vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable upon contribution verification vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process for Golden Visa:
Purpose: Long-term residency for qualified investors.
Eligibility: Investors meeting thresholds in real estate, business, or capital vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 5–10 years (multiple entry), renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); investment thresholds $100,000–$250,000+ (2,500,000,000–6,250,000,000 VND+) vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Prepare investment proof (e.g., real estate contract, business registration, capital transfer documents) vietnam-visa.com.
Gather required documents: passport, criminal record certificate, health insurance, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm) vietnam-visa.com.
Submit application at a Vietnamese immigration office (e.g., Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City) or through a sponsor; in-person submission recommended vietnam-visa.com.
Pay the fee ($25–$100); processing takes 5–15 working days vietnam-visa.com.
Receive the visa sticker in your passport; register for temporary residence card (TRC) within 14 days of entry vietnam-visa.com.
For extensions, submit renewal application with updated investment proof 30 days before expiration vietnam-visa.com.
Processing Time: 5–15 working days; expedited options available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for additional 5–10 years upon investment verification and fee payment ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Investors must maintain the investment to retain visa status; failure may lead to revocation vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 14 days at local police stations or via sponsors travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential deportation or bans travel.state.gov.
Important Note: Vietnam’s golden visa is investment-based; consult legal experts or agencies for specific requirements, as regulations may evolve vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investment Proof: Real estate contract ($250,000+), business registration ($100,000+), or capital transfer ($200,000+) vietnam-visa.com.
Criminal Record and Health Insurance: Required for all applications; health insurance must cover the visa duration vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC): Issued after visa approval for long-term stays; registration within 14 days travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth investment and travel experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing golden visa applications. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions at immigration offices or markets to show respect culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration or during cultural events; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or TRC photocopy securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our golden visa application and trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An vinpearl.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or officials; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep TRC handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen investors thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry TRC or visa photocopy for checks travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your golden visa-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently after golden visa approval; suitable for investors with valid residency; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use the 5–10 year golden visa for long-term stays; carry TRC photocopy; register residence if changing address vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm TRC validity; apply for extensions early; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest investor noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the golden visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid golden visa or TRC; carry TRC photocopy; guides assist with residence verification if needed travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; an investor guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured golden visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use golden visa for long-term stays; carry TRC photocopy; confirm eligibility for multi-city travel vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; an investor guest noted: “The combo tour was golden visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use golden visa for extended stays; carry TRC photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); an investor guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a golden visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for investors with golden visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for golden visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with golden visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key golden visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for cultural visits and festivals. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget investors and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Eligibility: Meet investment thresholds ($100,000+ for business, $200,000+ for capital, $250,000+ for real estate); consult legal experts or agencies vietnam-visa.com.
Gather Documents: Passport, investment proof (contract, registration), criminal record, health insurance; submit at Vietnamese immigration offices vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process: Submit in person or through sponsor; processing 5–15 days; receive visa sticker and apply for TRC vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Register TRC within 14 days; renew visa upon investment verification travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital documents to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply 1–2 months early; double-check details; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check status with immigration offices. For embassy assistance, contact Vietnamese embassies worldwide (e.g., US: +1 202 861 0737).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), golden visa sticker/TRC, investment proof photocopy, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
Golden Visa Costs: Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); minimum investment $100,000–$250,000+ (2,500,000,000–6,250,000,000 VND+); renewal fees $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, golden visa costs (initial investment separate), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use golden visa for long-term savings.
Application Tips: Meet investment thresholds ($100,000+ for business, $200,000+ for capital, $250,000+ for real estate); submit at Vietnamese immigration offices with proof; processing 5–15 days; receive visa sticker and TRC vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for golden visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Who is eligible for Vietnam’s golden visa? International investors meeting thresholds in real estate ($250,000+), business ($100,000+), or capital ($200,000+) vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a Vietnam golden visa? Prepare investment proof, passport, criminal record, health insurance; submit at Vietnamese immigration offices; processing 5–15 days vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam golden visa cost? Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); minimum investment $100,000–$250,000+ (2,500,000,000–6,250,000,000 VND+) vietnam-visa.com.
Can golden visas be extended? Yes, for 5–10 years upon investment verification; fees $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for non-compliance? Visa revocation, fines, or deportation for failing to maintain investment vietnam-visa.com.
Is Visa on Arrival available for golden visas? No, discontinued in 2022; golden visas require in-person applications at immigration offices vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your golden visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Golden Visa Application with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and investment-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly residency and travel experience in this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this investment offers immersion and sustainability for international investors. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, meet investment thresholds and apply early at immigration offices for long-term residency, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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