Unlock the advantages of Vietnam's Golden Visa with our guide for investors! Learn about residency benefits, application process, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Com Tam Long Xuyen Broken RiceWritten 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.
Investors, please note: Vietnam's Golden Visa program, launched in 2025, offers a 10-year residency visa for foreign investors and skilled professionals. It provides long-term residency, family inclusion, and a pathway to permanent residence. This guide details the program's benefits, eligibility, application process, and travel tips for a seamless investment and exploration journey in Vietnam.
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 the benefits of Vietnam's Golden Visa ensures smooth residency and exploration for investors from all countries, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. The Golden Visa offers 10-year residency, family support, business opportunities, and a path to permanent residence, making it attractive for long-term stays vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international investors.
Following Vietnam’s updated investment regulations, the Golden Visa program is accessible through digital applications and embassy channels. This guide blends Golden Visa benefits, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travelideas for a worry-free adventure.
International investors can apply for Vietnam’s Golden Visa with a minimum investment (e.g., $100,000 in business or real estate), offering 10-year residency, family inclusion, and permanent residency after 5 years. 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 mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by sponsors or hotels. Verify Golden Visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Standard Golden Visa (Investor Visa):
Purpose: Long-term residency for foreign investors in business, real estate, or other approved sectors.
Eligibility: Investors from all nationalities with a minimum investment threshold (e.g., $100,000 in approved projects) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 10 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($50–$200 or 1,250,000–5,000,000 VND), plus investment amount; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment (e.g., business registration, real estate documents); passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages; criminal record certificate; health insurance vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for additional 10-year periods with continued investment; fees apply ($50 or 1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.
Benefits of Vietnam Golden Visa:
Long-Term Residency: 10-year visa with multiple entries, allowing freedom to live, work, and travel in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Family Inclusion: Spouses and children can join, with access to education and healthcare vietnam-visa.com.
Business Opportunities: 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, tax incentives for investors, and simplified work permits vinpearl.com.
Path to Permanent Residence: Eligible for permanent residency after 5 years of investment and residency vietnam-visa.com.
Healthcare and Education: Access to Vietnam’s public healthcare and education systems for family members travel.state.gov.
Lifestyle Benefits: Enjoy Vietnam’s low cost of living, diverse culture, and natural beauty while maintaining long-term residency vietnam.travel.
Application Process:
Submit investment proposal to Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment or relevant authorities vietnam-visa.com.
Obtain investment registration certificate vietnam-visa.com.
Apply for Golden Visa at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office, providing investment proof, passport, and other documents vietnam-visa.com.
Pay fees ($50–$200) and await approval (1–3 months) vietnam-visa.com.
Upon approval, receive the visa and register residence in Vietnam travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 1–3 months for approval; expedited options available for additional fees vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable with proof of continued investment vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Must maintain the qualifying investment; failure may result in visa revocation vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Golden Visa program, launched in 2025, is designed for investors; confirm eligibility and requirements with Vietnamese authorities vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investment Proof: Business registration, real estate documents, or other approved investment evidence vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by sponsors or hotels travel.state.gov.
Criminal Record: Clean criminal record certificate required vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth integration for Golden Visa holders during Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions to show respect, especially at temples or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or Golden Visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs enhanced our Golden Visa residency.” 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; complete residence registration within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen Golden Visa holders 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 a printed Golden Visa or passport photocopy 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 vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your Golden Visa residency, 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 with your Golden Visa; suitable for long-term residents; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use your 10-year Golden Visa for multiple entries; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; register residence at your sponsor’s 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 cruises available daily.
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 Golden Visa validity; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest 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; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration 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; a 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 your Golden Visa for long-term stays; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility 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; a 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 your Golden Visa for multi-city residency; carry a printed visa or passport 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); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a Golden Visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for Golden Visa holders with residency benefits.
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 and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s 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 travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Eligibility: Confirm minimum investment ($100,000 in business or real estate); gather proof of funds and criminal record vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process: Submit proposal to Ministry of Planning and Investment; obtain registration certificate; apply at embassy or immigration office with documents vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Passport valid for 6 months; investment proof; health insurance; family documents if including dependents vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory upon entry; handled by sponsors or hotels travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital documents to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply 1–3 months early; double-check details; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check status with Vietnamese authorities. For embassy applications, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in your country (e.g., Phnom Penh: +855 23 726 274).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), Golden Visa approval, investment proof, passport 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.
Golden Visa and Travel Costs
Golden Visa Costs: Application: $50–$200 (1,250,000–5,000,000 VND), plus investment ($100,000+); renewal: $50 (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 (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; leverage the Golden Visa for long-term savings.
Visa Tips: Confirm eligibility with minimum investment ($100,000); gather proof of funds and criminal record; apply through Vietnamese authorities or embassies 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 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).
What are the benefits of Vietnam’s Golden Visa? 10-year residency, family inclusion, business opportunities (100% ownership), tax incentives, healthcare/education access, and path to permanent residence after 5 years vietnam-visa.com.
Who is eligible for Vietnam’s Golden Visa? Foreign investors with minimum investment ($100,000 in business or real estate) from all nationalities vietnam-visa.com.
How much does Vietnam’s Golden Visa cost? Application: $50–$200 (1,250,000–5,000,000 VND), plus investment; renewal: $50 (1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can Vietnam’s Golden Visa be extended? Renewable for additional 10-year periods with continued investment vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available? No, discontinued in 2022; use Golden Visa, exemptions, or e-visas 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.
Unlocking the Vietnam Golden Visa Benefits with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—opens a dynamic, eco-friendly residency in this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this program offers long-term residency, business advantages, and cultural immersion for international investors. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage the 10-year visa 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
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
