Plan your Vietnam Golden Visa application with our guide for international investors! Learn about required documents, investment thresholds, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Goi Sau Dau Salad in An Giang ProvinceWritten 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, also known as the Investor Visa or Residency by Investment, is designed for high-net-worth individuals and requires specific investment thresholds. International investors, including those from countries like the US, Canada, or Europe, can apply for long-term residency through investments in real estate, businesses, or government bonds. This guide details required documents, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless investment journey, but consult official sources or legal advisors for personalized advice, as requirements may vary.
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 Golden Visa documents requirements allows international investors to secure long-term residency, enabling extended stays to explore these treasures while managing investments. The Golden Visa program offers residency through investments starting at $200,000 in real estate or businesses, providing benefits like family inclusion and pathway to citizenship after 5 years vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical document insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Traveloptions for investors.
Following Vietnam’s updated investment regulations, the country is accessible via major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, making Golden Visa applications and cultural exploration seamless. This guide blends document requirements, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
International investors from most countries require a Golden Visa (DT visa) for long-term residency, with investments of at least $200,000 in real estate or $100,000 in businesses. 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 with local police is required within 14 days, typically handled by legal advisors or hotels. Verify Golden Visa requirements via vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
Standard Golden Visa (DT Visa):
Purpose: Long-term residency through investment in real estate, businesses, or government bonds.
Eligibility: International investors from most nationalities, including the US, EU, Canada, Australia, and others, with minimum investments vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Initial 5-year residency card, renewable; pathway to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after additional 5 years with language proficiency vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($50–$200 or 1,250,000–5,000,000 VND); investment thresholds: $200,000 in real estate, $100,000 in businesses, or $100,000 in government bonds; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Minimum investment in approved sectors; proof of funds; clean criminal record; health insurance; application at Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable every 5 years with continued investment; fees apply ($50–$100 or 1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all entry points; residency card allows multiple entries vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Initial Entry):
Purpose: Tourism or business for initial entry before Golden Visa application.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel address) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the immigration checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa (visa run) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy/Consulate Visa (For Golden Visa Preparation):
Purpose: Tourism or business for initial entry before Golden Visa application.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for business visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 14 days, typically handled by hotels or sponsors travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Use e-visas or embassy visas for entry vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Application Documents: Proof of investment ($100,000–$200,000 minimum); business registration or real estate deed; clean criminal record; health insurance; application form vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 14 days, handled by sponsors or legal advisors travel.state.gov.
Family Inclusion: Spouses and children under 18 can be included; additional fees apply ($50–$100 or 1,250,000–2,500,000 VND per person) vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth integration during Vietnam Tours for Golden Visa applicants. 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 government offices or temples 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 immigration offices or cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry Golden Visa documents securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our Golden Visa process 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; complete residence registration within 14 days travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to officials 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 applicants 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 rules at historical sites (avoid touching artifacts); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry Golden Visa approval letter or residency card 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-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, 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 obtaining your Golden Visa; suitable for investors with valid residency; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Golden Visa Tips: Use the 5-year residency card for multiple entries; carry a residency card photocopy; register residence at investment locations 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 residency status; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from the US 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.
Golden Visa Tips: Use residency card for extended stays; carry a residency card 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 from Canada 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.
Golden Visa Tips: Use residency card for multi-city travel; carry a residency card 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 from Australia 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.
Golden Visa Tips: Use residency card for extended stays; carry a residency card 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 from the EU 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 or residency cards.
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 crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Eligibility: Ensure minimum investment ($100,000–$200,000); consult legal advisors for approved sectors vietnam-visa.com.
Gather Documents: Collect proof of investment (e.g., real estate deed, business registration); clean criminal record; health insurance; application form vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process: Submit at Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies; processing takes 1–3 months; include family members if applicable vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 14 days after entry; handled by sponsors or legal advisors travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital document copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply early (3–6 months before planned residency); double-check details; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check status at Vietnamese immigration offices.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), Golden Visa application documents (investment proof, criminal record), Golden Visa approval letter or residency card 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 fees: $50–$200 (1,250,000–5,000,000 VND); investment thresholds: $100,000–$200,000; family inclusion: $50–$100/person (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemptions or Phu Quoc; 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
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; use Golden Visas for extended stays to save on repeated visa applications.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only visits; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Moc Bai (Cambodia) or Lao Cai (China) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions vietnam.travel.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect border and 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: Borders open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (some 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 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 border areas or cities like Hanoi.
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).
Who needs a visa to cross into Vietnam? Citizens of 25 countries (e.g., ASEAN, UK, Japan) are exempt for 14–45 days; others require e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Which borders accept e-visas or exemptions? All 13 airports, 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports accept e-visas and exemptions evisa.gov.vn.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can visas be extended at the border? Exemptions and e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas may be extendable with a sponsor 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 exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn 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 Documents with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and document-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly residency through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers investment and sustainability for international investors. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, gather required documents and apply early at Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies for residency, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Golden Visas require minimum investments; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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