Plan your Vietnam investment journey with our guide to golden visa eligibility for international investors! Learn about requirements, benefits, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Duong Thot Not Jaggery Sugar 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, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Investors, please note: Vietnam does not have a traditional "Golden Visa" program like some European countries, but offers investment visas (DT category) that provide long-term residency for foreign investors. International investors can apply for DT1, DT2, DT3, or DT4 visas based on investment levels in businesses or projects. This guide details eligibility for Vietnam’s investment visa program, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless investment and exploration journey in Vietnam.
Vietnam, a thriving Southeast Asian economy, 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 eligibility (Vietnam’s investment visa program) ensures smooth residency for international investors seeking long-term stays while exploring these treasures, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Investors from all nationalities can qualify for DT visas with investments starting from $100,000, granting residency up to 5 years vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical eligibility insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Traveloptions for investors.
Following Vietnam’s updated investment regulations, the country welcomes foreign investors through 16 land borders, 13 airports, and 13 seaports. This guide blends golden visa eligibility, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travelideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
International investors from all nationalities are eligible for Vietnam’s investment visas (DT1–DT4) with minimum investments from $100,000 in approved businesses or projects. Visas cost $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), with residency up to 5 years. 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 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or sponsors. Verify eligibility and regulations via vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
DT4 Visa (Investment < $100,000):
Purpose: Residency for investors in small-scale businesses or projects.
Eligibility: International investors from all nationalities establishing or investing in Vietnamese companies with capital under $100,000 vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 1 year, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment (e.g., business registration certificate, capital contribution); passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; application at Vietnamese embassy or immigration office travel.state.gov.
Extension: Renewable annually with proof of ongoing investment vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.
DT3 Visa (Investment $100,000–$300,000):
Purpose: Residency for mid-level investors in businesses or projects.
Eligibility: International investors contributing $100,000–$300,000 to Vietnamese companies vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $50–$75 (1,250,000–1,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Investment proof (e.g., capital certificate, business license); passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; application at Vietnamese embassy or immigration office travel.state.gov.
Extension: Renewable for additional 3 years with proof of continued investment vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all major airports, land borders, and seaports vietnam.travel.
DT2 Visa (Investment $300,000–$1,000,000):
Purpose: Residency for significant investors in businesses or projects.
Eligibility: International investors contributing $300,000–$1,000,000 to Vietnamese companies vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 4 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $75–$100 (1,875,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Investment proof (e.g., capital certificate, business license); passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; application at Vietnamese embassy or immigration office travel.state.gov.
Extension: Renewable for additional 4 years with proof of continued investment vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all major airports, land borders, and seaports vietnam.travel.
DT1 Visa (Investment > $1,000,000):
Purpose: Residency for major investors in businesses or projects.
Eligibility: International investors contributing over $1,000,000 to Vietnamese companies vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $100–$150 (2,500,000–3,750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Investment proof (e.g., capital certificate, business license); passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; application at Vietnamese embassy or immigration office travel.state.gov.
Extension: Renewable for additional 5 years with proof of continued investment vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all major airports, land borders, and seaports vietnam.travel.
Application Process for Investment Visas:
Purpose: Long-term residency for foreign investors in Vietnamese businesses or projects.
Eligibility: Available to international investors from all nationalities with approved investments in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 1–5 years based on investment level, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$150 (625,000–3,750,000 VND), depending on visa category and processing time vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Establish or invest in a Vietnamese company with required capital ($100,000+ for DT3–DT1); obtain business registration certificate from the Department of Planning and Investment vietnam-visa.com.
Submit investment proof (e.g., capital contribution certificate, business license) vietnam-visa.com.
Apply in person at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office in Vietnam with passport, application form, photos, and fees travel.state.gov.
Processing time: 5–15 working days vietnam-visa.com.
Receive visa and residence card for long-term stay vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable with proof of ongoing investment; apply at immigration offices vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
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 24 hours, 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: Vietnam’s investment visa program (DT) serves as a golden visa equivalent, offering residency tied to business investments. There is no traditional golden visa for real estate or passive investment; all applicants must invest in active businesses or projects vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investment Proof: Business registration certificate, capital contribution certificate, or investment license; minimum $100,000 for DT3–DT1 vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by sponsors or hotels travel.state.gov.
Health Insurance: Recommended for long-term residency; proof may be required for extensions vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful investment and travel experience 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 business meetings or temples culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); business attire for investment meetings vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or residence card securely to verify status. 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 for long-term stays 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 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 business and tourist areas 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 Ho Chi Minh City; carry a printed residence card 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-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 obtaining your DT visa; suitable for investors with valid residency; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use DT visas for long-term stays; carry residence card or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels travel.state.gov.
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 DT visa eligibility; apply at Vietnamese immigration offices; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the golden visa equivalent.”
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 DT visa for long-term investors; carry residence card 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 from Canada noted: “Legend’s tour ensured 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 DT visas for long-term stays; carry residence card 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 from Australia noted: “The combo tour was 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 DT visas for long-term stays; carry residence card 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 from Germany noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and authentic, ideal for investors with DT visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for 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 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 border crossings and cultural visits. 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: International investors from all nationalities qualify for DT1–DT4 with minimum investments from $100,000 in approved businesses; obtain business registration from the Department of Planning and Investment vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry investment proof (e.g., business license, capital certificate); submit application at Vietnamese embassy or immigration office travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm sponsors or hotels register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital documents to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for DT visas after establishing investment; processing takes 5–15 days; carry residence card for checks; contact Vietnamese embassies for details (e.g., Washington D.C.: +1 202 861 0737, London: +44 20 7937 1912).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), investment proof (business license, capital certificate), residence card or visa 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., banh mi); 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
DT Visa Costs: $25–$150 (625,000–3,750,000 VND), depending on category and processing time vietnam-visa.com.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemptions (14–45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days); 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, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use DT visas for long-term residency.
Eligibility Tips: International investors qualify for DT1–DT4 with investments from $100,000 in approved businesses; obtain business registration from the Department of Planning and Investment; no real estate golden visa available 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 eligibility-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 Ho Chi Minh City.
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; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
What is Vietnam’s golden visa? Vietnam’s investment visa (DT1–DT4) serves as a golden visa equivalent, offering residency tied to business investments from $100,000 vietnam-visa.com.
Who is eligible for Vietnam’s golden visa? International investors from all nationalities with investments in Vietnamese businesses or projects vietnam-visa.com.
How much investment is required for Vietnam’s golden visa? $100,000–$300,000 for DT3 (3 years); $300,000–$1,000,000 for DT2 (4 years); over $1,000,000 for DT1 (5 years); under $100,000 for DT4 (1 year) vietnam-visa.com.
Can golden visas be extended? Yes, renewable with proof of ongoing investment; apply at immigration offices 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 there a golden visa for real estate? No, Vietnam’s program requires active business investment; no passive real estate option 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 Eligibility with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey 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 adventure and sustainability for international investors. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, invest in approved projects for DT visas and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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