Plan your entrepreneurial journey in Vietnam with our guide to golden visa requirements! Learn about investment options, benefits, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Learn Vietnam’s golden visa rules with expert guidanceWritten 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.
Entrepreneurs, please note: Vietnam does not have a traditional "Golden Visa" program like in Europe, but offers long-term visas and residence permits for investors and business owners through investment-based visas (e.g., DT visas). International entrepreneurs can apply for investor visas (DT1–DT4) based on investment amounts, or business visas (DN) for shorter stays. This guide details golden visa-like options for entrepreneurs, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Vietnam’s business and cultural landscape.
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 requirements for entrepreneurs ensures smooth entry and residence for business ventures, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or establishing operations. Entrepreneurs benefit from investor visas (DT) granting residence permits for 1–10 years based on investment levels, while business visas (DN) allow for 3–12 month stays vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international entrepreneurs.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends visa requirements for entrepreneurs, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
International entrepreneurs can apply for investor visas (DT1–DT4) with residence permits for 1–10 years based on investment ($100,000+ USD), or business visas (DN) for 3–12 months. 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 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or sponsors. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Investor Visa (DT1–DT4) (Vietnam's "Golden Visa" Equivalent):
Purpose: Long-term residence for foreign investors and entrepreneurs establishing businesses in Vietnam.
Eligibility: Foreign nationals investing in Vietnamese companies or projects vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: DT4: 12 months ($100,000–$500,000 investment); DT3: 5 years ($500,000–$1 million); DT2: 5–10 years ($1–2 million); DT1: 10 years ($2 million+) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), plus investment capital vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment (e.g., business license, capital contribution certificate); passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; application form; criminal record certificate; health insurance; submit at Vietnam Immigration Department or embassy vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable based on investment continuation; fees $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
Business Visa (DN) (For Short-Term Entrepreneurial Activities):
Purpose: Business, investment exploration, or short-term work.
Eligibility: Foreign entrepreneurs with invitation from Vietnamese company or partner travel.state.gov.
Duration: 3–12 months (single or multiple entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$80 (625,000–2,000,000 VND), depending on duration and entry type vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Invitation letter from Vietnamese partner; passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; application form; two passport photos (4x6 cm); apply at Vietnamese embassy or via e-visa for short stays travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 3–6 months with sponsor; fees $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
E-Visa (For Initial Business Exploration):
Purpose: Tourism or business for short stays, suitable for initial entrepreneurial scouting.
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 vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Key Restrictions:
Entrepreneurs 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: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Entrepreneurs must use investor visas, business visas, e-visas, or exemptions vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investor Visa Application: Requires proof of investment (e.g., business license), criminal record certificate, health insurance; apply at Vietnam Immigration Department vietnam-visa.com.
Business Visa Application: Requires invitation letter from Vietnamese partner; apply at embassy or via e-visa for short stays travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, handled by hotels or sponsors; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Proof of Onward Travel: Recommended for exemptions; required for Phu Quoc exemption vietnam.travel.
Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing golden visa preparation for entrepreneurs. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions at business meetings or temples to show respect culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); business attire for meetings aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites or business negotiations; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or visa securely for checks. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our visa-prepared business 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 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or partners; 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 entrepreneurs 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 areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow business etiquette (exchange cards with both hands); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use PassApp for ride-hailing; offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry 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-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 Ho Chi Minh City’s markets independently; suitable for entrepreneurs with valid investor or business visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use investor visas (DT) for long-term residence or business visas (DN) for short stays; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
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).
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, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm investor visa eligibility or apply for business visas early; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the investor 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 investor or business 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 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 a business visa for multi-city travel; 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 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 an investor visa for long-term stays or business visa for multi-city travel; 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 entrepreneurs with investor or business 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.
Business and 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 business meetings 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; expect rain at land borders like Moc Bai.
Verify Visa Needs: Apply for investor visas (DT1–DT4) with investment proof ($100,000+ USD) at Vietnam Immigration Department; use business visas (DN) for short-term activities with invitation letters vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry investment proof, criminal record certificate, health insurance; submit at Vietnamese embassy or immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or sponsors register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital applications to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for investor visas early (processing 1–2 months); double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at vietnam-visa.com. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836, Beijing: +86 10 6532 1155).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), investor/business visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), investment proof (e.g., business license), criminal record certificate, health insurance, 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; business attire for meetings ($20 or 500,000 VND); comfortable walking shoes ($15 or 375,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for sun protection.
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
Investor Visa (DT1–DT4) Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), plus investment capital ($100,000+ USD); extension: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Business Visa (DN) Costs: $25–$80 (625,000–2,000,000 VND); extension: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Costs: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
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, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use business visas for short-term entrepreneurial activities to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Apply for investor visas (DT1–DT4) with investment proof ($100,000+ USD) at Vietnam Immigration Department; use business visas (DN) for short-term activities with invitation letters; double-check details to match passport 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 is Vietnam’s golden visa for entrepreneurs? Vietnam offers investor visas (DT1–DT4) as a golden visa equivalent, granting residence for 1–10 years based on investment amounts ($100,000+ USD) vietnam-visa.com.
How do entrepreneurs apply for a Vietnam golden visa? Submit investment proof, criminal record, health insurance at Vietnam Immigration Department or embassy; business visas (DN) for short-term activities with invitation letters travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam golden visa cost? Investor visa: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), plus investment capital; business visa: $25–$80 (625,000–2,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can golden visas be extended? Investor visas extendable based on investment continuation; business visas extendable for 3–6 months with 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 for entrepreneurs? No, discontinued in 2022; use investor/business visas 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.
Mastering Vietnam Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs 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 business opportunities and sustainability for entrepreneurs. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for investor visas early with investment proof, 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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