Plan your family’s long-term stay in Vietnam with our guide to the Golden Visa! Learn about investment requirements, family benefits, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Mam Thai Fish Sauce 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.
Travelers, please note: Vietnam does not have an official "Golden Visa" program like those in Europe or other countries. However, long-term residency options for families are available through investment visas, business visas, or family reunification visas. Foreigners can obtain temporary residence cards (TRC) through investment in real estate, business, or marriage to a Vietnamese citizen. This guide details residency options for families, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey into 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 residency options akin to a "Golden Visa" for families ensures a smooth long-term stay for exploring these treasures, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or residing independently. Families can obtain temporary residence cards (TRC) through investment in real estate (minimum $100,000), business setup, or family reunification, allowing stays of up to 5 years with multiple entries vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical residency insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for families.
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 residency requirements for families, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Families from visa-exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN nations, UK, Japan) can enter for up to 14–45 days without a visa, while others require e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or embassy visas ($25–$100). TRC for families requires investment (e.g., real estate $100,000 minimum) or family ties, with fees $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND). 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 accommodations. Verify residency requirements via vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC) through Family Reunification:
Purpose: Long-term stay for families with Vietnamese ties (e.g., marriage to a Vietnamese citizen or Vietnamese-origin parent).
Eligibility: Spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens or TRC holders vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND); processing time 5–15 days vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of family ties (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate); passport valid for 6+ months with two blank pages; application at the Immigration Department in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for additional periods; fees apply ($100 or 2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC) through Investment:
Purpose: Long-term residency for families investing in Vietnam (e.g., real estate, business).
Eligibility: Families investing at least $100,000 in real estate or establishing a business with minimum capital (e.g., $10,000 for LLC) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND); investment minimum $100,000 for real estate vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment (e.g., property deed, business registration); passport valid for 6+ months with two blank pages; application at the Immigration Department vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for additional periods; fees apply ($100 or 2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa (For Short-Term Family Visits):
Purpose: Tourism or family visits for stays exceeding exemptions.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities 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.
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 hosts 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. Families must use visa exemptions, 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: For TRC, submit family ties or investment proof; for e-visas, list all family members in separate applications evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing residency options for families. 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 quiet demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or TRC securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest family shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our residency trip seamless.” 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 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 families 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 e-visa 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 vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your residency-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 with valid TRC or e-visas; suitable for families with long-term residency; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Residency Tips: Use TRC for extended stays; carry a printed TRC or passport photocopy; register residence for family members 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 or apply for extensions early; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest family noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with our TRC.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature for families with TRC; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Residency Tips: Ensure valid TRC; carry a printed TRC 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 family from the US noted: “Legend’s tour ensured residency compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour for families with TRC; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Residency Tips: Use TRC for extended stays; carry a printed TRC 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 family from France noted: “The combo tour was residency-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An for families with TRC; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Residency Tips: Use TRC for multi-city travel; carry a printed TRC 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 family from Germany noted: “The multi-day tour was a residency-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for families with TRC.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for family cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with family-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with family-oriented itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key residency-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 family residency activities. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Residency Needs: Families can apply for TRC through investment ($100,000 minimum in real estate) or family reunification; use e-visas for short stays vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passports validity (6+ months); carry proof of investment or family ties (e.g., marriage certificate); submit applications at the Immigration Department travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or hosts register your stay for long-term visits; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital application copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for TRC 1–2 months early; double-check details; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check status at vietnam-visa.com. For embassy applications, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh (+855 23 726 274).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed TRC or e-visa ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND if applicable), proof of investment/family ties (e.g., deed, certificate), 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.
Residency and Travel Costs
Temporary Residence Card (TRC) Costs: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND); investment minimum $100,000 for real estate 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.
5-Year Exemption Costs: $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, residency costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use TRC to save on visa costs for long stays.
Residency Tips: Families can apply for TRC through investment ($100,000 minimum) or family reunification; use e-visas for short visits; double-check details to match passports 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 residency-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).
Does Vietnam have a Golden Visa for families? Vietnam offers long-term residency (TRC) through investment or family reunification, similar to a Golden Visa, for up to 5 years vietnam-visa.com.
What is the investment required for Vietnam residency? Minimum $100,000 in real estate or business setup for TRC vietnam-visa.com.
How much does Vietnam residency cost for families? TRC fees: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND); investment minimum $100,000 vietnam-visa.com.
Can families extend their residency? TRC is renewable for additional periods; fees apply ($100 or 2,500,000 VND) 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 residency-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 Families with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and residency-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly long-term stay in 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 families. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage TRC options or e-visas, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Vietnam does not have an official Golden Visa; use investment or family reunification for residency. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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