Plan your retirement in Vietnam with our guide to the Golden Visa program! Learn about requirements, benefits, application processes, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Nuoc Duong Thot Not Jaggery Juice 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.
Retirees, please note: Vietnam launched a 10-year Golden Visa program in 2025 to attract wealthy retirees, investors, and high-net-worth individuals. The program allows long-term residence through investment or financial proof, with benefits like multiple entries and extended stays. This guide details requirements for retirees, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless retirement in Vietnam.
Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding the Golden Visa for retirees ensures smooth long-term residence for enjoying these treasures, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or retiring independently. Retirees can qualify through financial proof or investment, with benefits like 10-year residency and multiple entries vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for retirees.
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 Golden Visa requirements for retirees, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free retirement.
Retirees from eligible countries can apply for Vietnam’s 10-year Golden Visa through financial proof (e.g., $100,000 in savings or pension income) or investment (e.g., $100,000 in real estate or business). Costs range from $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) for application fees. Passports must be valid for at least 12 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 upon arrival, typically handled by sponsors or agencies. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Golden Visa (10-Year Residency):
Purpose: Long-term residence for retirees through financial stability or investment.
Eligibility: Retirees aged 55+ with proof of financial resources (e.g., pension income of $2,000/month or $100,000 in savings) or investment (e.g., $100,000 in real estate, business, or bonds) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 10 years, renewable, with multiple entries allowed vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); investment requirements $100,000+ vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Gather documents: Passport, proof of financial resources (bank statements, pension documents), or investment proof (property deeds, business registration), health insurance, and clean criminal record vietnam-visa.com.
Submit application at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office in Vietnam; online portal may be available for initial submission evisa.gov.vn.
Provide biometric data (fingerprints, photo) at the immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Pay the fee ($25–$100) via bank transfer or cash; note the reference number vietnam-visa.com.
Wait for approval (30–90 days); collect the Golden Visa card at the immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Processing Time: 30–90 days; expedited processing available for additional fees ($50–$100 or 1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) through agencies vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for another 10 years with proof of continued eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
Standard Visa Exemption (For Short-Term Visits):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays before applying for Golden Visa.
Eligibility: Citizens of 25 countries, including ASEAN nations, UK, Japan vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel recommended vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa (For Initial Entry or Short-Term):
Purpose: Tourism or business for entry before Golden Visa application.
Eligibility: Citizens of 80 countries evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 for single entry; $50 for multiple entry vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process: Apply online at evisa.gov.vn; upload photo and passport scan; pay fee; receive e-visa via email vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; apply for Golden Visa after entry vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa (For Pre-Arrival Application):
Purpose: Tourism or business for retirees preferring traditional visas before Golden Visa.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, photos, fees; apply at Vietnamese embassy travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable with sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Retirees must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) evisa.gov.vn.
Health insurance covering $10,000+ medical costs required for Golden Visa vietnam-visa.com.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: Visa on Arrival was discontinued in 2022; use exemptions, e-visas, or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 12 months from entry date with two blank pages vietnam-visa.com.
Financial Proof: Bank statements showing $100,000 in savings or $2,000/month pension income vietnam-visa.com.
Investment Proof (if applicable): Property deeds or business registration for $100,000+ investment vietnam-visa.com.
Health Insurance: Proof of coverage for at least $10,000 in medical expenses vietnam-visa.com.
Criminal Record: Clean criminal background check from country of residence vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory upon arrival; handled by sponsor or immigration office travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth retirement 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 temples or markets 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 card securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A retiree guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our Golden Visa retirement seamless.”
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 culturetrip.com.
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 Golden Visa card handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen retirees 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 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 retirement, 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 your Golden Visa; suitable for retirees with long-term residency; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use the 10-year Golden Visa for unlimited stays; carry Golden Visa card or passport photocopy; register residence at local immigration office 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 Golden Visa eligibility and renewals; check evisa.gov.vn; a retiree 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 Golden Visa card or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration if needed 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 retiree 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 Golden Visa for long-term stays; carry Golden Visa 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 retiree 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 Golden Visa for extended stays; carry Golden Visa card or passport photocopy; confirm 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 retiree guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a Golden Visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for retirees with Golden Visa for long-term stays.
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 cycling, 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 temple 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 retirees and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Eligibility: Retirees aged 55+ with $100,000 in savings/pension or $100,000 investment; check at Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices vietnam-visa.com.
Gather Documents: Passport, financial proof (bank statements, pension documents), investment proof (if applicable), health insurance, and criminal record check vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Submit at Vietnamese embassy or immigration office; online portal may be available; provide biometrics evisa.gov.vn.
Eco-Tip: Use digital documents to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply 30–90 days early; double-check details; carry Golden Visa card for checks; contact Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh (+855 23 726 274) for details.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 12+ months), Golden Visa application documents (financial proof, criminal record), health insurance proof, 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.
Visa and Travel Costs
Golden Visa Costs: Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); investment requirements $100,000+ vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Costs (for Initial Entry): Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
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) 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, visa costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use Golden Visa for long-term savings.
Visa Tips: Retirees aged 55+ with $100,000 in savings/pension or investment; apply at Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices; online portal may be 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 Golden 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).
Do retirees need a visa for Vietnam? Retirees can apply for the 10-year Golden Visa through financial proof or investment; exemptions or e-visas available for short stays vietnam-visa.com.
How do retirees apply for Vietnam’s Golden Visa? Gather documents (passport, financial/investment proof, health insurance, criminal record); submit at Vietnamese embassy or immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
How much does Vietnam’s Golden Visa cost for retirees? Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); investment requirements $100,000+ vietnam-visa.com.
Can Golden Visas be extended? Yes, renewable for another 10 years with proof of continued eligibility 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 retirees? No, discontinued in 2022; use Golden Visa, exemptions, or e-visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your Golden Visa retirement in Vietnam 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 Retirees with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly retirement 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 retirees. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for the Golden Visa early through Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices, 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
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