Plan your Vietnam investment and residency with our guide to golden visa requirements! Learn about DT visa options, investment thresholds, application processes, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Seize the cultural essence of Vietnam’s artistryWritten 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 does not have a traditional "Golden Visa" program like some European countries, but offers investment visas (DT visas) for foreign investors, which provide long-term residency based on business investment. International investors can apply for DT1, DT2, DT3, or DT4 visas through investment in businesses, real estate, or other economic activities. This guide details requirements, investment thresholds, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless investment journey in 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 Vietnam’s golden visa equivalent (DT investment visas) ensures smooth residency for international investors, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or establishing business ventures. Investors from all countries can obtain DT visas for up to 10 years based on investment levels, facilitating exploration of Vietnam’s rich heritage and economic opportunities vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for investors.
Following Vietnam’s updated investment 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, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
International investors can apply for DT investment visas (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4) with durations up to 10 years, requiring minimum investments from $100,000 (2,500,000,000 VND) for DT4 to $3,000,000 (75,000,000,000 VND) for DT1. 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 for long-term stays. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
DT4 Visa (Investment of $100,000–$500,000):
Purpose: For foreign investors establishing or contributing to businesses in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Investors from all countries with minimum capital contribution of $100,000 (2,500,000,000 VND) in a Vietnamese company vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), plus legal and business setup costs ($500–$2,000 or 12,500,000–50,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment (e.g., business license, capital contribution certificate); passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages; application through the Vietnam Immigration Department or provincial authorities travel.state.gov.
Extension: Renewable for additional 3-year periods with proof of ongoing investment vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
DT3 Visa (Investment of $500,000–$1,000,000):
Purpose: For mid-level foreign investors in Vietnamese businesses vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Investors with minimum capital of $500,000 (12,500,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $50–$150 (1,250,000–3,750,000 VND), plus business costs vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Investment proof, business registration, passport, and application through immigration authorities travel.state.gov.
Extension: Renewable for additional 5-year periods vietnam-visa.com.
DT2 Visa (Investment of $1,000,000–$3,000,000):
Purpose: For high-level foreign investors vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Minimum capital of $1,000,000 (25,000,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $75–$200 (1,875,000–5,000,000 VND), plus investment costs vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Detailed investment plan, business license, passport, and approval from provincial authorities travel.state.gov.
Extension: Renewable for additional 5-year periods vietnam-visa.com.
DT1 Visa (Investment of $3,000,000 or More):
Purpose: For major foreign investors in large-scale projects vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Minimum capital of $3,000,000 (75,000,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 10 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $100–$300 (2,500,000–7,500,000 VND), plus significant investment vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Investment certificate, business registration, passport, and government approval travel.state.gov.
Extension: Renewable for additional 10-year periods vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process for DT Visas:
Establish or invest in a Vietnamese company with the required capital vietnam-visa.com.
Obtain an Investment Certificate from the Department of Planning and Investment vietnam-visa.com.
Apply for DT visa at the Vietnam Immigration Department with investment proof, passport, and fees vietnam-visa.com.
Receive visa and residence card upon approval vietnam-visa.com.
Processing Time: 30–60 days; expedited services available through legal firms for additional fees ($500–$2,000 or 12,500,000–50,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Investors must maintain the investment to keep the visa valid; failure may result in revocation vietnam-visa.com.
Residence registration is mandatory within 14 days for long-term stays travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: Vietnam’s DT visas are the closest equivalent to a “Golden Visa,” focusing on business investment rather than real estate alone vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investment Proof: Business license, capital contribution certificate, and investment plan vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 14 days; handled by police or legal services travel.state.gov.
Family Inclusion: Spouses and children can join under dependent visas (DT visas extend to family) vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth integration for investors 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 business cards or gifts to show respect at meetings or cultural sites culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear business attire for meetings; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in business and cultural settings; ask permission before photographing locals; carry investment documents securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our investment 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 business 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 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 areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City 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 investment certificate 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 after obtaining your DT visa; suitable for investors with valid long-term visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use DT visas for extended stays; carry investment certificate or passport photocopy; register residence within 14 days 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); markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
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 DT visa validity; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with the DT visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature for investors; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid DT visa; carry investment certificate 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 Europe 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 for investors; 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 investment certificate 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 Canada noted: “The combo tour was golden visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An for investors; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use DT visas for multi-city travel; carry investment certificate 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 Australia noted: “The multi-day tour was a golden visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, 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 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 investment activities and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for indoor business meetings; expect rain. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Eligibility: All nationalities can apply for DT visas with minimum investments ($100,000 for DT4 to $3,000,000 for DT1); consult legal firms for business setup vietnam-visa.com.
Application Tips: Establish a Vietnamese company with required capital; obtain Investment Certificate; apply for DT visa through immigration authorities; expect 30–60 days processing vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry investment certificate or business license photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 14 days; handled by police or legal services travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital documents to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Engage a legal firm for DT visa applications (fees $500–$2,000 or 12,500,000–50,000,000 VND); double-check investment thresholds; carry small VND notes for local purchases; contact Vietnamese embassies for support (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), investment certificate, business license, printed DT visa copy, passport photocopy, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Business attire for meetings; 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: Application fees $25–$300 (625,000–7,500,000 VND), depending on type; legal/business setup: $500–$2,000 (12,500,000–50,000,000 VND); minimum investment: $100,000–$3,000,000 (2,500,000,000–75,000,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
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 DT visas for long-term investment stays.
Visa Tips: All nationalities can apply for DT visas with minimum investments ($100,000 for DT4 to $3,000,000 for DT1); consult legal firms for business setup; expect 30–60 days processing 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).
What is Vietnam’s golden visa? Vietnam’s DT investment visas (DT1–DT4) are the equivalent, offering residency for foreign investors with minimum capital from $100,000 to $3,000,000 vietnam-visa.com.
What are the investment thresholds for DT visas? DT4: $100,000; DT3: $500,000; DT2: $1,000,000; DT1: $3,000,000 vietnam-visa.com.
How much do DT visas cost? Application fees $25–$300; plus legal/business setup $500–$2,000 vietnam-visa.com.
Can DT visas be extended? Yes, renewable for 3–10 years with proof of ongoing investment vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for non-compliance? Visa revocation, fines, or deportation for failing to maintain investment travel.state.gov.
Is a traditional golden visa available in Vietnam? No, but DT visas serve a similar purpose for investors 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 Requirements with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and investment-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 adventure and sustainability for international investors. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, meet the investment thresholds and apply through immigration authorities 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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