Plan your expat life in Vietnam with our guide to immigration visa requirements! Learn about long-term visas, residence permits, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Photograph the festive spirit of Vietnam’s culture (Source: Internet)Written 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: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. Expats from all countries can apply for e-visas online via evisa.gov.vn for short-term stays or obtain long-term visas through Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices for residence, work, or business. This guide details immigration visa requirements for expats, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless relocation or extended stay in Vietnam.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian destination, is increasingly popular for expats due to its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and economic opportunities, with cultural landmarks like Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts vinpearl.com. Understanding immigration visa requirements for expats ensures smooth entry and residence for long-term stays, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or settling independently. Expats benefit from work visas, business visas, and residence permits, allowing stays from 1 year to indefinite renewal vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for expats from all countries.
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 immigration visa requirements for expats, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free relocation or extended stay.
Expats from all countries require work, business, or investment visas for long-term stays, costing $25–$200 (625,000–5,000,000 VND), with residence permits allowing indefinite renewal. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hanoi’s Temple of Literature cost $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 14 days at local immigration offices. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Work Visa (LD1/LD2):
Purpose: Employment in Vietnam for skilled workers (LD1) or intra-company transfers (LD2).
Eligibility: Expats with a job offer from a Vietnamese employer or company; requires a work permit first vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration and processing time; work permit $400–$1,000 (10,000,000–25,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor in Vietnam (employer applies, requires degree, experience, health check) vietnam-visa.com.
Apply for the visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate with work permit, passport, application form, and photos travel.state.gov.
Upon arrival, apply for a temporary residence card (TRC) at the Immigration Department for stays over 1 year vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for 2 years with employer sponsorship; fees apply ($25–$100) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
Business Visa (DN1/DN2):
Purpose: Business activities, investments, or meetings for partners (DN1) or employees (DN2) of Vietnamese companies.
Eligibility: Expats with a business invitation from a Vietnamese company; requires a guarantee letter vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 1 year, multiple entry vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$200 (625,000–5,000,000 VND), depending on duration and entry type vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Obtain a guarantee letter from a Vietnamese company or partner vietnam-visa.com.
Apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate with passport, application form, photos, and guarantee letter travel.state.gov.
Upon arrival, apply for a TRC if staying over 1 year vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for 1 year with sponsor; fees apply ($25–$200) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
Investment Visa (DT1/DT2/DT3/DT4):
Purpose: Investment in Vietnam, based on capital amount (DT1 for $10M+, DT2 for $5M–$10M, DT3 for $1M–$5M, DT4 for less than $1M).
Eligibility: Expats investing in Vietnam with a business registration certificate vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 5 years for DT1/DT2, 3 years for DT3, 1 year for DT4, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), plus investment registration fees ($500–$2,000 or 12,500,000–50,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Register investment and business in Vietnam through the Department of Planning and Investment vietnam-visa.com.
Apply for the visa at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office with investment certificate, passport, and application form travel.state.gov.
Obtain a TRC upon arrival for long-term residence vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable based on investment status; fees apply ($25–$100) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC):
Purpose: Long-term residence for expats with work, business, or family visas.
Eligibility: Holders of LD, DN, or DT visas; spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 2–5 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND), depending on duration vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Apply at the Immigration Department in Vietnam with visa, passport, application form, health check, and sponsor letter (e.g., employer or family) vietnam-visa.com.
Processing takes 5–10 working days vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable with sponsor; fees apply ($100–$200) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Expats must register temporary residence with local police or immigration within 14 days for TRC holders vietnam-visa.com.
Work visas require a work permit; violations lead to fines or deportation vietnam-visa.com.
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. Expats must use e-visas for short stays or embassy visas for long-term immigration vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Visa Application: For work/business/investment visas, obtain sponsor letters from employers or companies; health checks and criminal record certificates may be required vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 14 days for TRC applicants; handled by immigration offices travel.state.gov.
Work Permit: Required for work visas; employer applies with degree, experience, and health check vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth integration for expats during Vietnam Tours or long-term stays. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions at immigration offices or markets to show respect culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear 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 at immigration checkpoints or 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 expat shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased my immigration and stay.” 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 14 days travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or officials; 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 expats 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 expat areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow immigration rules (no photography in offices); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for expat areas or sites like Hanoi’s Old Quarter; carry a printed visa or TRC 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) for eco-friendly travel, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-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 long-term visas or TRC; suitable for expats with valid work/business visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use work/business visas for long stays; carry TRC or visa 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); 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 work/business visa eligibility; apply for TRC for long stays; a guest expat noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the work visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature for expats; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid work/business visa or TRC; carry a printed visa or TRC 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 expat from the US 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 expats; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry business visa or TRC for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or TRC 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 expat from Europe noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An for expats; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry business visa or TRC for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or TRC 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 expat from Australia noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for expats with work/business visas or TRC.
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 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 visa-prepared travel 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 expats and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Expats need work (LD), business (DN), or investment (DT) visas for long-term stays; apply through sponsors or embassies; obtain work permits for LD visas vietnam-visa.com.
Application Tips: Gather documents (passport, sponsor letter, health check); apply at Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices; processing takes 5–15 days travel.state.gov.
Residence Preparation: Apply for TRC upon arrival for stays over 1 year; register residence within 14 days vietnam-visa.com.
Eco-Tip: Use digital visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for work permits and visas 1–2 months early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn for short-term needs.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed visa ($25–$200 or 625,000–5,000,000 VND), work permit (if applicable), sponsor letter, 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.
Visa and Travel Costs
Work Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); work permit: $400–$1,000 (10,000,000–25,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Business Visa Costs: $25–$200 (625,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Investment Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), plus registration fees ($500–$2,000 or 12,500,000–50,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
TRC Costs: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 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, visa costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use work visas for long-term savings.
Visa Tips: Expats should secure work/business/investment visas through sponsors; apply 1–2 months early; obtain work permits for LD visas; 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 expat areas or sites like Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
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 expats need a visa for Vietnam? Yes, for long-term stays; work (LD), business (DN), or investment (DT) visas are required; exemptions apply for short visits (up to 45 days for some nationalities) vietnam-visa.com.
How do expats apply for a Vietnam immigration visa? Obtain sponsor letters; apply at Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices with documents; processing takes 5–15 days travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam immigration visa cost for expats? Work/business visas: $25–$200 (625,000–5,000,000 VND); TRC: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can expat visas be extended? Yes, work/business visas renewable for 1–2 years with sponsor; TRC for 2–5 years 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 expats? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas for short stays or embassy visas for long-term immigration vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your expat journey 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 Immigration Visa for Expats with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a dynamic, eco-friendly expat life in this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, this relocation offers opportunity and sustainability. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, secure work/business visas through sponsors 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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