Plan your investment in Vietnam with our guide to the investor visa (ĐT1–ĐT4)! Learn about eligibility, application process, costs, requirements, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and tips for seamless Vietnam Travel. Start your investment journey today!
Embrace the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s cultural heritageWritten 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, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn, and cambodia-travel.com. Information based on latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian hub, is renowned for its rich history, cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City cambodia-travel.com. An attractive destination for investors, Vietnam offers opportunities in manufacturing, technology, real estate, and tourism, with proximity to regional hubs like Bangkok (1,200 miles from Hanoi) culturetrip.com. Understanding the Vietnam investor visa (ĐT1–ĐT4) is crucial for foreign investors seeking to establish or expand businesses while enjoying eco-friendly Vietnam Tours during their stay. The investor visa allows legal residence for investment activities, with durations from 1 to 10 years based on investment size myvietnamvisa.com. This guide provides practical steps for obtaining an investor visa, cultural etiquette, and sustainable Vietnam Travel options to enhance your investment and leisure experience.
Following Vietnam’s updated immigration and investment regulations, the investor visa (ĐT) is granted to foreigners or their representatives contributing capital to Vietnamese enterprises, with requirements varying by investment amount. This guide blends visa insights, cultural tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a seamless investment journey.
The Vietnam investor visa (ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3, ĐT4) is designed for foreign investors or representatives of foreign organizations establishing or contributing capital to businesses in Vietnam. It requires an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) and Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC). Visa durations range from 1 to 5 years, extendable to 10 years with a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for ĐT1–ĐT3. Costs range from $25–$150 (~625,000–3,750,000 VND), including visa and agency fees. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Passports must be valid for 6+ months beyond arrival with two blank pages. Verify requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn or agencies like vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Foreign investors or representatives of foreign organizations/enterprises contributing capital to or establishing businesses in Vietnam. Must be at least 18 years old, with no criminal record, and hold a valid Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) and Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC). Eligible for citizens of WTO member countries for ĐT4 harveylawcorporation.com.
Purpose: Legal residence for investment activities, such as establishing a company or contributing capital to a Vietnamese enterprise myvietnamvisa.com.
Visa Types and Durations:
ĐT1: For investments of ≥100 billion VND (~$3.9 million) or in government-prioritized industries/areas. Validity: up to 5 years; TRC up to 10 years.
ĐT2: For investments of 50–<100 billion VND (~$1.95–$3.9 million) or in encouraged industries. Validity: up to 5 years; TRC up to 5 years.
ĐT3: For investments of 3–<50 billion VND (~$117,000–$1.95 million). Validity: up to 3 years; TRC up to 3 years.
ĐT4: For investments of <3 billion VND (~$117,000, typically $50,000–$70,000). Validity: up to 1 year; no TRC eligibility offshoreinasia.com.
Entry Points: Valid at all international airports (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports.
Passport Requirements: Valid for 6+ months beyond arrival with at least two blank pages myvietnamvisa.com.
Cost:
Visa Fee: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND) for single/multiple entry (1–5 years).
Agency Fees: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) for document handling, if applicable.
Total: $25–$150 (~625,000–3,750,000 VND), depending on visa type and agency use.
Processing Time: 5–10 business days for visa issuance; IRC/ERC processing may take additional 15–30 days nhigia.vn.
Application Requirements:
For Investors Outside Vietnam:
Form NA2 (pre-approval for entry, submitted by sponsoring company).
Original passport (valid 6+ months, two blank pages).
Two 4x6 cm photos (recent, no glasses, white background).
Certified copies of IRC and ERC.
Proof of investment (business license, investment license, capital contribution certificate).
For Investors in Vietnam:
Form NA5 (visa application for foreigners residing in Vietnam).
Original passport and two 4x6 cm photos.
Temporary residence registration form (from local police or hotel).
Certified copies of IRC, ERC, or proof of capital contribution.
Sponsoring company’s business license (if not previously submitted).
Application Process:
Establish a Business: Incorporate a legal entity in Vietnam or acquire an existing one; obtain IRC and ERC through the Department of Planning and Investment (15–30 days) harveylawcorporation.com.
Prepare Documents: Gather required documents (IRC, ERC, passport, photos, proof of investment). Notarize and translate documents into Vietnamese if needed.
Submit Application:
Outside Vietnam: Sponsoring company submits Form NA2 and documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang). Receive a visa approval letter (5–10 business days), emailed to the investor. Present the letter, passport, and photos at an embassy/consulate or airport for visa stamping vietnam-visa.com.
In Vietnam: Submit Form NA5, documents, and passport to the Immigration Department (Hanoi: 44–46 Tran Phu; Ho Chi Minh City: 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai or 333–337 Nguyen Trai; Da Nang: 78 Le Loi). Visa stamped in 5–10 business days.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC): For ĐT1–ĐT3, apply for a TRC (3–10 years) after visa issuance, using similar documents (processing: 5–7 days).
Special Notes: ĐT4 requires a work permit for employment activities, unlike ĐT1–ĐT3 nhigia.vn. Family members (spouse, children under 18) can apply for a TT visa (relative visa) for ĐT1–ĐT3 holders myvietnamvisa.com. Overstaying incurs fines (~1,250,000 VND/day or ~$50/day) and risks deportation or blacklisting. Phu Quoc’s 30-day visa exemption does not apply to investment activities vietnam-visa.com.
Sponsorship: A Vietnamese company must sponsor the visa, submitting documents to the Immigration Department vietnam-visa.com.
Document Legalization: Documents from the home country (e.g., business licenses) must be notarized, legalized, and translated into Vietnamese by a certified service nhigia.vn.
Application Timing: Start 45–60 days before intended entry to account for IRC/ERC issuance (15–30 days) and visa processing (5–10 days) harveylawcorporation.com.
Tip: Work with a trusted agency like vietnam-visa.com or a legal firm to streamline IRC/ERC and visa applications. Ensure investment documents are complete to avoid delays. A guest shared: “Agency support made our investor visa process efficient.”
Cultural etiquette enhances your experience as an investor and during Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands when presenting documents at immigration or exchanging business cards to show respect.
Dress: Wear professional attire for business meetings; for cultural site visits (e.g., pagodas, markets), use modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms culturetrip.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in professional settings and at cultural sites; avoid loud behavior in public spaces; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals. Avoid pointing at people or sacred objects, as this is disrespectful. A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our investor visa process and cultural visits.”
Customs: Avoid public criticism of the government to prevent issues; tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); respect local traditions during festivals like Tet culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to immigration officers, business partners, or locals; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($1 or 25,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; carry visa and investment documents securely. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen prepared 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 common in business and tourist areas, but translation apps are useful in rural areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow immigration and investment laws; avoid overstaying your visa (fines of ~1,250,000 VND/day apply); support local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City” for navigation; keep visa and IRC/ERC documents handy.
Eco-Tip: Use digital submissions for visa applications to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport to minimize emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Note: Etiquette reflects current norms; verify investor visa requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your Vietnam experience during investment-related visits, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, and cambodia-travel.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, or Ha Long Bay independently during business breaks; suitable for flexible investors; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure your investor visa (ĐT) is valid; carry passport with visa stamp and IRC/ERC copies; verify visa status with your sponsoring company vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; cultural sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum open 7:30 AM–10:30 AM (free); markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (free); vibrant during Tet (January/February, lunar calendar).
Cost: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Various cities in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay).
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or public transport to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites or markets.
Tip: Verify visa validity at vietnamvisa.govt.vn; visit early (6:00 AM) for serenity; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was perfect during our investment trip.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature or Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure your investor visa is valid; carry passport with visa stamp; confirm with tour operator vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi or Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi or Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local vendors.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “The group tour was a refreshing break from business meetings.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ha Long Bay for cruising and a local market; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use your investor visa for travel; carry passport with visa stamp myvietnamvisa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was a great escape during our investment stay.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi’s cultural sites, Ha Long Bay’s cruises, and Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure your investor visa supports multi-city travel; carry passport with visa stamp vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City 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, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An.
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 immersive during our investment project.”
Investor Visa: Enables legal residence for investment activities, with durations up to 5 years (extendable to 10 with TRC), supporting business establishment and family relocation harveylawcorporation.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and budget-friendly, ideal for investors with limited time.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for cultural insights during business breaks.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend culture and adventure for a refreshing escape.
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration, ideal for extended stays or family visits.
Eco-Friendly Note: Tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key travel opportunities for investor visa holders include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically January/February (lunar calendar), vibrant with celebrations; warm in the south (25–32°C), cooler in the north (15–25°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), festive with lantern displays; warm and rainy (24–33°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Cultural Site Visits: November–April for dry conditions in the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc); March–April for mild weather in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay); February for optimal weather nationwide holiday-weather.com.
Dry season (November–April, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) is ideal for cultural visits, markets, and business meetings. Wet season (May–October, 24–33°C) suits budget travelers and indoor activities. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or crowds. Verify weather via accuweather.com.
Step 1: Establish or Invest in a Business: Incorporate a legal entity in Vietnam (e.g., LLC or joint-stock company) or contribute capital to an existing one. Obtain IRC and ERC through the Department of Planning and Investment (15–30 days) harveylawcorporation.com.
Step 2: Prepare Documents: Gather IRC, ERC, proof of capital contribution (e.g., bank statements, investment license), notarized passport copy, two 4x6 cm photos, and Form NA2 (outside Vietnam) or NA5 (in Vietnam). Notarize and translate documents into Vietnamese if required.
Step 3: Submit Application:
Outside Vietnam: Sponsoring company submits Form NA2 and documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang). Receive a visa approval letter (5–10 business days), emailed to the investor. Present the letter, passport, photos, and visa fee ($25–$50) at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate or airport for stamping.
In Vietnam: Submit Form NA5, documents, and passport to the Immigration Department (Hanoi: 44–46 Tran Phu; Ho Chi Minh City: 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai or 333–337 Nguyen Trai; Da Nang: 78 Le Loi). Pay visa fee ($25–$50); visa stamped in 5–10 business days.
Step 4: Temporary Residence Registration: Register with local police within 5 business days of arrival for a temporary residence permit myvietnamvisa.com.
Step 5 (Optional): Apply for TRC: For ĐT1–ĐT3, apply for a TRC (3–10 years) at the Immigration Department with similar documents (processing: 5–7 days).
Eco-Tip: Use digital submissions for initial agency checks to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport for sustainable travel.
Tip: Work with your sponsoring company or an agency like vietnam-visa.com for efficient processing; start 45–60 days early to account for IRC/ERC and visa delays; carry USD or VND for fees. A guest noted: “Our agency made the investor visa process straightforward.”
Pack for a professional, sustainable stay:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), investor visa (ĐT) or approval letter, IRC/ERC copies, two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, no glasses), investment documents, wallet ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Professional attire for business; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for cultural sites; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing and light jacket ($5 or 125,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($5 or 125,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($1 or 25,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., phở); 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 ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($20 or 500,000 VND) for photos (with permission).
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for market purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for 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.
Investor Visa Costs
Visa Fee: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND) for ĐT1–ĐT4.
Agency Fees: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) for document handling, if applicable.
Total: $25–$150 (~625,000–3,750,000 VND). Travel Tour Costs
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., phở, banh mi): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk scarves, conical hats): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations at Cultural Sites: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Excluding Visa)
Budget: $10–$30 (~250,000–750,000 VND, self-guided, snacks, transport).
Mid-range: $30–$60 (~750,000–1,500,000 VND, group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $60–$100 (~1,500,000–2,500,000 VND, private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $35–$250 (~875,000–6,250,000 VND) for investor visa and daily travel costs, and $0.20–$10 (~5,000–250,000 VND) for purchases or add-ons.
Investor Visa Tips: Coordinate with your sponsoring company or an agency like vietnam-visa.com for IRC/ERC and visa applications; start 45–60 days early; ensure documents are notarized and translated; carry USD or VND for fees vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” greeting; dress professionally for business and modestly for cultural sites; respect immigration officers and partners; avoid overstaying to prevent fines.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for affordability, or multi-day tours for immersion during investment trips.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–April); book early for festivals (January/February, September).
Sustainability: Use bicycles or public transport; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for key cities like “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City.”
Weather: Dry season (Nov–Apr, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) ideal; wet season (May–Oct, 24–33°C) suits indoor activities; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
Who is eligible for a Vietnam investor visa? Foreign investors or representatives contributing capital to or establishing businesses in Vietnam, with IRC and ERC harveylawcorporation.com.
How much does a Vietnam investor visa cost? $25–$150 (~625,000–3,750,000 VND), including visa fee ($25–$50) and agency fees ($50–$100) vietnam-visa.com.
How long does it take to process an investor visa? 5–10 business days for the visa; 15–30 days for IRC/ERC nhigia.vn.
Can family members join me on an investor visa? Yes, for ĐT1–ĐT3, spouses and children under 18 can apply for a TT visa myvietnamvisa.com.
Do I need a work permit for a ĐT4 visa? Yes, for employment activities under ĐT4; ĐT1–ĐT3 may qualify for exemptions nhigia.vn.
Are eco-friendly tours available in Vietnam? Yes, group tours with fuel-efficient transport or bicycles; check localvietnam.com.
Enhance your Vietnam investment journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, ~625,000–1,000,000 VND, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, ~2,000,000–3,750,000 VND, 2 days): Explore ecotourism sites with eco-friendly transport.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, ~3,750,000–6,250,000 VND, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering the Vietnam Investor Visa process with cultural etiquette—professional attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and thorough preparation with your sponsoring company—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly investment and cultural journey in this Southeast Asian gem. With visa costs from $25–$150 (~625,000–3,750,000 VND), eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this experience blends business and adventure. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, start the process early and respect local customs for the best experience. For more guides, check trusted resources like vietnamvisa.govt.vn. Safe travels and successful investments!
Sources:
Visa and Investment Information: vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn, harveylawcorporation.com, nhigia.vn, offshoreinasia.com
Cultural and Travel Details: culturetrip.com, cambodia-travel.com
Weather Information: accuweather.com
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