Plan your Vietnam investment journey with our guide to investor visa applications! Learn about DT visa types, requirements, process, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Embrace the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s cultural heritage (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.
Investors, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. International investors can apply for an investor visa (DT visa) through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or explore e-visas for initial entry, with sponsorship from a Vietnamese company or investment authority. This guide details investor visa requirements, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless investment journey in Vietnam.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian economy, 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 the investor visa application process ensures smooth entry for international investors seeking to establish businesses, invest in prioritized sectors, or explore residency options. The DT visa categories (DT1–DT4) offer residency based on investment levels, facilitating long-term stays for business purposes vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for investors from all countries.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports, making investor visa applications essential for business travel. This guide blends visa requirements, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
International investors can apply for DT visas (DT1–DT4) based on investment amounts, with durations from 1 to 5 years. Application requires sponsorship by a Vietnamese company or authority, with costs ranging from $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 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 hotels or sponsors. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Investor Visa (DT Visa):
Purpose: Business investment, allowing residency for foreign investors establishing or contributing to Vietnamese companies.
Eligibility: Foreign investors with approved investments in Vietnam, sponsored by a Vietnamese company or investment authority vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: DT1 (5 years for investments over VND 100 billion or ~US$4 million, or in prioritized sectors/areas); DT2 (5 years for VND 50–100 billion or ~US$2–4 million); DT3 (3 years for VND 3–50 billion or ~US$120,000–2 million); DT4 (1 year for less than VND 3 billion or ~US$120,000) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (~KHR 100,000–400,000 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time; non-refundable travel.state.gov.
Application Process:
Obtain an investment registration certificate (IRC) from Vietnam’s Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) or relevant authority vietnam-visa.com.
Secure sponsorship from a Vietnamese company or investment board.
Prepare documents: passport, application form (M1), investment certificate, criminal record, and proof of investment vietnam-visa.com.
Submit to the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, or apply through a Vietnamese embassy abroad vietnam-visa.com.
Pay the fee and await processing; receive visa stamp upon approval travel.state.gov.
Upon arrival, obtain a temporary residence card (TRC) for long-term stays vietnam-visa.com.
Present visa and passport at immigration; ensure details match to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 15–30 working days; expedited processing available for additional fees ($10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable based on investment status; fees vary ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai), and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC):
Purpose: Long-term residency for investors with DT visas.
Eligibility: DT visa holders with approved investments vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Matches DT visa duration (1–5 years) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $135–$155 (3,375,000–3,875,000 VND) for processing vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: DT visa, investment certificate, passport, application form, and sponsor letter vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable with proof of ongoing investment; fees apply ($135–$155) vietnam-visa.com.
Golden Visa Program (Proposed 2025 Reforms):
Purpose: Long-term residency for investors, researchers, and athletes.
Eligibility: Foreign investors with minimum investment of VND 3 billion (~US$120,000) imidaily.com.
Duration: 3 years to permanent residency; 5 years to citizenship imidaily.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND) imidaily.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment, criminal record, and sponsorship imidaily.com.
Extension: Extendable with ongoing investment imidaily.com.
Key Restrictions:
Investors must comply with Vietnam’s investment laws; violations may lead to visa revocation vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by sponsors or hotels travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: Visa on Arrival is discontinued; use DT visas or e-visas for initial entry, then apply for TRC vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investment Certificate: Proof of approved investment from DPI or relevant authority vietnam-visa.com.
Sponsorship: Letter from Vietnamese company or investment board vietnam-visa.com.
Criminal Record: Clean police certificate from home country vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, handled by sponsors travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa preparation for investors. 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 documents to show respect, especially at meetings or temples culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest business attire for meetings; cover 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 borders or meetings; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or visa securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our investor visa process 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 within 24 hours (handled by hotels) travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or 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, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow business etiquette (punctuality, respect hierarchy); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use PassApp for ride-hailing; offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry 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 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 your investor visa; suitable for investors with valid DT visas or TRCs; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use DT visas for long-term stays; carry a printed visa or TRC copy; register temporary residence at hotels 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 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 DT visa eligibility with sponsor; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the investor 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 DT visa or TRC; carry a printed visa or TRC copy; 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 Australia 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; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry DT visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or TRC copy; 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 Germany noted: “The combo tour was 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 a multiple-entry DT visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or TRC copy; 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 the UK noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for investors with DT visas or TRCs.
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 business networking; 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.
Business and Investment Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for border crossings and investment activities. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning meetings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget investors and indoor business; expect rain at land borders like Moc Bai. Morning meetings (8:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for DT visas based on investment amount; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for initial entry; use embassy visas for specific investment needs vietnam-visa.com.
Application Preparation: Obtain investment registration certificate from DPI; secure sponsorship from Vietnamese company; prepare documents like passport, criminal record, and proof of investment vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Confirm sponsors or hotels register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital application forms to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis after entry for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for DT visas 15–30 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at vietnam-visa.com. For embassy applications, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Washington D.C.: +1 202 861 0737, in Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), investment certificate, sponsorship letter, application form, criminal record, proof of investment, printed e-visa (if applicable, $25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest business attire for meetings; 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
DT Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on type (DT1–DT4) and processing time vietnam-visa.com.
TRC Costs: $135–$155 (3,375,000–3,875,000 VND) for processing vietnam-visa.com.
Golden Visa Costs: Application fees vary ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND) imidaily.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 DT visas for long-term investment stays to save on extensions.
Visa Tips: Secure investment registration certificate before applying; use sponsorship from Vietnamese companies; apply for DT visas at Immigration Department or embassies; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; respect business hierarchy; punctuality is key for meetings culturetrip.com.
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 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).
Who is eligible for Vietnam’s investor visa? Foreign investors with approved investments in Vietnam, sponsored by a Vietnamese company or authority vietnam-visa.com.
What are the types of Vietnam investor visas? DT1 (5 years for > VND 100 billion), DT2 (5 years for VND 50–100 billion), DT3 (3 years for VND 3–50 billion), DT4 (1 year for < VND 3 billion) vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam investor visa cost? $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on type; TRC costs $135–$155 (3,375,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can investor visas be extended? Yes, based on ongoing investment; fees vary ($25–$100) vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for investors? No, discontinued in 2022; apply for DT visas through embassies or Immigration Department vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your investor visa-prepared 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 Investor Visa Application with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey 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 investment opportunities and sustainability for international investors. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, secure sponsorship and apply early through Immigration Department or embassies, 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
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
