Plan your Vietnam investment with our guide to investor visa costs! Learn about requirements, fees, application processes, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
hue-Che-13 (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, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, 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. International investors can apply for investor visas through Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices, or use e-visas for initial entry. This guide details investor visa costs, requirements, and travel tips for a seamless investment journey in Vietnam.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian economy, is renowned for its investment opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, real estate, and tourism, alongside 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 investor visa costs ensures smooth entry for business and investment activities, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Investor visas (DT1–DT4) offer stays from 1–5 years based on investment amount, with costs ranging from $25–$100 vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international investors.
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 investor visa costs, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
International investors from all countries can apply for investor visas (DT1–DT4) with costs $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time. 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 (DT1–DT4):
Purpose: Investment in Vietnam, including business setup, real estate, or capital contribution.
Eligibility: Available to investors from all countries with approved investment projects or capital contributions vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: DT1: 5 years (investment $3 million+ or in priority sectors); DT2: 5 years (investment $1–3 million); DT3: 3 years (investment $100,000–1 million); DT4: 1 year (investment <$100,000) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time; additional fees for extensions ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) from Vietnam’s Department of Planning and Investment, requiring business registration and capital proof vietnam-visa.com.
Apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office with IRC, passport, application form, photos (4x6 cm), and fees travel.state.gov.
Submit documents in person or by mail; processing time: 5–15 working days vietnam-visa.com.
Receive visa sticker in passport; present at border with IRC travel.state.gov.
Upon entry, apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) within 7 days at the Immigration Department for long-term stays vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable based on investment status; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND); apply at immigration offices vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Initial Entry or Short-Term Investment):
Purpose: Short-term business or tourism entry before applying for investor visa.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process: As detailed in previous guides; use for initial entry to apply for investor visa evisa.gov.vn.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all major checkpoints evisa.gov.vn.
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 exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Investors must use e-visas for initial entry or apply for investor visas through embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investment Proof: IRC, business registration, capital contribution documents for investor visa applications vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by sponsors or hotels; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth investment journey 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 documents to show respect, especially in meetings or at temples culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear formal clothing for business meetings; modest attire 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 or rituals; carry passport or visa proof 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.
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 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.
Respect: Follow business customs (exchange cards with both hands); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy.
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.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared investment 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 investor visas; suitable for investors with valid visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use investor visas (DT1–DT4, $25–$100); carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; 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); Hanoi’s Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ho Chi Minh City 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 investor visa eligibility and apply through embassies; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest investor noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth 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 investor visa; carry a printed visa 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 investor 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 an extended investor visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa 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 investor 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 an extended investor visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa 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 investor noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for investors with visa-prepared plans.
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 travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for investor visas (DT1–DT4, $25–$100) based on investment amount; apply through embassies or immigration offices vietnam-visa.com.
Application Tips: Obtain IRC first; apply with IRC, passport, photos, and fees; processing time: 5–15 days; ensure details match passport to avoid issues travel.state.gov.
Documentation: Carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide proof of investment for extensions 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 visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for investor visas early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at Vietnamese immigration offices. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Phnom Penh: +855 23 726 274).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed investor visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), IRC, passport photocopy, proof of investment, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Formal clothing for business 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., 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.
Investor Visa Costs
DT1 Visa (over VND 100 billion): $155 (3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
DT2 Visa (VND 50–100 billion): $145 (3,625,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
DT3 Visa (VND 3–50 billion): $135 (3,375,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
DT4 Visa (under VND 3 billion): $135 for 12 months, $95 for 6 months, $50 for under 3 months (3,375,000 VND, 2,375,000 VND, 1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension Costs: $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on duration 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; investor visas start at $50 for short durations.
Visa Tips: Apply for DT visas based on investment levels (VND 3 billion for DT4 to VND 100 billion for DT1); costs $50–$155; no minimum for some sectors, but typically $70,000–$120,000 investment required vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress professionally for meetings; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for 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 the cost of Vietnam investor visas? DT4: $50–$135, DT3: $135, DT2: $145, DT1: $155, depending on duration and investment level vietnam-visa.com.
What are the investment requirements for Vietnam investor visas? DT4: under VND 3 billion (~US$120,000), DT3: VND 3–50 billion (~US$120,000–2 million), DT2: VND 50–100 billion (~US$2–4 million), DT1: over VND 100 billion (~US$4 million); some sectors have no minimum vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a Vietnam investor visa? Obtain investment certificate, then submit application with proof, passport, and fees at immigration offices or embassies; processing 5–15 days vietnam-visa.com.
Can Vietnam investor visas be extended? Yes, extendable based on continued investment; fees $10–$155 vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying an investor visa? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for investors? No, discontinued in 2022; apply for DT visas in advance through immigration offices or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your investor visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Investor Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Investor 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 Cost with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly investment 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 opportunity and sustainability. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for DT visas based on investment levels via immigration offices, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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