Plan your Vietnam investment adventure with our guide to investor visa documents! Learn about requirements, application processes, costs, 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 artistry (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 Investor Visa (DL visa) is available for foreigners investing in Vietnam, offering long-term residency. International investors can apply for the DL visa through Vietnamese embassies or the Immigration Department in Vietnam. This guide details investor visa requirements, documents, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Vietnam for investment purposes.
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 investor visa documents ensures smooth entry and residency for international investors, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or establishing business operations. The DL visa is available for those investing in Vietnam, with durations up to 5 years based on investment levels vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa 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 (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 requirements, document preparation, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
International investors can apply for the DL visa with costs ranging from $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration and processing. 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, typically handled by employers or hotels. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Investor Visa (DL Visa):
Purpose: Investment, business operations, or long-term residency for foreigners investing in Vietnam.
Eligibility: Investors from all countries with a valid investment certificate or business registration in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable, based on investment amount (e.g., 1 year for investments under 3 billion VND, 5 years for over 100 billion VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration and processing; additional fees for extensions ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Obtain an investment certificate or business registration from the Department of Planning and Investment in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Prepare documents (listed below) and submit to the Immigration Department in Vietnam or a Vietnamese embassy abroad travel.state.gov.
Pay the fee ($25–$100) via bank transfer or in person vietnam-visa.com.
Receive the visa stamp or card upon approval; extensions can be applied for in Vietnam with sponsor support vietnam-visa.com.
Processing Time: 5–15 working days; expedited processing (1–3 days) available for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for 1–5 years with proof of continued investment; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Initial Entry Before Investor Visa):
Purpose: Tourism or business for initial entry to apply for DL 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:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel address) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; apply for DL visa in Vietnam after entry vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Key Documents for Investor Visa:
Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, two blank pages).
Investment certificate or business registration from Vietnam’s Department of Planning and Investment.
Invitation letter from the sponsoring company or Vietnamese partner.
Completed visa application form (from Vietnamese embassy or Immigration Department).
Two passport photos (4x6 cm).
Proof of financial means or investment capital.
Police clearance certificate from home country.
Health certificate (if required for long-term stay) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Investors must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 14 days for DL visa holders, typically handled by employers 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 DL visas through embassies or in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
DL Visa Application: Requires investment certificate, invitation letter, and supporting documents; submit to Immigration Department or embassy vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 14 days, typically handled by employers or hotels; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Proof of Investment: Investment certificate or business registration required for DL visa vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing investor visa preparation. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions to show respect, especially at business meetings or temples culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature); business attire for meetings vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or visa documents securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our investor visa journey.” 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 culturetrip.com.
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 investor travelers 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 and tourist areas 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 Ho Chi Minh City; carry a printed 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, 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 business districts independently; suitable for investors with valid DL visas or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use DL visas for long-term stays; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; register temporary 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); business districts 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, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm DL visa eligibility and apply early; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with the DL visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature and business districts; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid DL visa or e-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 from Australia noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s business districts and Ben Thanh Market; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Ho Chi Minh City, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry DL visa or e-visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Ho Chi Minh City hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and walking reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Canada noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An’s business and cultural sites; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry DL 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 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 DL visas.
Group Business and Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Business Tours: Blend cultural visits with business activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Business Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport, 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 business activities. 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 meetings; expect rain at land borders. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Investors should apply for DL visas with investment certificate; use e-visas for initial entry; check eligibility at vietnam-visa.com.
Document Preparation: Gather passport, investment certificate, invitation letter, and other documents; submit to Immigration Department or embassy; ensure passport validity (6+ months) vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Confirm employers or hotels register your stay with local police within 14 days; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital document copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for DL visas after initial entry on e-visa; double-check documents to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn for e-visas.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), investment certificate, invitation letter, printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, proof of financial means, 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; business attire for meetings; 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
DL Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration; extension fees: $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemptions or Phu Quoc; 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
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 DL visa for long-term savings.
Visa Tips: Gather investment certificate, invitation letter, and other documents; apply through Immigration Department or embassy; ensure passport validity (6+ months) 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 cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
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 documents are needed for a Vietnam investor visa? Passport, investment certificate, invitation letter, application form, photos, and police clearance vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam investor visa cost? $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration; extensions $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
How long is the Vietnam investor visa valid? Up to 5 years, renewable, based on investment amount vietnam-visa.com.
Can investor visas be extended? Yes, for 1–5 years with proof of continued investment; apply at the Immigration Department 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 investors? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas for initial entry or apply for DL visas through embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your investor visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Business Eco-Tour ($40–$80/person, 1 day): Guided business and cultural tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business and Heritage Trail ($100–$200/person, 2 days): Explore business districts and cultural sites with low-emission transport.
Vietnam Explorer ($200–$350/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 Documents with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, sustainable journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers investment opportunities and cultural immersion. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, gather required documents and apply early for DL visas, 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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