Plan your investment journey in Vietnam with our guide to the DT1 investor visa! Learn about requirements, benefits, application processes, 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.
Investors, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. International investors can apply for the DT1 investor visa through Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices, or use e-visas for initial entry before converting to DT1. This guide details DT1 requirements for international investors, 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 DT1 investor visa requirements enables international investors to secure long-term residency for business and investment activities, facilitating exploration of these treasures while establishing ventures. The DT1 visa, part of Vietnam’s investment visa system, is granted to investors contributing to the economy through registered businesses or projects 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 supports investors via streamlined visa processes and business-friendly policies. This guide blends DT1 visa requirements for international investors, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
International investors can apply for the DT1 visa through Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices, requiring proof of investment (e.g., business registration certificate, minimum capital $100,000 or 2,500,000,000 VND). Visas cost $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), with extensions available. 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. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
DT1 Investor Visa:
Purpose: Long-term residency for investors establishing or contributing to businesses in Vietnam.
Eligibility: International investors from any country with a registered business or investment project in Vietnam, meeting minimum capital requirements (e.g., $100,000 or 2,500,000,000 VND for most sectors) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Register a business or investment project with the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) in Vietnam, obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) vietnam-visa.com.
Apply for DT1 visa at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office with IRC, passport, and proof of investment vietnam-visa.com.
Submit application form, passport photos (4x6 cm), passport, and fees; processing takes 5–15 working days travel.state.gov.
Upon approval, receive the visa; enter Vietnam and apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) within 30 days for long-term stay vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for up to 5 years with proof of ongoing investment; fees apply ($50–$200 or 1,250,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all entry points, including 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
DT2 Investor Visa:
Purpose: For investors with smaller capital contributions.
Eligibility: International investors with capital of $50,000–$100,000 (1,250,000,000–2,500,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Similar to DT1, with lower capital threshold vietnam-visa.com.
DT3 Investor Visa:
Purpose: For investors with minimal capital.
Eligibility: International investors with capital of $3,000–$50,000 (75,000,000–1,250,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 12 months, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Similar to DT1, with minimal capital vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa (For Initial Entry):
Purpose: Tourism or business for initial entry before converting to DT1 visa.
Eligibility: Citizens of 80 countries evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process: Online at evisa.gov.vn; upload photo and passport scan; pay fee; receive e-visa PDF in 3–7 days evisa.gov.vn.
Extension: Non-extendable; convert to DT1 after entry vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Investors must comply with Vietnam’s investment laws; visas may be revoked for non-compliance vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 14 days travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: Visa on Arrival discontinued in 2022; use e-visas for initial entry if needed vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investment Proof: Investment Registration Certificate (IRC), business registration, and proof of capital contribution ($100,000+ for DT1) vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 14 days at local police; handled by hotels or sponsors travel.state.gov.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC): Issued after DT1 visa approval for long-term stay vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa preparation for international investors. 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 temples or business meetings culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); business attire for meetings vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor; avoid loud behavior or disputes in sacred spaces or business settings; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; respect Vietnamese customs in meetings (e.g., exchange business cards with both hands). Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our visa-prepared investment trip seamless.” 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 guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport or TRC handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen international 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 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 Hoi An; carry visa or TRC photocopy for checks 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 Ha Long Bay independently after obtaining DT1 visa; suitable for investors with valid visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use DT1 visa for long-term stay; carry TRC or visa photocopy; register residence within 14 days vietnam-visa.com.
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 DT1 visa eligibility; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the DT1 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: Use DT1 visa for long-term stay; carry TRC or visa 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 the UK 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 DT1 visa for long-term stay; carry TRC or visa 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 from France 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 DT1 visa for long-term stay; carry TRC or visa 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 Canada noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for investors with DT1 visas.
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 (lunar calendar), 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 (lunar calendar), honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), 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 cultural visits and festivals. 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 DT1 visa based on investment capital; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for initial entry if needed; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs vietnam-visa.com.
Investment Preparation: Register business with DPI to obtain IRC; meet capital requirements ($100,000+ for DT1); apply for DT1 at immigration offices or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry IRC, business registration, and proof of capital; obtain TRC after entry for long-term stay travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or sponsors register your stay with local police within 14 days; 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 DT1 visas after initial entry on e-visa; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Washington DC: +1 202 861 0737, London: +44 20 7937 1912).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket for exemptions), 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., banh mi); 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
DT1 Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on processing time; extension: $50–$200 (1,250,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemptions (14–45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days); 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 (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only visits; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Moc Bai or Lao Cai for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions vietnam.travel.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect border and 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: Borders open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (some 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 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 border areas or cities like Hanoi.
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).
Who needs a visa to cross into Vietnam? Citizens of 25 countries (e.g., ASEAN, UK, Japan) are exempt for 14–45 days; others require e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Which borders accept e-visas or exemptions? All 13 airports, 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports accept e-visas and exemptions evisa.gov.vn.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can visas be extended at the border? Exemptions and e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas may be extendable with a sponsor 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? No, discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared Vietnam 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 Visa Border Crossing 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 adventure and sustainability for international travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage visa exemptions or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn, 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
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