Plan your investment in Vietnam with our guide to the DT2 investor visa! Learn about eligibility, application processes, benefits, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Capture the authentic charm of Vietnam’s cultural scene (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 Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. International investors can apply for the DT2 investor visa through Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices. This guide details DT2 visa requirements, application processes, 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 the DT2 investor visa requirements ensures smooth entry and long-term stay for international investors from all countries, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or conducting business independently. The DT2 visa, part of Vietnam’s investor visa categories, is granted to foreign investors contributing to the economy, offering residency benefits and access to Vietnam’s growing market vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for investors.
Following Vietnam’s updated investment regulations, the country is accessible via major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This guide blends visa requirements for investors, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
Foreign investors from all countries can apply for the DT2 visa with investment thresholds of 3–50 billion VND ($120,000–$2 million USD). Visas cost $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), and residency cards cost $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND). 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 vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
DT2 Investor Visa:
Purpose: For foreign investors in Vietnam’s economy, allowing long-term stay and residency.
Eligibility: Investors from all countries with capital contributions of 3–50 billion VND ($120,000–$2 million USD) in Vietnamese companies or projects vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable; leads to temporary residency card vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Visa fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); residency card $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment (e.g., business registration certificate, capital contribution documents); passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages; application form; two passport photos (4x6 cm); sponsorship from Vietnamese company vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for additional 3-year periods with proof of ongoing investment vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
DT1 Investor Visa:
Purpose: For larger investors, similar to DT2 but for higher capital contributions.
Eligibility: Investors with capital over 50 billion VND ($2 million USD) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Similar to DT2 ($25–$100 visa, $100–$200 residency card) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Similar to DT2, with proof of larger investment vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for additional 5-year periods vietnam-visa.com.
DT3 Investor Visa:
Purpose: For mid-level investors.
Eligibility: Investors with capital of 1–3 billion VND ($40,000–$120,000 USD) 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: Proof of investment; passport and application form vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for additional 12-month periods vietnam-visa.com.
DT4 Investor Visa:
Purpose: For smaller investors.
Eligibility: Investors with capital under 1 billion VND ($40,000 USD) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 6 months, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment; passport and application form vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for additional 6-month periods vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
For DT2 Visa: Apply at Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies with investment proof; processing takes 15–30 days; residency card application follows visa approval vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Investors must maintain capital contributions; visa may be revoked for non-compliance 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: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Investors must apply for DT2 visas through embassies or immigration offices vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investment Proof: Business registration certificate, capital contribution documents, and company license for DT2 eligibility 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 experience 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 transactions to show respect, especially at temples or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering 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 cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or residency card securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our investment 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 guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep residency card 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 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 residency card 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 investment 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 DT2 visa or residency card; suitable for investors with valid visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use DT2 visa for long-term stays; carry residency card 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); 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 DT2 visa eligibility or apply early; 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 DT2 visa; carry residency card 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 Canada 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 DT2 visa for long-term stays; carry residency card 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 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 DT2 visa for multi-city travel; carry residency card 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 Australia noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for investors with DT2 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, 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 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; expect rain at land borders like Moc Bai. Morning visits (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for DT2 visa with investment of 3–50 billion VND; apply through immigration offices or embassies; use DT1 for larger investments vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry investment proof, application form, and photos; apply for residency card after visa approval 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 copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis after entry for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for DT2 visas 15–30 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status through Vietnamese immigration offices.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), investment proof, printed DT2 visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), residency card ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND), 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., 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
DT2 Investor Visa Costs: Visa fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); residency card $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
DT1 Investor Visa Costs: Similar to DT2 ($25–$100 visa, $100–$200 residency card) vietnam-visa.com.
DT3 Investor Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
DT4 Investor Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) 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; use DT2 visa to save on extensions for long-term investments.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for DT2 visa with investment of 3–50 billion VND; apply through immigration offices or embassies; use DT1 for larger investments; double-check details to match passport 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 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 the DT2 investor visa? Foreign investors with capital contributions of 3–50 billion VND in Vietnamese companies or projects vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a DT2 visa? Submit investment proof, passport, and application at Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies; processing takes 15–30 days vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a DT2 visa cost? Visa fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); residency card $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can DT2 visas be extended? Yes, renewable for additional 3-year periods with proof of ongoing investment vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for non-compliance? Visa revocation for failing to maintain investment; overstay fines 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for investors? No, discontinued in 2022; use DT2 visas through embassies or immigration offices 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 DT2 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 for international investors. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for DT2 visas early through immigration offices 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
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