Plan your Vietnam investment adventure with our guide to investor visa requirements for New Zealand citizens! Learn about DL visa applications, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Experience Vietnam’s heritage with visa-prepared tours (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. New Zealand citizens can apply for an investor visa (DL visa) through a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office, or use e-visas for initial visits to explore investment opportunities. This guide details investor visa requirements for New Zealand citizens, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Vietnam’s business and cultural landscape.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian economy, is renowned for its investment opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, tourism, and technology, 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 Vietnam’s investor visa requirements for New Zealand citizens ensures smooth entry for business ventures, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or exploring independently. New Zealand citizens are eligible for the DL investor visa for stays tied to investments, while e-visas or exemptions facilitate initial visits vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for New Zealand 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 requirements for New Zealand citizens, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
New Zealand citizens are eligible for the DL investor visa for stays up to 5 years tied to investments, while e-visas cost $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for up to 90 days. 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 business partners. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business exploration, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: New Zealand citizens holding a New Zealand passport vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days, calculated from the date of entry vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: New Zealand passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket) recommended but not mandatory vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Thailand, Laos) and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Initial Business Exploration):
Purpose: Tourism or business exploration for stays exceeding 45 days or multiple entries.
Eligibility: Available to New Zealand citizens evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (~NZD 40 or 625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (~NZD 80 or 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 as New Zealand), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel or business 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 immigration 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; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa (visa run) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Investor Visa (DL Visa):
Purpose: Long-term stays for investors in Vietnamese businesses or projects.
Eligibility: New Zealand citizens investing in Vietnam (e.g., business registration, capital contribution of at least $100,000 or equivalent) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 1–5 years, depending on investment scale (e.g., 1 year for $100,000–$500,000, up to 5 years for over $3 million) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND); additional for business registration ($200–$500 or 5,000,000–12,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment (business license, capital contribution certificate); application at Vietnam Immigration Department or embassy; sponsor from Vietnamese business partner vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable based on investment continuation; fees apply ($25–$100) vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism on Phu Quoc Island.
Eligibility: All New Zealand citizens arriving directly by air or sea to Phu Quoc and not traveling to mainland Vietnam vietnam.travel.
Duration: Up to 30 days vietnam.travel.
Cost: No cost vietnam.travel.
Requirements: New Zealand passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket from Phu Quoc to a country outside Vietnam) required vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires e-visa for mainland travel vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate:
Purpose: Tourism, family visits, or business for overseas Vietnamese and their families.
Eligibility: New Zealand citizens of Vietnamese origin, their spouses, or children vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 180 days per visit, valid for 5 years or 6 months before passport expiration vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of Vietnamese origin or family ties (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate); application at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Wellington: +64 4 473 5913) or immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for additional 180-day periods; fees apply ($10 or 250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to all New Zealand citizens travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (~NZD 40–160 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: New Zealand passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at the Vietnamese Embassy in Wellington (+64 4 473 5913) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers 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 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business partners 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. New Zealand citizens must use e-visas or embassy visas for investor purposes vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investor Visa Application: Requires proof of investment (business license, capital contribution certificate of at least $100,000 or equivalent); sponsor from Vietnamese business partner; apply at Vietnam Immigration Department vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and payment; ensure details match passport evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business partners; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing investor visa preparation for New Zealand travelers. 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 in Hanoi); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at historical sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest from New Zealand shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our investor visa 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 24 hours 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 handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen New Zealand 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 tourist 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 a printed e-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 investor 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 New Zealand investors with valid DL visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use the DL visa for long-term stays; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels or business addresses vietnam-visa.com.
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).
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 DL visa eligibility; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest from Auckland 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 DL 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 Wellington noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a business networking session; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use DL visa for long-term business stays; 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 reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Christchurch noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and business-focused.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City with business meetings; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use DL visa for long-term stays; 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 Dunedin noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart business journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for New Zealand investors with DL visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Business Tours: Blend cultural visits with business networking 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 or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key investor 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.
Business 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 business meetings and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for indoor networking; expect rain at land borders. Morning meetings (8:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: New Zealand citizens can use e-visas for initial exploration ($25–$50) or apply for DL investor visas through Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices vietnam-visa.com.
Investor Visa Application: Provide proof of investment (business license, capital contribution of at least $100,000); sponsor from Vietnamese partner; apply at Vietnam Immigration Department vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure New Zealand passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or business partners 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 after entry for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for DL visas with investment proof; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at Vietnamese embassies (e.g., Wellington: +64 4 473 5913).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: New Zealand passport (valid 6+ months), printed investor visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), passport photocopy, proof of investment (business license), 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 ($10 or 250,000 VND); 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
Investor Visa (DL Visa) Costs: Application fees: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); business registration: $200–$500 (5,000,000–12,500,000 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 exemption (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 investor visas for long-term savings.
Visa Tips: New Zealand citizens can use e-visas for initial exploration ($25–$50); apply for DL investor visas with proof of investment (at least $100,000); use embassy in Wellington for applications; 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, New Zealand Embassy in Hanoi: +84 24 3824 1481).
Do New Zealand citizens need a visa for Vietnam? Yes for stays over 45 days; use e-visas or DL investor visas for longer or business purposes vietnam-visa.com.
How do New Zealand citizens apply for a Vietnam investor visa? Provide proof of investment (e.g., business license, $100,000 capital); apply at Vietnam Immigration Department or embassy in Wellington vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam investor visa cost for New Zealand citizens? Application fees: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); business registration: $200–$500 (5,000,000–12,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can investor visas be extended? Yes, based on investment continuation; fees apply ($25–$100) 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 New Zealand citizens? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas or embassy visas 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 Investment Trail ($100–$200/person, 2 days): Explore investment 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 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 for New Zealand with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a dynamic, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian economy. 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 New Zealand investors. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for DL visas with investment proof or use 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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