Plan your investment journey in Vietnam with our guide to investor visa incentives! Learn about visa requirements, investment benefits, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Embrace the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s cultural heritage (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, vietnam-briefing.com, harveylawcorporation.com, imidaily.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated investment regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. International investors can apply for investor visas (DT3, DT4) through Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices, or use e-visas for initial entry. This guide details investor visa incentives, requirements, and travel tips for a seamless investment journey in Vietnam.
Vietnam, a rapidly growing Southeast Asian economy, offers attractive investor visa incentives to encourage foreign direct investment (FDI), with benefits like long-term residency, tax breaks, and fast-track visas vietnam-briefing.com. Understanding these incentives ensures smooth entry and setup for investors from all countries, whether participating in guided Vietnam Tours or establishing businesses. Investors benefit from programs like the DT3 and DT4 visas, providing renewable residency for business setup with minimum investments starting from $100,000 harveylawcorporation.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international investors.
Following Vietnam’s updated investment regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports, with investor visas facilitating entry. This guide blends visa requirements for investors, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
International investors can apply for DT3 visas (minimum $150,000 investment for residency) or DT4 visas (smaller investment for 1-year renewable visa), with incentives like tax breaks, land use rights, and family support. E-visas cost $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for initial entry. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hanoi’s Temple of Literature cost $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 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 sponsors. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
DT3 Investor Visa:
Purpose: Residency for foreign investors establishing businesses in Vietnam.
Eligibility: Investors with a minimum investment of $150,000 USD in a Vietnamese business harveylawcorporation.com.
Duration: Renewable residency, typically 2–5 years based on investment level vietnam-briefing.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($50–$200 or 1,250,000–5,000,000 VND), plus investment capital harveylawcorporation.com.
Incentives: Long-term residency, family sponsorship, tax breaks on income and corporate taxes, land use rights for business, fast-track processing, and access to Vietnam’s growing economy vietnam-briefing.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment (business registration, capital contribution), passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; apply through Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable based on continued investment; fees apply ($50–$100 or 1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
DT4 Investor Visa:
Purpose: 1-year renewable visa for foreign investors with smaller investments.
Eligibility: Investors with investments below DT3 thresholds, typically $100,000 USD or less harveylawcorporation.com.
Duration: 1 year, renewable harveylawcorporation.com.
Cost: Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), plus investment capital harveylawcorporation.com.
Incentives: Residency for business setup, tax incentives, land use rights, family support, and mobility advantages vietnam-briefing.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment, passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; apply through Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable annually with continued investment; fees apply ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
Golden Visa and Long-Stay Options:
Purpose: Long-term residency for high-profile investors and talent.
Eligibility: Foreign investors, global talent, or high-profile individuals contributing to Vietnam’s development imidaily.com.
Duration: Up to 10 years imidaily.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($50–$200 or 1,250,000–5,000,000 VND), plus significant investment (thresholds not specified, but tied to economic contribution) vietnam-briefing.com.
Incentives: Long-term residency, family support, tax breaks, land use rights, fast-track processing, and access to business opportunities imidaily.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment or contribution, passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; apply through Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable based on continued contribution; fees apply vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
Visa Waiver for High-Profile Investors:
Purpose: Limited-term visa-free entry for investors deemed beneficial to Vietnam.
Eligibility: High-profile foreign investors contributing to Vietnam’s economy imidaily.com.
Duration: Up to 90 days with multiple re-entries imidaily.com.
Cost: No cost imidaily.com.
Incentives: Fast-track entry, family support, tax incentives, land use rights, and business facilitation vietnam-briefing.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment or contribution, passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; apply through Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires full investor visa for longer stays vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
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 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business sponsors 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 investor visas, e-visas, or waivers for entry vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investment Proof: Business registration, capital contribution documents, or proof of economic contribution for investor visas vietnam-briefing.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, handled by hotels or sponsors travel.state.gov.
Onward Travel: Recommended for exemptions; required for Phu Quoc vietnam.travel.
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 business meetings or temples 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 business meetings or cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or investor visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our investor meetings 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; complete residence registration within 24 hours (handled by hotels or sponsors) 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 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 business etiquette (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 investor visa or passport 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, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your investor visa-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-briefing.com, harveylawcorporation.com, imidaily.com, vietnam-visa.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 your investor visa; suitable for investors with valid DT3/DT4 visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use DT3/DT4 visas for long-term residency; 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); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay 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, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm DT3/DT4 eligibility and apply through immigration offices; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest from Singapore 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 DT3/DT4 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 the US 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 DT3/DT4 visas for long-term residency; 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 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 DT3/DT4 visas 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 DT3/DT4 visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for cultural insights with minimal hassle.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive experience.
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 investor visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with business networking 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 business events; 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 budget investors and indoor activities like market networking. Morning meetings (8:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed investor visa (DT3/DT4), investment proof (business registration), passport photocopy, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Business attire for 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.
Visa and Travel Costs
DT3 Investor Visa Costs: Application fees $50–$200 (1,250,000–5,000,000 VND), plus investment minimum $150,000 USD harveylawcorporation.com.
DT4 Investor Visa Costs: Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), plus smaller investment harveylawcorporation.com.
Golden Visa Costs: Application fees $50–$200 (1,250,000–5,000,000 VND), plus significant investment imidaily.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 DT3/DT4 visas to save on renewal costs.
Visa Tips: Apply for DT3/DT4 visas through immigration offices with investment proof; use golden visas for high-profile investors; double-check details to match passport vietnam-briefing.com.
Incentive Tips: Leverage tax breaks, land rights, and family support for DT3 visas; confirm eligibility for waivers at immigration; use e-visas for initial entry imidaily.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 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 are Vietnam’s investor visa incentives? Long-term residency, tax breaks, land use rights, family support, and fast-track processing for investments starting from $100,000 vietnam-briefing.com.
What is the DT3 investor visa? Renewable residency for $150,000+ investments, with incentives like tax reductions and business facilitation harveylawcorporation.com.
What is the DT4 investor visa? 1-year renewable visa for smaller investments, with similar incentives to DT3 harveylawcorporation.com.
What is Vietnam’s golden visa? Up to 10-year residency for high-profile investors and talent, with incentives like family support and mobility advantages imidaily.com.
How do I apply for an investor visa? Submit investment proof to Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies; processing takes 3–7 days for e-visas, longer for investor visas vietnam-visa.com.
Are there visa waivers for investors? Yes, limited-term visa-free entry for high-profile investors contributing to Vietnam’s economy imidaily.com.
Enhance your investor visa-prepared journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Business Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided cultural and business site tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Investment Heritage Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and investment hotspots with low-emission transport.
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 Incentives 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, leverage DT3/DT4 visas or golden visas for long-term benefits, 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
vietnam-briefing.com
harveylawcorporation.com
imidaily.com
vietnam.travel
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