Plan your Vietnam investment with our guide to the investor visa process! Learn about visa types, requirements, application steps, 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, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, 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 investor visas (DT1-DT4) through Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices, or use e-visas for initial entry. This guide details the investor visa process, application steps, and travel tips for a seamless investment journey in Vietnam.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian economy, is renowned for its investment opportunities in real estate, business, 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 investor visa process ensures smooth entry and long-term residence for international investors, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or establishing businesses. Investors benefit from DT1-DT4 visas based on investment levels, leading to temporary residence cards (TRC) and potential permanent residency 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 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, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
International investors can apply for DT1-DT4 visas based on investment amounts (e.g., DT4 for smaller investments, DT1 for highest), with costs ranging from $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND). 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 is required for long stays, handled by immigration offices. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Investor Visa (DT1-DT4):
Purpose: Long-term residence for foreign investors establishing businesses or investing in Vietnam.
Eligibility: All nationalities with verified investments in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: DT4: 1 year (renewable); DT3: 3 years; DT2: 5 years; DT1: 10 years vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); TRC fees additional ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment (e.g., business registration, capital contribution of at least $100,000 for DT4, higher for DT1-DT3); passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; application form; photos (4x6 cm) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable based on continued investment; fees apply ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Initial Entry or Short Stays):
Purpose: Tourism or business for initial entry before applying for investor 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 entry 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 vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC):
Purpose: Long-term residence for investors holding DT1-DT4 visas.
Eligibility: Foreign investors with approved investments vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 10 years (DT1), 5 years (DT2), 3 years (DT3), 1 year (DT4) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND), depending on duration vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: DT visa, proof of investment, passport, application form; apply at Vietnam Immigration Department vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable based on continued investment; fees apply ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Golden Visa (Long-Term Immigration Program):
Purpose: Long-term residence for foreign investors and skilled professionals.
Eligibility: Investors with significant investments (e.g., $100,000+ in business or real estate) or skilled professionals vinpearl.com.
Duration: 5–10 years, renewable vinpearl.com.
Cost: Application fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); investment thresholds vary vinpearl.com.
Requirements: Proof of investment or skills, passport, application form; apply at Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies vinpearl.com.
Extension: Renewable with proof of continued investment or contribution vinpearl.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 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 e-visas for initial entry or apply for investor visas through embassies 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 certificate (minimum $100,000 for DT4, higher for DT1-DT3), or real estate investment for Golden Visa vietnam-visa.com.
Application Form: Completed form with photos (4x6 cm) vietnam-visa.com.
Sponsor: Required for visa extensions or TRC; typically the invested company vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory for long stays, handled by immigration offices travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth investment and travel 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 business cards or documents to show respect, especially during investment meetings or temple visits culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest, professional clothing for business meetings or 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 in meetings or cultural sites; avoid loud behavior; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry investment documents securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our investment process 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 for long stays travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or partners; 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 a printed investor 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 Ha Long Bay independently after obtaining your investor visa; suitable for investors with valid DT visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use DT visas for long-term stays; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence with immigration offices 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 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 DT visa eligibility and apply early; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest investor noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with the DT 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 DT 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 investor 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 a DT visa for long-term 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 and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest investor 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 a DT visa for multi-city investment 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 investor noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for investors with DT visas exploring at their pace.
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 investor visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and business networking; 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.
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 investor 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 business activities. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for DT1-DT4 visas based on investment levels ($100,000+ minimum for DT4); use e-visas for initial entry; Golden Visa for long-term investors vietnam-visa.com.
Investment Proof: Prepare business registration, capital contribution certificate, or real estate documents; apply at Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry application form, photos (4x6 cm), and fees; sponsor required for extensions vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Confirm registration with immigration for TRC; carry proof of residence travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital documents to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for investor visas 1–3 months early; double-check details; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check status at Vietnamese immigration offices. For embassy applications, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), investor visa (DT1-DT4, $25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), investment proof (e.g., business registration), passport photocopy, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Professional clothing for business meetings; 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); laptop ($50 or 1,250,000 VND) for business.
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 (DT1-DT4) Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); TRC: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 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.
Golden Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); investment thresholds vary ($100,000+ minimum) vinpearl.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 investor visas to save on extensions.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for DT1-DT4 visas based on investment levels ($100,000+ minimum); use e-visas for initial entry; Golden Visa for long-term investors; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Investment Proof: Prepare business registration, capital contribution certificate, or real estate documents; apply at Vietnamese immigration offices or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress professionally for meetings; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for investor 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; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
What is the Vietnam investor visa? The DT1-DT4 visa for foreign investors, with durations from 1–10 years based on investment levels vietnam-visa.com.
What are the requirements for Vietnam investor visa? Proof of investment ($100,000+ minimum for DT4), passport, application form; apply at immigration offices or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
How much does Vietnam investor visa cost? $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); TRC $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can investor visas be extended? Yes, renewable based on continued investment; fees apply ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) 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 investor visas through embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your investor 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 Investor Visa Process with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a profound, cultural journey through Vietnam’s dynamic landscape. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers immersion and sustainability for international investors. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for DT visas early through immigration offices, 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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