Plan your investment journey in Vietnam with our guide to visa requirements for investors! Learn about DT visa options, extensions, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Photograph the festive spirit of Vietnam’s culture (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 DT visas (investment visas) through Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices, or use e-visas for initial entry and then convert to DT visas. This guide details visa requirements for investors, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Vietnam.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian destination, 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 visa requirements for investors ensures smooth entry for business activities, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or conducting investments independently. Investors benefit from DT visas (up to 5 years) based on investment levels, while e-visas facilitate initial entry 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 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 visa requirements for investors, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free investment adventure.
International investors can apply for DT visas ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND) for up to 5 years, requiring investment certificates. 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 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 evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
DT Visa (Investment Visa):
Purpose: Investment, business operations, or long-term stays for investors.
Eligibility: International investors with a Vietnamese investment certificate or business license vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: DT1 (up to 5 years for investments >3 billion VND), DT2 (up to 5 years for investments 100–3 billion VND), DT3 (up to 3 years for investments 3–100 billion VND), DT4 (up to 12 months for investments <3 billion VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration and type vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Obtain an investment certificate or business license from Vietnam’s Department of Planning and Investment vietnam-visa.com.
Submit application to Vietnam Immigration Department or embassy with passport, photos (4x6 cm), investment documents, and fees travel.state.gov.
Processing time: 5–15 working days; expedited options available for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Collect visa or approval letter; present at entry point with passport vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable based on investment status; fees $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND) with sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Initial Entry or Short Business Trips):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or initial investment scouting for stays up to 90 days.
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 point; 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; convert to DT visa for long-term investment stays vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy/Consulate Visa (For Investors Preferring Traditional Applications):
Purpose: Investment, business, or long-term stays for investors.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for DT visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), investment documents (e.g., certificate, business license), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy 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:
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 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 DT 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 Documents: Investment certificate or business license from Vietnam’s Department of Planning and Investment for DT visas vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view), passport data page scan, and payment; ensure details match passport evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or sponsors; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa preparation for investors. 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 in meetings culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest business attire for meetings (suit or shirt with pants); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for temple visits aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in business and cultural settings; avoid loud behavior or disputes; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our visa-prepared 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 travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to partners 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 (punctuality, respect hierarchy); 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 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 investors with valid DT visas or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use DT visas for long-term stays; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy for initial entry; register temporary residence at hotels or sponsors evisa.gov.vn.
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).
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 DT visa eligibility or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest investor noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with the DT visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s business districts and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use DT visas for business; carry a printed e-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 business insights.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and local business hubs; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or DT visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-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, Ho Chi Minh City business districts, and cultural sites like Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use DT visas for long-term stays; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy for initial entry; 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 business journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for investors with DT visas or e-visas.
Group Business Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant business insights.
Combo Cultural and Business Tours: Blend cultural visits with business activities for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Business and Cultural 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.
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 meetings. Morning meetings (8:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Investors with business licenses qualify for DT visas (up to 5 years); use e-visas for initial entry and convert to DT visas; check eligibility at vietnam-visa.com.
DT Visa Application: Obtain investment certificate; apply at immigration offices or embassies with passport, photos, documents, and fees; processing 5–15 days vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry investment documents, printed e-visa (if applicable), or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or sponsors register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel after entry.
Tip: Apply for DT visas through sponsors; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn for e-visas.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), investment certificate or business license, printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, proof of residence registration, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest business attire for meetings; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for temple visits; 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
DT Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration and type; extension: $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 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 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 DT visas to save on extensions.
Visa Tips: Investors with certificates qualify for DT visas (up to 5 years); use e-visas for initial entry and convert to DT visas; check eligibility at vietnam-visa.com.
DT Visa Application: Obtain investment certificate; apply at immigration offices or embassies with passport, photos, documents, and fees; processing 5–15 days 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, nearest embassy).
Do investors need a visa for Vietnam? Yes, but DT visas (up to 5 years) are available for those with investment certificates; e-visas for initial entry vietnam-visa.com.
How do investors apply for a Vietnam visa? Apply for DT visas at immigration offices or embassies with investment documents; use e-visas for initial entry at evisa.gov.vn travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost for investors? DT visa: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); e-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Can investor visas be extended? Yes, DT visas are extendable based on investment status; fees $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND) with 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 for investors? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas for initial entry and convert to DT visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Business Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided business and cultural tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business and Cultural Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore business hubs 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 for Investors with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a dynamic, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian hub. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers investment opportunities and sustainability for investors. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage DT visas for long-term stays 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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