Plan your investment journey in Vietnam with our guide to DT1 visa requirements! Learn about eligibility, application processes, cultural tips, 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 sceneWritten 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. The DT1 visa, designed for foreign investors contributing significant capital to Vietnam, is obtained through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate with a sponsor. This guide details DT1 visa requirements, application processes, and travel tips for investors planning to explore Vietnam’s cultural and business landscape.
Vietnam, a thriving Southeast Asian hub, attracts investors with its booming economy and cultural treasures like Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, and Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts vinpearl.com. The DT1 visa, a long-term investment visa valid for up to 5 years, is tailored for foreign investors contributing at least 100 billion VND (~$4 million USD) to Vietnamese enterprises vietnam-visa.com. Understanding DT1 visa requirements ensures a smooth entry for investors engaging in business activities while exploring Vietnam’s rich heritage through guided Vietnam Tours or independent travel. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Traveloptions for 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 DT1 visa requirements, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a seamless investment and cultural journey.
The DT1 visa requires a minimum investment of 100 billion VND (~$4 million USD) and a Vietnamese sponsor (e.g., a company or partner). Costs range from $100–$300 (2,500,000–7,500,000 VND), with applications processed through Vietnamese embassies or consulates. 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 vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
Purpose: For foreign investors contributing significant capital to Vietnamese enterprises, typically for business setup or project investment.
Eligibility: Investors with a minimum contribution of 100 billion VND (~$4 million USD) to a Vietnamese company, joint venture, or project, with a Vietnamese sponsor (e.g., a registered company or partner) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable with proof of continued investment vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $100–$300 (2,500,000–7,500,000 VND), depending on processing time and embassy fees travel.state.gov.
Application Process:
Secure a Vietnamese sponsor (e.g., a registered company or business partner) to provide an invitation letter or investment approval from Vietnam’s Department of Planning and Investment vietnam-visa.com.
Gather required documents: valid passport (6+ months, two blank pages), two passport photos (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), application form, investment certificate or proof of capital contribution (100 billion VND or more), sponsor’s invitation letter, and business license of the Vietnamese company travel.state.gov.
Submit the application in person or by mail to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate (e.g., in Bangkok, Beijing, or Phnom Penh) travel.state.gov.
Pay the visa fee ($100–$300); processing typically takes 5–10 working days; expedited options (2–3 days) may incur additional fees ($50–$100 or 1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Receive the visa via mail or collect it from the embassy; verify details match passport to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Upon arrival, present the DT1 visa and passport at the immigration checkpoint (e.g., Noi Bai, Moc Bai); complete temporary residence registration within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or sponsors travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for up to 5 additional years with proof of ongoing investment; fees vary ($50–$150 or 1,250,000–3,750,000 VND); apply through Vietnam’s Immigration Department or a sponsor 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.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws vietnam-visa.com.
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 DT1 visa requires a significant investment and a Vietnamese sponsor. It is not available through the e-visa system; applications must be made via embassies or consulates. Visa on Arrival is discontinued vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Investment Documentation: Proof of capital contribution (100 billion VND or ~$4 million USD), investment certificate, or business registration from Vietnam’s Department of Planning and Investment vietnam-visa.com.
Sponsor: A Vietnamese company or partner providing an invitation letter and business license vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or sponsors; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Additional Documents: Two passport photos (4x6 cm), application form, and proof of business activities travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful experience for DT1 visa holders during business and cultural exploration with Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod to business partners or locals; use both hands for transactions or exchanging business cards to show respect, especially in meetings or at cultural sites like Hanoi’s Temple of Literature culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear formal or semi-formal attire for business meetings (e.g., suits or collared shirts); modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Hoi An’s ancient town); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for sacred sites vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a professional demeanor in business settings; avoid loud behavior at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or DT1 visa photocopy securely for checks. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs enhanced our investment and cultural experience.” 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; 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 DT1 visa or passport photocopy handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen DT1 visa holders thrive by respecting 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 and tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets; maintain professionalism in business dealings.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry a DT1 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 DT1 visa journey, combining business and cultural exploration, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, 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 after entering with a DT1 visa; suitable for investors combining business and cultural visits; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Carry a DT1 visa or passport photocopy; ensure residence registration with hotels or sponsors; verify visa validity with your sponsor 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); business districts 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, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Verify DT1 visa details with your sponsor; carry investment documents for checks; a guest from Singapore noted: “Self-guided exploration with a DT1 visa was seamless for business and culture.”
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: Carry a DT1 visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration; confirm visa validity with your sponsor 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 Australia noted: “Legend’s tour ensured DT1 visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market and a business district tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Ho Chi Minh City, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Carry a DT1 visa or passport photocopy; confirm sponsor details for business meetings; ensure residence registration vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 AM from Ho Chi Minh City hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Japan noted: “The combo tour balanced business and cultural exploration with a DT1 visa.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ha Long Bay, with business meetings and cultural visits; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Carry a DT1 visa or passport photocopy; coordinate with your sponsor for business meetings; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City 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 or Ho Chi Minh City.
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 Germany noted: “The multi-day tour was a DT1 visa-friendly business and cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for investors with DT1 visas balancing business and cultural visits.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for DT1 visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Business Tours: Blend cultural visits with business activities for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Cultural and Business Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with DT1 visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key DT1 visa 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; ideal for cultural visits; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; suitable for cultural and business trips; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Business and Cultural 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 business meetings and cultural experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Confirm eligibility for DT1 visa with a minimum 100 billion VND investment and a Vietnamese sponsor; apply through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a DT1 visa or passport photocopy; provide investment certificate, sponsor’s invitation letter, and business license; 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 copies of DT1 visa documents to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for DT1 visa 2–4 weeks early via a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836, Beijing: +86 10 6532 1155); coordinate with your sponsor; carry small VND notes for local purchases; verify visa status with your embassy.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), DT1 visa ($100–$300 or 2,500,000–7,500,000 VND), passport photocopy, investment certificate, sponsor’s invitation letter, business license, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Formal attire for business meetings (suits or collared shirts); 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
DT1 Visa Costs: $100–$300 (2,500,000–7,500,000 VND); expedited processing: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 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 Business Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Business 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, DT1 visa costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; coordinate with your sponsor to streamline visa costs.
Visa Tips: Confirm DT1 visa eligibility with a minimum 100 billion VND investment and a Vietnamese sponsor; apply through a Vietnamese embassy 2–4 weeks early; carry investment documents and DT1 visa photocopy vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress formally for business and modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for cultural insights, or multi-day tours for business and cultural 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 Ho Chi Minh City.
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).
Who is eligible for a DT1 visa? Investors contributing at least 100 billion VND (~$4 million USD) to a Vietnamese enterprise with a sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a DT1 visa? Submit passport, investment certificate, sponsor’s invitation letter, and fees to a Vietnamese embassy; processing takes 5–10 days travel.state.gov.
How much does a DT1 visa cost? $100–$300 (2,500,000–7,500,000 VND); expedited fees: $50–$100 vietnam-visa.com.
Can a DT1 visa be extended? Yes, up to 5 years with proof of ongoing investment; fees apply ($50–$150) 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 DT1? No, discontinued in 2022; DT1 visas are obtained through embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your DT1 visa 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 Business Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and business districts with 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 Types DT1 with cultural etiquette—formal attire for business, modest clothing for temples, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey for investors in Vietnam. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Hanoi’s business districts, this trip offers a blend of investment and cultural immersion. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for your DT1 visa early through a Vietnamese embassy 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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