If you want to relocate to Vietnam, in this article you can discover a step-by-step guide starting with the immigration procedures and up to the final process of registering with the local authorities. Our lawyers in Vietnam can support you with various services in this sense.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement |
Yes |
|
Types of visas available |
– tourist, – business, – student visas, – work permit, – temporary residence permit |
|
Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) |
Approx. one month |
| Validity of temporary residence permit |
3 to 10 years |
| Temporary residence permit renewal requirements |
The conditions under which it was obtained must remain in place |
| Documents for obtaining a residence permit |
– application form, – valid passport, – proof of accommodation, – sponorship letter, – other documents based on the reason of immigration |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) |
3 years |
| Investor Visa availability (YES/NO) |
Yes, the minimum investment amount is VND 3 billion (approx. USD 132,000) |
| Start-up Visa Scheme availability (YES/NO) |
No |
| Sponsorship requirement (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship |
5 years based on permanent residence |
| Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability (YES/NO) |
Yes, investor visa |
| Taxation of foreign citizens |
– 20% on employment income, – 1% – 5% on business income, – 5% on interest/dividend/royalties income |
| Tax benefits for expats |
– flat personal income tax rate, – access to approx. 80 double tax treaties |
| Availability of spouse visa | Foreign spouses can obtain a visa exemption certificate that enables them to enter and exit Vietnam. |
|
Availability of digital nomad visa for Vietnam (YES/NO) |
No, there is no special visa for digital nomads in Vietnam. |
|
Main ways to obtain citizenship in Vietnam |
– naturalization, – marriage, – descent/ancestry |
| Access to dual citizenship (YES/NO) | No, Vietnam does not allow dual citizenship. |
| Best cities to move to in Vietnam |
– Da Nang, – Da Lat, – Ho Chi Minh, – Hanoi, – Nha Trang |
| Cost of living in Vietnam compared to other Asian countries |
The cost of living in Vietnam is lower compared to other large countries in the region. |
| Complexity of immigration procedures in Vietnam |
The Vietnamese immigration process can be complex from documentation and language points of view. |
| Support in family reunion matters (YES/NO) |
Yes, our lawyers in Vietnam can assist in family relocation procedures. |
| Assistance in applying for permanent residency (YES/NO) |
Yes, we help clients in preparing and filing the necessary documents. |
| Possibility to acquire a property based on residency (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Residency renewal services (YES/NO) |
Yes, we also offer support in renewing residence papers. |
| Assistance in applying for citizenship (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Personalized services based on country of origin (YES/NO) |
Yes, considering that certain special conditions apply to citizens of different countries. |
| Support in filing for investment visas (YES/NO) |
Yes, this is one of the most appreciated services provided by our immigration lawyers in Vietnam. |
| Other services (if any) |
– support in setting up a business through the investment visa, – assistance for renting/acquiring a property, – guidance in visa refusal/appeals. |
Table of Contents
What must I do if I want to relocate to Vietnam?
Here are some due diligence checks you can consider:
- find out if you need an entry visa (most foreign citizens do; however, you also need to know if you can apply for it online or by visiting a Vietnamese embassy or consulate);
- check the eligibility requirements to apply for a temporary residence permit (they depend on the reason for relocation);
- make sure you have a valid passport;
- make sure you have a sponsor (it depends on the reason for immigration to Vietnam);
- search for properties to rent before booking your flight.
What are the available visas for Vietnam?
The Vietnamese authorities issue various types of visas for visits and short-term stays. Such visas can be obtained for the following purposes:
- tourism;
- business;
- diplomatic visits;
- studentship;
- transit from one country to another.
Here is also an infographic on this topic:
Our immigration lawyers in Vietnam can help you understand the conditions of each visa, and select then apply for the most suitable.
Is it hard to obtain a visa for Vietnam?
No, visas are issued in a few days.
What are the main pathways I can use to move to Vietnam in 2026?
Some of the most common are:
- employment;
- family reunion;
- investment;
- studentship.
IMPORTANT! Each type of immigration procedure requires specific documents attesting to the reason for relocation and different sponsorship conditions.
What are my temporary residency options when relocating to Vietnam?
Medium and long-term relocation can imply:
- a temporary residence permit which has a duration of stay of 12 months;
- a work visa which has a validity that can reach up to 2 years;
- an investment visa, which is valid for 5 years and comes with financial requirements;
- a special visa that enters the category of L visas and that has a validity of up to 5 years.
Considering that they can be prolonged, you can also apply for permanent residency if you decide to relocate to Vietnam for good.
Can I relocate to Vietnam as a digital nomad?
Yes, you can. However, it is important to note that there is no special visa for remote workers, so you can move here as a tourist for a short period or based on a temporary residence permit.
What are the documents that I need to prepare when relocating to Vietnam?
You will need the following:
- the valid passport: make sure it is valid for at least 6 months, if you plan on staying for a short period;
- a criminal record: the validity of the certificate must not exceed 6 months in this case also;
- documents attesting to the reason for relocation: employment offer, investment certificate, proof of enrolment in a Vietnamese education facility;
- valid health insurance;
- proof of stay;
- proof of income to sustain your stay in Vietnam;
- round trip plane ticket (if applicable).
NOTE! Foreign documents must be translated and notarized before submission. You can do that at the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate before filing them.
Here is also a video on this subject:
What do I need to do after arriving in Vietnam?
You need to register your stay with the local authorities.
Here are the main aspects to consider from this point of view:
- it is necessary to have health insurance in order to ensure medical assistance;
- registration for social security is also mandatory, especially when coming here on employment;
- registration as a taxpayer with the local tax department is also mandatory.
If you need guidance in registering with various authorities, you can request more information from our Vietnamese lawyers.
What do I need to know about obtaining permanent residency in Vietnam?
Here is what you need to know about becoming a permanent resident:
- most temporary residence permits are issued for a period of 2 years, so you will need to extend them to reach the minimum living requirements for a permanent residence card;
- the exception to this rule is the investor visa, which is issued for 5 years, a case in which you can apply for permanent residence before it expires.
Also, once you obtain permanent resident status, you will also gain tax residency in Vietnam. In this case, you can rely on our accountants in Vietnam to file your tax returns.
Do not hesitate to contact our law firm in Vietnam for detailed information on our services and reasons why you should move here. Our lawyers can also help you open a company in Vietnam with no minimum share capital required for LLC.