Comprehensive Guide to Vietnam Investor Visa
In Seni World's comprehensive guide, you will know about many different types of Vietnam investor visas, requirements, how to get an investor visa in Vietnam, as well as the processing time and fee.
What Is A Vietnam Investor Visa?
A Vietnam investor visa, frequently called a DT visa, is a type of visa issued to foreign people who invest in or set up an enterprise in Vietnam. The main purpose of this visa is to allow foreign investors to reside in Vietnam for a certain period to control their investments, as well as their business projects and activities. The particular Vietnam investor visa requirements rely on the type of DT visa.
Types Of Vietnam Investor Visa
As of April 2025, Vietnam classifies the Vietnam investor visa into several sorts based on the amount of capital invested and the sectors of investment. These distinct types provide various validity intervals and might lead to a specific duration for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Here is a breakdown of the main DT visa types:
| Features | DT1 visa | DT2 visa | T3 visa | DT4 visa |
| Capital Contribution | VND 100+ billion (~$4M+) | VND 50–100 billion (~$2M–$4M) | VND 3–50 billion (~$120K–$2M) | < VND 3 billion (<$120K) |
| Applicable To | Investors in priority sectors or large-scale projects | Investors in encouraged sectors | Standard investment projects | Small-scale investors |
| Visa validity | Up to 5 years | Up to 3 years | Up to 3 years | Up to 1 year (12 months) |
| Temporary Residence Card (TRC) | 10 years | 5 years | 3 years | 2 years |
Vietnam Investor Visa Requirements
Vietnam investor visa requirements can range barely depending on the particular type of DT visa you are using (including DT1, DT2, DT3, and DT4) as well as the policies in effect at the time of application. There are general requirements for commonplace documents and specific requirements as follows:
1. General requirements for a Vietnam investor visa
Here are the general requirements for a Vietnam investor visa:
- Valid passport: Your original passport must have at a minimum of 6 months of validity remaining out of your intended date of entry into Vietnam and as a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- Sponsorship: You should be sponsored by a legally established enterprise or organization in Vietnam, in that you have made an investment or are a representative of a foreign entity investing.
- Clean criminal file: You should not fall under any of the instances prohibited from access into Vietnam as stipulated utilizing Vietnamese law.
- Investment documentation: You must offer entire certified copies of legal documents proving your investment in Vietnam. Those typically consist of:
- Investment Registration Certificate (IRC): This is issued by the Vietnamese government and confirms your investment campaign.
- Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) or business license: This confirms the legal establishment of the enterprise you have invested in or participated in setting up.
- Certificate of capital contribution or proof of investment capital: This demonstrates the real capital you have invested (for example, bank or financial institution statements, confirmation of capital transfer).
- Other applicable documents: They are required by Vietnamese law, depending on the character of your investment.
- Vietnam investor visa application form: This is commonly Form NA2 for those applying to outdoor Vietnam or Form NA5 for those already in Vietnam and applying for a change of visa status.
- Passport-sized photo: Commonly, the 2 latest passport-sized images (4x6 cm with a white background) are required.
- Transient residence registration (if already in Vietnam): In case you are already dwelling in Vietnam, you may need to provide evidence of your current temporary residence.
- Form NA16: Registration form for the signature and seal of the legal representative of the sponsoring business enterprise or organization.
2. Specific requirements for a Vietnam investor visa
Specific requirements for the Vietnam investor visa can also vary primarily based on the DT visa types (investment amount):
- The level of investment capital is the main component determining the sort of DT visa you are eligible for (DT1, DT2, DT3, or DT4).
- Investments in encouraged sectors or prioritized ones can also have particular considerations.
How To Apply For Vietnam Investor Visa
In this part, you will be guided on how to get an investor visa in Vietnam, including a visa for foreign investors outside Vietnam and a visa for foreign investors in Vietnam.
For Foreign Investors Outside Vietnam
This first method usually entails applying for the visa at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country earlier than you visit. In a few cases, you will possibly attain an entry approval letter first, after that, you will get the visa stamped upon arrival. The detailed steps of this method include:
- Set up or invest in a qualifying company in Vietnam: Make sure you have made the essential investment and have the legal file and documentation to prove it (Investment Registration Certificate - IRC, Enterprise Registration Certificate - ERC, capital contribution proofs).
- Prepare the entire required documentation: It includes:
- Vietnam investor visa application form (Form NA2): Search for it on the website of the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
- Valid passport: It must have at a minimum of 6 months of validity remaining out of your intended date of entry into Vietnam and as a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- Passport-sized photo: The 2 latest passport-sized images (4x6 cm with a white background).
- Copies of your investment documents: They must be certified (including IRC, ERC, and capital contribution proofs).
- A referral letter: It is from the sponsoring business in Vietnam (if applicable).
- Other applicable documents: They are required by each Embassy or Consulate.
- Submit your Vietnam investor visa application: Book an appointment or follow the submission tactics of the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country. In some cases, you may need to submit it in person.
- Pay the Vietnam investor visa fee: The quantity will vary depending on each Embassy or Consulate and the type or duration of your visa.
- Get hold of your visa: In case your application is accepted, your passport might be back with the DT visa stamped inside. Processing times can be different, so apply properly in advance.
In some cases, particularly if you are from a country without a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, your sponsoring enterprise in Vietnam can apply on your behalf for an entry approval letter through the Vietnam Immigration Department. As soon as approved:
- You will have the approval letter copy.
- Prepare your original passport, 2 passport-sized photos, and a visa application form (Form NA1).
- When arriving at a designated Vietnamese international airport, you need to show these documents and files, as well as the approval letter, to achieve your DT visa stamp.
For Foreign Investors In Vietnam
If you are living in Vietnam on another visa type as well as have now made a qualifying investment, you can apply for the form to change your present visa status to a Vietnam investor visa. The detailed steps of this second method include:
- Make sure your investment is completed and documented: They have the legal file and documentation to prove it (Investment Registration Certificate - IRC, Enterprise Registration Certificate - ERC, capital contribution proofs).
- Prepare the entire required documentation: It includes:
- Vietnam investor visa application form: It is for visa extension or status change (Form NA5).
- Your original passport: It needs the remaining validity.
- Copies of your present visa and entry stamp.
- Transient registration form.
- Copies of your investment documents: They must be certified (including IRC, ERC, and capital contribution proofs).
- Form NA16: Registration form for the signature and seal of the legal representative of the sponsoring business enterprise or organization.
- Passport-sized photo: The 2 latest passport-sized images (4x6 cm with a white background).
- Submit your Vietnam investor visa application: Your sponsoring enterprise in Vietnam will usually submit this application for your behalf to one of the Vietnam Immigration Department offices:
- Ha Noi: No. 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District.
- Ho Chi Minh City: No. 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3
- Da Nang: No. 7 Tran Quy Cap Street.
- Or the Immigration Department of the province or city where the corporation is located.
- Processing: The Immigration Department will check and review your Vietnam investor visa application. Processing time is usually around 5 working days.
- Get hold of your visa or Temporary Residence Card: If accepted, you will receive your new DT visa or be guided on the way to achieve a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), depending on your actual investment type.
Vietnam Investor Visa Processing Time And Fee
Here is the detailed information about the Vietnam investor visa processing time and fee:
1. Vietnam investor visa processing time
The Vietnam investor visa processing time differs between methods and steps.
- Apply Vietnam investor visa at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate Abroad: Normally takes around 5 - 7 working days from the date of the entire file's submission. This time could vary depending on the workload of each Embassy or Consulate.
- Apply Vietnam investor visa at the Immigration Department: This normally also takes around 5 - 7 working days from the date of the entire file's submission.
- Having initial Investment-Related Certificates (IRC, ERC): This may take drastically longer, ranging from 1 - 3 months, depending on the complexity and location of your investment campaign.
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC) after having a DT visa: This process is approved in around 5 working days.
2. Vietnam investor visa fee
Similar to the Vietnam investor visa processing time, the Vietnam investor visa also has differences between methods and steps.
- Vietnam investor visa fee at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate: The fee depends on each Embassy and Consulate. You need to check carefully at every Embassy or Consulate for the current fee.
- Vietnam investor visa fee for changing the status in Vietnam: The common fee based on the Immigration Department includes:
- Single entry: $25
- Multiple entries (under 3 months): $50
- Multiple entries (6 months): $95
- Multiple entries (1 year): $135
- Fee of the Investment-Related Certificates (IRC, ERC): This depends on the validity period:
- 2 years or less: VND 3.6 - 4.1 million (about $145 - $165)
- 2 to 5 years: VND 3.6 - 4.1 million (about $145 - $165)
- 5 to 10 years (for DT1 visa): This will be a little higher, and based on the latest regulations.
- Investment Certificates (IRC, ERC) fees: They will vary depending on your company’s scale and nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Family With Me On A Vietnam Investor Visa?
Yes, if you have the DT3 visa or probably a higher one, you may be able to sponsor your partner and kids under 18 to Vietnam.
Can I Have A Vietnam Investor Visa If I'm Already In Vietnam On A Tourist Visa?
Sure, if you have made a qualifying investment at the same time as in Vietnam on another sort of visa, you can apply for a Vietnam investor visa through the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Can My Vietnam Investor Visa Be Extended?
Yes, a Vietnam investor visa may be extended, provided the investor continues to fulfill the investment requirements and follows the proper extension procedures via the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Conclusion
By understanding comprehensively about the Vietnam investor visa, foreign investors can secure their right to reside, then set up and control their business in Vietnam. Remember to always search for official sources or ask a reputable visa agency for the most accurate and up-to-date information. With 10 years in visa, eVisa, and traveling services, Seni World will help you with everything about the Vietnam investor visa. Contact us for Vietnam investor visa support, and apply via our website for support from A-Z.