Vietnam has become an attractive destination for foreign investors in recent years. In order to facilitate business activities and residence in Vietnam, the government has implemented a special visa specifically for investors. So, what is an investment visa? Who is eligible for an investment visa? What are the procedures and costs for applying for this visa? This article will answer all your questions.
1. What is an investment visa?
According to current law, an investment visa is a type of visa granted to foreign investors or representatives of foreign organizations investing in establishing or contributing capital to enterprises and companies in Vietnam. In addition, an investment visa not only plays an important role in determining the rights of foreign investors, but is also a prerequisite for them to apply for a temporary residence card. This temporary residence card not only proves legal residence in Vietnam but is also recognized and protected by law. In particular, the validity period of the temporary residence card, when a foreign investor has an investment visa, can be up to 10 years, creating favorable conditions for them in the process of participating and developing in the Vietnamese investment market.
2. Types of investment visas for foreigners in Vietnam
Currently, investment visas for foreigners are divided into 4 types with different symbols and contents including (Visa DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4).
According to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 51/2019/QH14 regulating investment visas for foreigners. There are 4 types of investment visas in Vietnam, depending on the investment case, they have different natures and durations.
| Visa Type |
Validity Period |
Eligible Subjects |
Capital Contribution Level |
| ĐT1 |
Up to 5 years |
Investors and representatives of foreign organizations with capital of 100 billion VND or more; or investing in preferential investment sectors, occupations, and preferential investment locations decided by the Government. |
≥ 100 billion VND |
| ĐT2 |
Up to 5 years |
Investors and representatives of foreign organizations with capital from 50 billion VND to less than 100 billion VND; or investing in industries and professions encouraged for investment and development as decided by the Government. |
50 billion VND – 100 billion VND |
| ĐT3 |
Up to 3 years |
Investors and representatives of foreign organizations with capital from 3 billion VND to less than 50 billion VND. |
3 billion VND – 50 billion VND |
| ĐT4 |
Up to 12 months |
Investors and representatives of foreign organizations with capital contributions worth less than 3 billion VND. |
Under 3 billion VND |
3. Benefits of owning a Vietnam investment visa
Foreign investors who are granted a Vietnam investment visa will enjoy the following specific benefits:
– Long-term residence in Vietnam according to the validity period of the investment visa;
– Temporary investment residence card valid for up to 5 years (applicable to investment visas DT1, DT2).
– Sponsorship for wife/children to apply for a Vietnam family visit visa (applicable to investment visas DT1, DT2 and DT3).
4. Conditions for applying for an investment visa for foreigners
To apply for an investment visa for foreigners, the following conditions must be met:
– Foreign investors must have a valid passport according to regulations;
– Foreign investors must have a sponsoring agency or organization in Vietnam;
– Have documents proving that they are investors. Such documents can be:
• Business license/Investment license;
• Certificate of capital contribution/shares in an enterprise;
• Some other relevant documents proving that the foreigner is an investor according to the provisions of the Law on Enterprises and Investment of Vietnam.
5. Application for investment visa for foreigners
To apply for an investment visa for foreigners, you need to prepare the following documents:
– Business registration certificate of the sponsoring company;
– Application form for the company’s signature and seal: Form NA16 (This form is applicable in cases where the enterprise submits the application for the first time);
– Documents proving that the investor;
– Visa application forms.
* Note:
In case of needing to extend the investment visa, please note that the investment visa can only be extended for a maximum of 1 year. To extend it for a longer period (2 years, 3 years, 5 years), it will be converted to a temporary residence card and the application procedure will be re-applied.
6. Where do foreigners submit their application for an investment visa?
Foreigners can register their location for an investment visa at the Vietnamese diplomatic mission in the host country, an international land border gate or an international airport in Vietnam. Then, the location registration and visa application file including documents and information related to the foreigner’s investment will be submitted to the Immigration Department. The time for reviewing and approving the registration file will be from 5 to 7 days, excluding weekends and holidays. The specific address of the Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security is as follows:
In Hanoi: No. 44 – 46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
In Ho Chi Minh City: No. 333 – 335 – 337 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1.
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