Vietnam Investor Visa
Vietnam Investor Visa is a type of visa that allows foreign investors to enter and stay in Vietnam for the purpose of investing in the country. This visa is issued by the Vietnamese government to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth.
The Vietnam Investor Visa is an excellent opportunity for foreign investors to explore business opportunities in Vietnam. It not only allows them to invest in the country but also provides them with a long-term stay to manage and grow their business. With its growing economy and favorable investment policies, Vietnam is becoming an attractive destination for foreign investors, and the Investor Visa makes it easier for them to enter and establish their business in the country.
Overview of Vietnam Investor Visa
The Vietnam investor visa, also known as the DT visa, offers temporary residence in Vietnam for a period of up to 10 years for foreign investors, business managers, and lawyers. There are four types of DT visas:
- DT1 – For investors with at least VND 20 billion capital contribution to an investment project in Vietnam. This visa is valid for 5 years.
- DT2 – For investors with at least VND 3 billion capital contribution. This visa allows a stay of 3 years.
- DT3 – For investors with at least VND 1.5 billion capital contribution. This visa is issued for 2 years.
- DT4 – For investors who make a capital contribution of at least VND 100 million. The visa validity is 1 year.
The DT visa offers a number of benefits like multiple entries, the ability to sponsor family members, and eligibility to apply for permanent residence after meeting certain conditions.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Investor Visa
The Vietnam Investor Visa (DT visa) is a type of visa that allows foreign investors to enter and reside in Vietnam for the purpose of conducting business activities. The visa is valid for up to 5 years and can be renewed for an additional 5 years.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an Investor Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a foreign investor with a valid passport
- Have invested in a Vietnamese enterprise that meets the investment criteria of the Vietnamese government
- Have a clear business plan for the invested enterprise
- Be able to support yourself financially during your stay in Vietnam
Required Documents
The following documents are required to apply for an Investor Visa:
- A completed visa application form
- A valid passport
- Two passport-sized photos
- A copy of your business registration certificate
- A copy of your investment registration certificate
- A certificate of seal specimen registration
- A letter of invitation from your sponsor company
- A copy of your lawyer’s license (if you are a lawyer)
Application Process
There are two ways to apply for an Investor Visa:
- In-person, at an Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam abroad: This is the most straightforward way to apply, as you will be able to submit your application and documents in person and receive your visa on the spot.
- Vietnam Investor Visa Online, if you are from one of the eligible countries: This is a convenient option if you are from one of the countries that Vietnam has an e-visa agreement with. You will be able to submit your application and documents online and then receive your visa via email.
Processing Time
The processing time for an Investor Visa application is typically 3-7 working days. However, the processing time may be longer depending on the workload of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Visa Stamping
Once your visa application has been approved, you will need to obtain a visa stamp from a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate before you can enter Vietnam. To obtain a visa stamp, you will need to present the following documents:
- Your visa approval letter
- Your passport
- Two passport-sized photos
- A Vietnamese visa application form
- The visa stamping fee
Visa Fee
The visa fee for an Investor Visa is USD 1,000.
Extension of Stay
If you wish to extend your stay in Vietnam, you can apply for an extension of stay at the Vietnam Immigration Department. The extension of stay fee is USD 200 per month.
Pros and Cons of Vietnam Investor Visa
Pros:
- Gain residency and live in Vietnam by making an active investment
- Visa validity of up to 10 years depending on investment amount
- Multiple entries allowed
- Eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years
- Special privileges like owning property and opening bank accounts
Cons:
- High investment threshold amount required
- Restriction on working unless company is registered
- Quota of only 100 DT1 visas issued per year
- Bureaucracy and paperwork involved in application process
Tips for Getting a Vietnam Investor Visa
- Hire a reliable law firm to handle the application process smoothly
- Be prepared with all required documents to avoid delays
- Ensure your business/investment proposal is sound and aligned with Vietnam’s investment priorities
- Book an appointment well in advance at the Embassy before visa application dates
- Opt for the DT1 visa by investing $100,000 to gain maximum benefits
- Be patient as the approval process can take up to 6 months
FAQs on Vietnam Investor Visa
Q: How long is the Vietnam investor visa valid?
A: The visa validity varies from 1 to 10 years depending on the type. DT1 is 5 years, DT2 is 3 years, DT3 is 2 years, and DT4 is 1 year.
Q: Can I buy property in Vietnam on an investor visa?
A: Yes, those having DT1, DT2, and DT3 visas are eligible to buy and own property in Vietnam.
Q: Can I bring my family to Vietnam on a DT visa?
A: Yes, an investor can sponsor their spouse and children below 18 years of age by providing additional documents.
Q: Do I need to live in Vietnam full-time on this visa?
A: No, investors only need to make yearly trips for 5-10 days to Vietnam to maintain residency rights.
Q: Is it easy to switch jobs on an investor visa?
A: No, changing jobs or employers are not allowed on this visa. One must continue working for the sponsoring company in Vietnam.