The COVID pandemic has been difficult for everyone. But, now that the borders are reopened, it is time to have a quick summary of the available titles and 4 ways to enter, live and stay in Vietnam for foreigners.
Titles that can be granted mostly depend on the purposes and the projects expected in Vietnam. Here is the list of the 4 main purposes that allow to live in Vietnam.
1. For touristic purposes
Since March 2022, and after two years of closed borders, tourists can return to Vietnam. Indeed, the authorities have re-established the e-visa for tourists from 80 countries allowing citizens from those countries to enter and stay in Vietnam for one month (renewable upon expiration).
In addition, and only for those following 13 countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus, the Vietnamese authorities have allowed a special visa exemption.
Citizens from the listed countries are granted entry and stay for a duration of 15 days maximum without having to apply for any visa. This visa exemption can be renewed only after a full month has passed upon its expiration.
2. For Business purposes
In case a foreigner needs to come to Vietnam for business purposes, it is possible for them to get a 3-month business visa. It will allow to stay and live in Vietnam. It requires a company based in Vietnam to be the sponsor. The necessary documents are:
- Copy of the passport;
- 2 notarized copies of ERC (Enterprise Registration Certificate);
- 1 notarized copy of capital contribution from the bank;
- 1 notarized copy of office lease contract;
- VAT tax report of the 3 latest quarters (copy with corporate seal) (1 copy for each quarter); and,
- Tax payments (if applicable) (1 copy with corporate seal of each document).
To secure a long term stay in Vietnam, it is possible for the shareholder of a company based in Vietnam to get a 1-year investor visa. In practice, obtaining that visa depends on the amount of invested capital. To secure the visa, we recommend a minimum capital investment of 500 million VND. If the invested capital is above 3 billion VND, the shareholder can get an additional exemption of work permit and a temporary resident card. The required documents are:
- Copy of the passport;
- 2 Notarized copies of ERC (Enterprise Registration Certificate);
- 2 Notarized copies of IRC (Investment Registration Certificate);
- 1 notarized copy of office lease contract;
- 1 notarized copy of capital contribution from the bank;
- VAT tax report of 3 latest quarters (copy with corporate seal) (1 copy for each quarter).
3. For work purposes
To work and live in Vietnam, any foreigners who have found a job must get a work permit (WP) (except in case of work permit exemption). Once the WP is granted, the owner of the WP can ask for a Temporary Resident Card (TRC). The duration of the TRC shall match the WP and shall not be longer than 2 years (renewable). Additionally, the conditions to get a WP are:
- For an expert position: bachelor certificate, letter certifying at least 3 years as expert-level issued by overseas companies.
- For a manager position: letter certifying at least 3 years as manager issued by overseas companies.
4. With other purposes
Visas or Temporary Resident Car (TRC) are also granted for other purposes, such as for family reasons (spouse of a Vietnamese citizen, or spouse/children of an expatriate who holds a proper visa to stay in Vietnam for example).
Viet Khieu can also receive a 5-year visa exemption (Vietnamese or Vietnamese descendants who live overseas).
If you are interested in getting a visa to enter Vietnam, you can reach out to us!
