What is the investor visa in Vietnam?
The investor visa in Vietnam, locally known as Đầu Tư or Visa DT, is granted to foreign investors or representatives of foreign organizations and enterprises who establish or contribute capital to businesses in the country, potentially leading to citizenship by investment. For foreigners who want to invest in Vietnam, visas come in four types: DT1, DT2, DT3, and DT4, with varying validity periods ranging from 1 to 5 years. Foreigners can also obtain citizenship by investment through conducting business activities in the country. This investment could be in a limited liability company or a joint-stock company in Vietnam. Holders of a DT visa in Vietnam, particularly types DT1, DT2, and DT3, can register for a Vietnam Resident Card, enabling them to stay in Vietnam for up to 10 years. Additionally, these visa types allow investors to sponsor their spouses and children to enter Vietnam on a visiting-relative visa.
Types of investment visas
The country offers various types of investment visas for foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations who want to invest in Vietnam. These visas are classified based on the amount of capital contribution and the investment fields. Here are four types of investment visas:
- DT1 Visa: This type of DT visa in Vietnam is granted to foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations who have contributed a capital of at least ₫ 100 billion ($4 million) or are investing in business fields and areas of investment incentives as decided by the Vietnam Government. It is valid for up to 5 years.
- DT2 Visa: The DT2 visa requirement for foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations is a capital contribution ranging from ₫ 50 billion ($2 million) to less than ₫ 100 billion ($4 million). The DT2 visa requirement also applies to investments in fields that the Vietnamese government encourages. It is valid for up to 5 years.
- DT3 Visa: Foreign investors and representatives with a capital contribution between ₫ 3 billion ($120,000) and less than ₫ 50 billion ($2 million) can apply for this Vietnamese DT visa, which is valid for up to 3 years.
- DT4 Visa: This Vietnamese DT visa caters to foreign investors and representatives with a capital contribution of less than ₫ 3 billion ($120,000). It is valid for up to 12 months.
Eligibility requirements for foreigners
Securing an investor visa is an important step to materializing your business ambitions. Here are the eligibility requirements for foreigners:
- Valid passport: Ensure your passport is up-to-date and valid. This is the most basic yet crucial document required for your visa application.
- Sponsor or guaranteed agency/organization in Vietnam: You must have a sponsoring agency or organization in Vietnam that guarantees your application. This demonstrates that you have local support and a legitimate reason for your stay.
- Proof of investment: You must provide documents validating your investor status. These can include a business license, investment license, certificate of capital contribution or shares in the enterprise, and other relevant documents per Vietnam law.
Application process for the investor visa
Applying for an investor visa can be a streamlined process with proper preparation and the right documentation. Below is the application process for the investor visa.
Preparation
Before diving into the application process, ensure you have all the necessary documents prepared. Here is a checklist of what you will need:
- Visa application form: Use Form NA2 if you have yet to enter Vietnam or Form NA5 if you already reside in Vietnam.
- Passport: A valid original passport with at least two blank pages.
- Photos: Two photos in 4x6cm size.
- Residence registration: Temporary residence registration form as prescribed if you are already in Vietnam.
- Investment documentation: Certified copies of documents confirming the completion of your investment capital contribution to enterprises/companies in Vietnam.
Additional documents for first-time applications
If your guaranteed company has not previously submitted legal documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department, prepare the following:
- A certified copy of the company’s Business license/ Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) that sends invitations or guarantees.
- A sample introduction of the seal and signature of the company’s authorized person of the company (Form NA16).
- A certificate of seal sample registration or a notice of the enterprise’s seal sample published on the national enterprise registration portal.
Procedures
Step 1: Prepare the required documents
Gather all the documents listed above, ensuring each one is correctly filled out and certified as needed.
Step 2: Submit documents
Guaranteed agencies or organizations must submit all prepared documents to one of Vietnam Immigration’s representative offices:
- Hanoi immigration office: 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
- Immigration office in Da Nang: 78 Le Loi, Thach Thang, Hai Chau, Da Nang.
- Immigration office in Ho Chi Minh City: 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
You can also submit to the Immigration Office of the province or city where the enterprise is located. After submission, you will receive a receipt with an appointment date and wait for approximately five working days for the review process.
Step 3: Receive the result
- For foreign investors outside Vietnam: The guaranteed company will receive a pre-approval visa letter. They should then scan and send the entire document to the foreign investor. Upon arrival in Vietnam, the foreign investor must present their passport, visa application form, and 2 photos to get their visa stamped at the arrival port.
- For foreign investors staying in Vietnam: The guaranteed company will collect the visa from the Immigration Department, allowing the foreign investor to remain in Vietnam with their investor visa.
Benefits of the Vietnam investor visa for foreigners
Foreign investors looking to establish a presence in Vietnam can benefit significantly from the Vietnam investor visa. This visa offers a range of advantages that can make business operations smoother and more appealing. Here are the benefits of the Vietnam investor visa for foreigners:
- Long-term stay: Foreigners can enjoy a long-term stay in Vietnam, depending on the type of investor visa they have. The visas vary from one year to ten years.
- Extendable visa: When the visa expires, it can be extended, provided certain conditions are met, ensuring continued residency without interruption.
- Temporary residence card: Holders of a Vietnam investor visa can apply for a temporary residence card with the same validity as the visa, allowing for even greater convenience and tenure within the country.
- Family sponsorship: Investor visa holders can sponsor their spouses and children under 18 years old for a Relatives visa (TT visa), making it easier to bring family members to Vietnam.
- Exemption from work permit: Foreign investors with a valid Vietnam investor visa are not required to apply for a separate work permit, streamlining the process of setting up and operating their businesses.
Renewal and extension
Visa extension is specifically for foreigners wishing to extend their stay without leaving Vietnam. This process results in an extension stamp on your passport, indicating your new stay duration, and is suitable for single entry only. Meanwhile, visa renewal also allows for an extended stay without exit but involves receiving a new visa sticker and stay duration stamp. This added benefit comes at a higher cost due to additional stamping and sticker fees. However, it’s important to note that Vietnam Immigration Office currently does not offer renewal services.
To extend or renew your investor visa after arriving in Vietnam, you will need the following documents:
- Business registration of the guarantee company.
- A valid passport.
- Proof of being an investor.
- A visa application form (NA5) for stay extension.
- Introduction letter for the representative individual applying for the visa.
After gathering these documents, you can submit the dossier at the Vietnam Immigration Office and wait for 5-7 business days for processing.
Struggling with the Vietnam investor visa application? We’re here to help!
The process of applying for a Vietnam investor visa can be complex, from gathering the right documentation to navigating legal requirements. Whether you’re setting up a new business or investing in Vietnam, our experts are ready to assist you through each step, ensuring that your application is smooth and successful. We provide personalized support to help you secure your visa without unnecessary delays. Leave your details below, and we’ll reach out to offer tailored guidance, or feel free to email us directly at [email protected] for immediate assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum investment required to apply for an investor visa in Vietnam?
The minimum investment required to apply for an investor visa in Vietnam is at least ₫ 3 billion ($120,000).
Can I bring my family members with an investor visa in Vietnam?
Yes, you can bring your family members with an investor visa in Vietnam for a Relatives visa or TT visa.
How long is the investor visa valid in Vietnam?
The investor visa in Vietnam is valid for 1-5 years. It can be used to register for a Vietnam Resident Card, which allows a maximum stay of up to 10 years for categories DT1, DT2, and DT3.
What documents are required to apply for the investor visa in Vietnam?
The required documents to apply for the investor visa in Vietnam include a visa application form (Form NA2 or NA5), a valid passport, two photos (4x6cm), a temporary residence registration form (if in Vietnam), certified copies of investment capital contribution documents, and additional documents for first-time applications such as a certified copy of the Business license/Investment Registration Certificate, Form NA16 for seal and signature introduction, and a certificate of seal sample registration or notice from the national enterprise registration portal.
Can I convert my investor visa to a different type of visa in Vietnam?
Yes, you can convert an investor visa to a different type of visa in Vietnam by fulfilling the necessary conditions and submitting the required application to the immigration authorities.
How much does the Vietnam investor visa cost?
The Vietnam investor visa costs $25 for a single entry, and for multiple entries, it varies from $50 for under three months, $95 for six months, $135 for 12 months, $145 for two years, and $155 for five years, with the process taking around five working days.
