Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination among billionaires and ultra-wealthy travelers in recent years. In response to this growing interest, the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board has submitted a proposal to the government, suggesting the introduction of three new visa categories designed to attract professionals, artists, and high-net-worth individuals.
The proposed visa options include a golden visa valid for five to ten years, with the possibility of extension beyond the current one to two-year terms. Another proposal is a ten-year investor visa, which would offer a path to permanent residency after five years. A third category, the talent visa, would be valid for five years and come with a simplified renewal process.
These visa programs aim to attract long-term foreign residents, particularly those who contribute meaningfully to Vietnam’s economy, tourism sector, or innovation landscape. The golden visa, in particular, is expected to open up new residency opportunities for professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors looking for a long-term base in Southeast Asia.
The advisory board also recommended launching pilot programs for these visa types in regions such as Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang—locations that offer favorable conditions for international residents and economic development.
Currently, Vietnam offers several DT-class investment visas that require substantial financial commitments and direct business involvement. For instance, a one-year DT4 visa requires an investment of VND 3 billion (around US$120,000), while a five-year DT1 visa demands VND 100 billion (approximately US$4 million). These high thresholds may discourage foreign investors who prefer more flexible or passive investment pathways.
To enhance tourism and attract a broader range of high-value visitors, the Vietnamese government has been encouraging companies to help create more accessible visa policies. This includes exploring visa exemptions for certain nationalities, lowering immigration fees, and improving visa processing systems.
At present, citizens from 30 countries do not need a visa to enter Vietnam. On March 7, visa exemptions were also extended to citizens of 12 additional countries, allowing them to stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days regardless of the reason for travel or type of passport used.
These new visa proposals are expected to provide more opportunities for Indian professionals and Southeast Asian businesses to live and work in Vietnam, potentially strengthening regional ties and economic collaboration.
