Viet Nam immigration and visa options in 2026

Viet Nam's system is easiest to understand as separate legal layers: a visa or visa exemption for entry, authorized temporary stay, a temporary residence card where the law permits one, and separate work authorization when the person will work.

Official-source verification: 29 September 2026.

Main decision routes

• Electronic Visa (EV)
• Tourist Visa (DL)
• Business Visa (DN1)
• Commercial Visa (DN2)
• Work Visa (LĐ2) and Work Permit
• Work-Permit-Exempt Employment (LĐ1)
• Investor Visas (ĐT1–ĐT4)
• Study and Internship Visa (DH)
• Family Visa and Residence (TT)
• Family Visit Visa (VR)
• Preferential Visas (UĐ1/UĐ2)
• Permanent Residence
• Specialist and Official Visas

Visa-duration map

The consolidated law currently caps SQ at 30 days; HN, DL and EV at 90 days; VR at 180 days; NG1–NG4, LV1/LV2, ĐT4, DN1/DN2, NN1–NN3, DH, PV1/PV2 and TT at one year; LĐ1/LĐ2 at two years; ĐT3 at three years; and LS, ĐT1, ĐT2, UĐ1/UĐ2 at five years. These are statutory maxima, not guaranteed grants.

Temporary residence cards

Current TRC maxima include 10 years for ĐT1/UĐ1/UĐ2; five years for ĐT2/DH; three years for NN1/NN2/ĐT3/TT; and two years for LĐ1/LĐ2/PV1. Passport validity can shorten the card.

Work authorization is separate

The 2025 foreign-worker decree governs work permits and exemption confirmations. A business, investor, family or entry visa is not automatic permission for local employment.

No digital-nomad or golden visa

ReloTide does not label EV, DN, investment status, property ownership or company formation as a Viet Nam digital-nomad, golden, retirement or property-residence visa. No such general categories appear in the current immigration framework.

Permanent residence is narrow

Permanent residence is limited to specific statutory groups. Investment or long temporary residence alone does not create a general right to permanent residence.

Explore Asia, work visas, methodology, and the legal disclaimer.

Published pathways