Investor Visa (DT1-DT4)

Vietnam's Investor Visa (thi thuc DT) is a long-term visa for foreign nationals who invest capital in Vietnamese enterprises. The program uses a four-tier system based on capital contribution, with higher investment unlocking longer visa durations and Temporary Residence Card eligibility. Investors holding DT1, DT2, or DT3 visas can apply for residence cards valid up to 10, 5, or 3 years respectively, allowing multiple entries without separate renewals. Foreign investors with capital contributions of VND 3 billion or more are also exempt from work permit requirements.

• Capital contribution to a Vietnamese enterprise, verified under the Law on Investment
• Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
• Investment Registration Certificate or Business Registration Certificate showing the capital contribution
• Sponsorship by a Vietnamese company or organization (investors cannot apply directly)
• No entry bans, criminal convictions for serious offences, or national security concerns

The visa category depends on the amount of capital contributed:

• DT1 — VND 100 billion or more, or investment in specially incentivized sectors/regions. Visa up to 5 years; Temporary Residence Card up to 10 years
• DT2 — VND 50 billion to under VND 100 billion, or investment in development-promoted sectors. Visa up to 5 years; Temporary Residence Card up to 5 years
• DT3 — VND 3 billion to under VND 50 billion. Visa up to 3 years; Temporary Residence Card up to 3 years
• DT4 — Under VND 3 billion. Visa up to 12 months; not eligible for Temporary Residence Card

Investment must be in sectors open to foreign investors as defined by Vietnamese law. Certain sectors are restricted or prohibited for foreign investment.

• Form NA2 (for foreigners outside Vietnam) or Form NA5 (for foreigners already in Vietnam)
• Form NA16 (registration of seal and signature of sponsor company's legal representative)
• Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
• Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate or Investment Registration Certificate showing capital contribution
• Certificate of seal specimen registration of the sponsor company
• For Temporary Residence Card: written request from inviting agency, declaration form with photograph, passport, and investment documentation

Visa duration ranges from 12 months (DT4) to 5 years (DT1/DT2). DT1-DT3 holders can apply for Temporary Residence Cards granting longer stays with multiple-entry privileges. Residence cards can be renewed by submitting a new application with updated investment documentation before expiry. DT4 holders must renew their visa annually.

Spouses and children under 18 may apply for TT (family visit) visas. TT visa holders can then apply for Temporary Residence Cards valid up to 3 years, provided they meet eligibility conditions. Each family member must submit their own documentation including passport, declaration form, and proof of family relationship.

Foreigners residing in Vietnam for 183 days or more in a calendar year are considered tax residents and subject to personal income tax on worldwide income at progressive rates from 5% to 35%. Non-residents are taxed at a flat 20% on Vietnam-sourced employment income. Vietnam has double taxation agreements with over 80 countries.

The investor does not apply directly. A Vietnamese sponsoring company or organization submits the application to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security, with offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, or through provincial police departments. Online applications can also be submitted via the National Portal on Immigration.

Upon approval, the Immigration Department issues a visa approval letter. The investor presents this at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate abroad to receive the visa stamp, or uses it for visa issuance at the border gate. Foreigners already in Vietnam on another visa type may be able to change their visa purpose to DT.

Processing time: 5 working days for standard processing; 3 working days for border gate issuance; 12 hours for urgent cases. Temporary Residence Card processing takes 5 working days.

Fees: Visa fees range from USD 25 (single entry) to USD 160 (multiple entry over 2-5 years). Temporary Residence Card fees range from USD 145 (up to 2 years) to USD 165 (over 5-10 years).

Investors may manage and oversee their investment in Vietnam. Those who are owners or capital contributors of a limited liability company with capital of VND 3 billion or more, or chairpersons/board members of a joint-stock company, are exempt from work permit requirements. DT4 investors (under VND 3 billion) may still need a separate work permit for employment activities.

Foreign investors must register temporary residence upon each arrival in Vietnam. Hotels register guests automatically; those staying in private accommodation must register at the local police station. Overstay penalties are significant — fines range from VND 500,000 to VND 40 million depending on duration, and overstays of 16 days or more may result in deportation and entry bans of 1-3 years.