Whether you’ve fallen in love with the beach life in Da Nang, the street food scene in Saigon, or the charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you might be wondering: “How can I actually stay here longer?” Vietnam offers several visa options depending on your plans—whether you’re working remotely, teaching English, investing, or simply exploring at your own pace. Here’s a practical breakdown of the most relevant visas and who they suit best.
Tourist Visa (DL) – For Short-Term Explorers and Digital Nomads
Best for: New arrivals, remote workers testing the waters, long-term tourists.
Tourist visas are the most common entry point into Vietnam. As of 2024, many nationalities can apply online for an e-visa, valid for up to 90 days, with the option for single or multiple entry.
This visa is perfect if you’re not working for a Vietnamese business and just want to live in the country temporarily while working online or traveling. It doesn’t allow you to work legally for a local employer, but it’s ideal if you’re still figuring out your long-term plans.
You can apply directly here: https://evisa.gov.vn
Business Visa (DN) – For Freelancers, Remote Workers, and Entrepreneurs
Best for: People exploring business opportunities, freelancers with clients abroad, and startup founders.
A Business Visa is meant for those engaging in commercial activities like meetings, market research, or forming partnerships. It’s often used by entrepreneurs and freelancers who aren’t officially employed by a Vietnamese company.
You’ll usually need a local sponsor or visa service to help obtain one. These visas can be valid up to 90 days and, in some cases, are renewable or convertible to a Temporary Residence Card if you later form a company or get a job.
Work Visa (LD) – For Teachers and Expats with Local Jobs
Best for: English teachers, foreign employees, NGO workers, and corporate staff.
If you have a job lined up with a Vietnamese company, this is your route. To get a work visa, your employer must sponsor you and obtain a work permit. Once that’s done, you can apply for a work visa valid for up to two years.
There are two categories:
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LD1: For those who are exempt from needing a work permit (usually internal company transfers).
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LD2: For foreign workers who require a work permit.
This visa can lead to a Temporary Residence Card, which allows you to stay long-term without frequent renewals.
Investor Visa (DT) – For Business Owners and Startup Founders
Best for: Foreigners starting or investing in Vietnamese companies.
Vietnam welcomes foreign investment and offers a range of investor visas based on the amount you invest:
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DT1: Over VND 100 billion (around $4.1 million) or in strategic sectors – valid for 5 years.
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DT2: VND 50–100 billion – valid for 5 years.
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DT3: VND 3–50 billion – valid for 3 years.
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DT4: Less than VND 3 billion – valid for 12 months.
Many digital nomads and remote workers use this path by opening a small Vietnamese company, even with relatively modest investment. It’s one of the more stable ways to obtain long-term residency if you’re not employed locally.
Dependent Visa (TT) – For Families of Expats
Best for: Spouses and children of foreign nationals working or investing in Vietnam.
The TT visa is available for immediate family members of foreigners holding valid work, business, or investor visas. It allows stays of up to 12 months and can be renewed.
It doesn’t allow the visa holder to work but offers a legal way for families to stay together. This is commonly used by spouses of teachers, business owners, or employees.
Student Visa (DH) – For Educational Purposes
Best for: Students enrolled in Vietnamese universities or language programs.
This visa is usually issued after arrival in Vietnam. You enter on a tourist visa, then once you’re enrolled in an accredited program, the school will help you convert it to a student visa.
It’s a good option if you’re interested in learning Vietnamese, studying local culture, or doing academic work in Vietnam.
Visa Exemption Certificate – For Overseas Vietnamese and Their Families
Best for: People with Vietnamese heritage or spouses/children of Vietnamese citizens.
If you or your spouse is of Vietnamese descent, you may be eligible for a 5-year visa exemption certificate. It allows multiple entries and stays of up to 180 days per visit. This is one of the most flexible options for long-term stays if you qualify.
More info here: https://vietnamembassy-usa.org/consular/visa-exemption
Temporary Residence Card (TRC) – Long-Term Stability
Best for: People with legal work, business, or dependent visas.
If you’re in Vietnam on a qualifying visa (work, investor, or family), you can apply for a Temporary Residence Card. A TRC lets you stay without needing regular visa renewals or exits and can be valid from one to five years.
It also simplifies life: You can open a bank account, register a vehicle, get a local phone number, and sign leases more easily.
Visa Runs – Still Possible, But More Regulated
A visa run is when you leave Vietnam to reset your visa and re-enter with a fresh one. Before the pandemic, this was a popular method for long-term travelers using tourist visas. While things are more regulated now, visa runs are still an option—especially if you’re on a tourist visa with a 90-day limit and want to reapply.
Common destinations for visa runs include:
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Singapore
Here’s how it typically works:
- Book a roundtrip ticket to a nearby country.
- Leave before your current visa expires.
- While abroad, apply for a new e-visa via https://evisa.gov.vn.
- Return once your new visa is approved.
Always check for the most current rules, as visa policies are subject to change. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, entry bans, or denial of future visas, so always stay ahead of your expiration date.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam remains one of the most welcoming places in Southeast Asia for expats and long-term travelers, but understanding your visa options is crucial. Whether you’re just getting started, running a business, or planning to settle down, there’s a legal pathway that fits your situation.
If you’re unsure which visa is best for you, local immigration agents in Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City can help walk you through the process.
