Vietnam investor visas provide essential pathways for foreign investors seeking to establish business operations in the country. The most significant type is the DT4 visa, granted to investors with capital contributions below 3 billion VND (approximately $70,000 USD), valid for 12 months.
To qualify for this investor visa, applicants need a valid passport, sponsorship from a Vietnamese agency, investor documentation such as Investment Registration Certificates and must not be subject to entry restrictions. The application process varies depending on whether you’re applying from inside or outside Vietnam. Unlike some countries, Vietnam does not currently offer a golden visa or citizenship by investment program, though regulatory changes may occur in the future.
This comprehensive guide explores the complete application process, types of investor visas available, specific eligibility requirements, application procedures, processing times, and associated fees. We’ll also address common questions and provide information about professional visa assistance services to streamline your investment journey in Vietnam.
Need expert assistance with your Vietnam investment journey? Our premium Vietnam investors service can guide you through every step of the process. Contact our visa experts today for personalized support!
What is a Vietnam investor visa?
An investor visa (also called a DT visa) is a special visa for foreigners who invest money in Vietnamese companies. With this visa, you can legally stay in Vietnam while managing your business. Investment visas let you stay longer than regular business visas and give you more rights to do business activities.
The DT4 visa Vietnam option is particularly popular among small-scale investors who are just beginning their business journey in Vietnam. Investor visas are for foreigners who put money into existing Vietnamese companies or start new businesses in Vietnam. If you invest less than VND 3 billion, you can get a visa valid for up to 12 months. If you invest more than VND 3 billion, you can get a temporary residence card valid for up to 10 years, which is better for long-term business plans.
Vietnam created these visas to attract foreign money and help international business relationships, which helps the country’s economy grow. For first-time investors, you might also want to consider the Vietnam investor e-visa as a convenient digital option to begin your investor journey in Vietnam.
4 types of Vietnam investor visas for foreign investors
Vietnam has four main types of investment visas and temporary residence cards. The type you can get depends on how much money you invest. This system makes sure all investors, big or small, can find a visa that works for them.
| Visa/Card type | Duration | Who can apply | How much you need to invest |
| DT1 temporary residence card | Up to 10 years | Foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations with invested capital of 100 billion VND or more; or investments in government-designated priority sectors and preferred investment locations | ≥ 100 billion VND |
| DT2 temporary residence card | Up to 5 years | Foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations with invested capital from 50 billion VND to under 100 billion VND or investments in government-designated investment-encouraged sectors | 50 billion VND – 100 billion VND |
| DT3 temporary residence card | Up to 3 years | Foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations with invested capital from 3 billion VND to under 50 billion VND | 3 billion VND – 50 billion VND |
| DT4 investor visa | Up to 12 months | Foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations with invested capital under 3 billion VND | Under 3 billion VND |
The DT4 visa Vietnam is the most common type for foreigners just starting to invest in Vietnam. This visa works well for people with smaller investments but still gives them legal status to operate their business. For bigger investments, the temporary residence cards (DT1, DT2, DT3) let you stay longer without needing to renew your visa often.
Important: People from China or those investing less than VND 3 billion can only get DT4 visas with a maximum stay of 12 months.
Vietnam investor visa requirements – What you need to know
To get an investor visa in Vietnam, you must meet certain requirements that show you are a real investor. These rules make sure visa holders are actually investing in Vietnam’s economy.
Main requirements for an investor visa
- A passport that is valid for at least six more months
- Proof that you are an investor, which can be:
- Business registration certificate/investment license
- Certificate showing your capital contribution or shares in a Vietnamese company
- Other documents proving you are a foreign investor according to Vietnamese laws
Four main ways to become an investor in Vietnam
- Buy shares in an existing Vietnamese company: This lets you participate in managing the business operations of that company.
- Contribute money to a limited liability company (LLC): This gives you rights and responsibilities in the company’s management and business decisions.
- Put money in to establish a new company: This creates a completely new business that you can structure according to what you want.
- Set up your own new company: This gives you full rights and independence in managing and operating your business in Vietnam.
These requirements check your identity and credibility as a foreign investor, while making sure you follow all legal rules in Vietnam’s business and investment laws.
>>> Remember: When preparing your application, be sure to check the Vietnam visa photo requirements to ensure your documents are correctly prepared and avoid unnecessary delays.
Vietnam investor visa application procedures for foreigners
The way you apply for an investor visa depends on where you are. There are different steps if you are outside Vietnam or already in Vietnam. Our Vietnam investors service specialists have assisted thousands of foreign investors with both processes.
Application guide for foreign investors outside Vietnam
Step 1. Apply for entry approval letter
To get an investor visa, you first need an entry approval letter. You can now apply online through the government’s website. The sponsoring company needs to register for an online account, which replaces these documents:
- Certified copy of business registration certificate
- Company’s signature and seal form (NA16)
After creating an account, the company can apply for your entry approval letter online. These documents are needed:
- Entry application form for foreigners (NA2 form)
- Copy of your passport
- Introduction letter for the person submitting the application
- Work schedule
- Application explanation letter
- Commitment letter
Fill in all information, submit the documents, and “sign the declaration” to complete the application. It usually takes 7-10 working days to process and you can check your application status online.
Alternatively, you can use a Vietnam invitation letter service to simplify this process, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Vietnam’s bureaucratic procedures.
Struggling with the entry approval process? Our Vietnam investors service team can handle this complex step for you, ensuring faster processing. Get help now!
Step 2. Prepare documents and get visa stamped
When approved, print the entry approval letter and attach it with other required documents. You can get your investor visa stamped in two ways:
At Vietnamese Embassies/Consulates in your country
Besides the printed entry approval letter, you need:
- Vietnam visa application form
- Your original passport
- Your photo
- Money for the visa fee
- Other documents the Embassy/Consulate may ask for
Submit your application in person or by mail as instructed. When your visa is approved, pay the fee to get the visa stamped in your passport. Then you can use it to enter Vietnam and work at the sponsoring company.
At Vietnam international airports
Similar to the Embassy process, you need:
- Printed entry approval letter
- Completed NA1 form
- Two 4×6cm photos
- Your original passport valid for at least 6 months
When you arrive at the airport, go to the visa counter to show your documents and pay the visa fee. It costs USD 25 for a 3-month single-entry visa or USD 50 for a 3-month multiple-entry visa. Many business travelers opt for the visa on arrival option as it can be more convenient for those with busy schedules.
Application procedure for foreign investors in Vietnam
The sponsoring company for foreign investors wanting a DT4 visa Vietnam must prepare:
- Certified copy of business registration certificate or investment certificate
- Company’s signature and seal form (NA16)
- Certified copy of investment certificate and capital contribution documents
- Your original passport and current valid visa/temporary residence card
- Latest quarterly tax report (if asked)
A company representative will submit these documents to the Immigration Department in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang.
Where to submit foreign investor visa applications?
Submission locations for Vietnam investor visa applications depend on whether the foreign investor is currently in Vietnam or abroad.
- In Vietnam
- Outside Vietnam
- Submit investor visa applications to the Vietnam Immigration Department
- Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office: 337 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Hanoi Immigration Office: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
If you are outside Vietnam, you can submit applications at:
- Vietnamese Embassies or Consulates in your country
- Airports when you enter Vietnam (after getting an entry approval letter)
You will get your investment visa from the Immigration Department in the province or city where your company operates.
Vietnam investor visa processing time
How long it takes to get your investor visa depends on how and where you apply:
- Entry approval letter: Usually 7-10 days after applying online
- Visa stamping at airports or embassies: Usually 2-3 hours, but might take longer if there are many people applying or during weekends and holidays
- Visa processing by Vietnam’s Immigration Department: 5 working days after submitting all required documents
- DT4 visa Vietnam processing can sometimes be expedited with proper documentation
It’s best to start the visa application process at least 30 days before you plan to start working in Vietnam. When your company submits your application, the receipt will tell you exactly when you can pick up your visa.
>>> If you’re arriving at Ho Chi Minh City and want to avoid long immigration queues, consider using the fast track Saigon airport service to expedite your entry process, especially during peak travel seasons when airports can be particularly crowded.
Vietnam investor visa fees – Latest updates
Investor visa stamping fees are determined by the duration of stay in Vietnam rather than by visa category markings.
| Duration | Entry type | Fee |
| 90 days | Single entry | 25 USD |
| 90 days | Multiple entry | 50 USD |
| 90 – 180 days | Multiple entry | 95 USD |
| 6 month – 1 year | Multiple entry | 135 USD |
| 1 – 2 years | Multiple entry | 145 USD |
| 2 – 5 years | Multiple entry | 155 USD |
These prices are for getting your DT4 visa Vietnam at Vietnam’s airports and are the official government fees for all countries according to Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC. Fees at embassies in different countries might be different depending on your nationality.
Frequently asked questions about Vietnam investor visa
Can I extend my investor visa?
Is an investor visa available for foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam?
If a company director holds a DT4 visa, can they apply for TT visas for their spouse/children?
Professional Vietnam investor visa services by VisaNow
VisaNow offers premium Vietnam investor visa service to help foreigners get investor visas quickly and efficiently. Every year, we help over 5,000 foreigners and more than 1,000 businesses in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An get DT4 visa in Vietnam. Our team speaks multiple languages and supports clients through the whole process.
Why choose VisaNow for your Vietnam investor visa service?
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