Vietnam is on the cusp of introducing a transformative visa policy aimed at attracting long-term visitors, investors, and skilled professionals. While not officially labeled as a Vietnam Digital Nomad Visa, the proposed visa program—currently under consideration—could serve a similar purpose for remote workers and global talent.
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Vietnam Tourist Board Proposed New 10-Year Golden Visa
In April 2025, Vietnam’s Tourism Advisory Board proposed that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh consider introducing a “Golden visa”. The move would bring Vietnam in line with regional peers that already offer long-term stay options for remote workers and professionals—such as Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), or Malaysia’s Digital Nomad Visa (De Rantau).
The Golden Visa is a proposed long-term residency program that would allow eligible foreigners to reside in Vietnam for up to 10 years. This initiative is part of Vietnam’s strategy to boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and enhance its global competitiveness.
Vietnam has long been a favorite among adventurous Western travelers, and in recent years, it has emerged as a prominent destination for digital nomads. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang offer a blend of affordable living, reliable internet, and vibrant cultural experiences, making them ideal for remote work.
Notably, Da Nang has seen a significant increase in its digital nomad population, with a 109% growth reported in 2023 (source: VN Express International).
In March 2025, the coastal city of Da Nang hosted the Vietnam Nomad Fest, a two-week event designed for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and creatives. The festival featured workshops, networking sessions, and wellness activities, highlighting Vietnam’s commitment to fostering a thriving remote work community.
Proposed Visa Categories
The Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) has outlined three main visa categories in its proposal:
- 10-Year Golden Visa: A general long-term visa for individuals seeking extended stays in Vietnam.
- 10-Year Investor Visa: Targeted at foreign investors, this visa offers a pathway to permanent residency after maintaining the investment for five years.
- 5-Year Talent Visa: Designed for skilled professionals, artists, researchers, and innovators, featuring a simplified renewal process.
These visas are intended to be piloted in major cities and tourist hubs such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc.
Unlike the existing DT-class visas, which require significant capital investment and active business involvement, the Golden Visa is likely to aim to be more inclusive, targeting affluent individuals, retirees, and professionals seeking a long-term stay without the stringent investment requirements.
Considerations and Challenges
While the Golden Visa presents numerous advantages, there are considerations to be mindful of:
- Eligibility Criteria: Applicants may need to demonstrate significant assets, stable income, or professional expertise.
- Regulatory Framework: Clear guidelines are necessary to prevent misuse and ensure the program’s integrity.
- Infrastructure Readiness: Ensuring that local infrastructure can support an influx of long-term residents.
Experts have emphasized the importance of setting stringent standards to attract genuine contributors to Vietnam’s economy and society.
Current Visa Alternatives
While Vietnam does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, several existing visa options can accommodate remote workers for temporary stays:
Vietnam E-Visa (Electronic Visa)
As of August 15, 2023, Vietnam grants e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories. These e-visas are valid for up to 90 days and allow for multiple entries, providing flexibility for digital nomads and long-term travelers. The application process is entirely online, and e-visas are accepted at various international airports, land border gates, and sea ports across the country.
Visa Exemptions
Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of certain countries, allowing for short-term stays without the need for a visa:
- 45-day visa exemption: Applicable to citizens of 13 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus.
- 30-day visa exemption: Applicable to citizens of ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, and Cambodia.
Digital Nomad Visa – Implementation Timeline
The “Golden Visa” program is currently in the proposal stage. The government is reviewing the recommendations, and if approved, pilot programs could commence in select cities. No official launch date has been announced yet.
For the latest updates on Vietnam’s Golden Visa and other immigration policies, we’ll continue to update this page as new information becomes available—so be sure to check back regularly!
Note: This article is based on current proposals and available information as of April 2025. Details are subject to change pending official government decisions.
