Introduction

Vietnam’s Golden Visa program is strategically designed to attract foreign investors and skilled professionals to live and work long‑term in Vietnam. By offering extended residency rights and access to many privileges akin to those of citizens, this program aims not only to draw in direct investment capital but also to leverage expertise and technical skills for domestic economic and technological development. For Golden Visa holders, understanding the conditions for maintaining their residency status—including the renewal process—is crucial to ensure legal compliance while maximizing benefits in terms of residency rights, business opportunities, and long‑term integration in Vietnam.

See also: How Foreigners Enter Vietnam via E‑Visa

1. Key Features

• Validity: From 1 to 5 years, depending on investment category and capital amount (pursuant to Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit and Residence)
• Renewal: Upon visa expiry, a new visa may be issued under Clause 7, Article 9 of that Law
• Multiple Entry: Unlimited entries and exits during the visa’s validity
• Additional Benefits:
  
  • Exemption from or simplified work permit requirements in certain cases (Labor Code 2019, Article 154)
  • Sponsorship for spouse and children under 18 to receive TT‑type visas (Clause 18, Article 8 of the Law on Entry, Exit and Residence of Foreigners)

2. Investor Visa Categories

3. Temporary Residence Card Issuance Procedure

Golden Visa holders must prepare a complete dossier and follow the procedure below:

1. Application

The dossier for applying for a Temporary Residence Card is stipulated in Article 38 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners, and includes:
a) A written request from the inviting or sponsoring agency, organization, or individual;
b) The completed application form for a Temporary Residence Card, with photo affixed;
c) Passport;
d) Documents proving that the foreign investor entered Vietnam on a ĐT1, ĐT2, or ĐT3 visa.

2. Processing of Temporary Residence Card Application

a) Foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, or other authorized foreign entities in Vietnam submit NG3‑type Temporary Residence Card applications to the competent body of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
b) Inviting or sponsoring agencies, organizations, or individuals submit applications directly for cases under point b, clause 1, Article 36 of this Law to the Immigration Authority where the sponsor’s headquarters or residence is located;
c) Within 5 working days from the date of receipt of a complete dossier, the Immigration Authority or the competent body of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall review and issue the Temporary Residence Card.

3. Temporary Residence Validity:

As specifically provided in Article 38 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners:

• The validity of the Temporary Residence Card must be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the passport.
• A ĐT1‑type card may be valid for up to 10 years.
• A ĐT2‑type card may be valid for up to 5 years.
• A ĐT3‑type card may be valid for up to 3 years.
• Expired Temporary Residence Cards may be reissued.

4. Competent Authorities

As provided in Articles 46–52 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners:

• Ministry of Public Security
  
  • Issues all types of visas and Temporary Residence Cards (Article 47 of Law 47/2014/QH13).
  • Promulgates and updates forms NA5 (visa) and NA7 (Temporary Residence Card); controls entry/exit at border gates.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  
  • Issues, amends, supplements, or cancels visas at Vietnam’s overseas missions.
  • Renews Temporary Residence Cards (via consulates/embassies) upon request and as provided by law.
• Ministry of National Defense
  
  • Issues, amends, cancels visas and grants residence certificates at military‑controlled checkpoints.
• People’s Committees (Provincial/City and Communal/Ward levels)
  
  • Manage and register temporary residence; certify residence status for Temporary Residence Card dossiers.
  • Inspect and handle violations of residence and entry/exit regulations locally.

4. Pathway to Permanent Residence

Foreigners holding a Golden Visa—a long‑term investor visa—may apply for permanent residence in Vietnam after a continuous period of residence and investment. Being granted permanent residence allows them to reside long‑term without periodic visa renewals and to enjoy certain citizen‑equivalent rights in residence, investment, and employment.

1. Eligibility Conditions for Permanent Residence

Under Articles 39 and 40 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners, a foreigner may be granted permanent residence if they meet one of the following:
a. Awarded a Vietnamese state order or honorary title for contributions to Vietnam’s development and defense;
b. Scientist or expert currently holding a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam;
c. Sponsored by a parent, spouse, or child who is a Vietnamese citizen with permanent residence;
d. Stateless persons who have continuously resided in Vietnam since before 2000.

Conditions for Consideration

• General: Must have legal accommodation and stable income to ensure living standards in Vietnam.
• For scientists/experts: A recommendation from the relevant Minister or head of a ministerial‑level agency is required.
• For sponsored foreigners: Must have continuously resided in Vietnam for at least 3 years.

2. Dossier and Procedure

Applicants prepare their dossier under Article 41 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners and submit it to the Immigration Authority. The dossier includes:

• Permanent residence application form;
• Criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority of their home country;
• Diplomatic note from their home country’s mission requesting permanent residence in Vietnam;
• Certified copy of passport;
• Documents proving eligibility under Article 40;
• (For sponsored cases) Sponsorship letter.

Processing Time by the Ministry of Public Security:

• Up to 4 months from the date of receipt of a complete, valid dossier;
• May be extended by up to 2 months if additional verification is required.

Notification:

• The Immigration Authority notifies the applicant and the provincial/city police in writing of the decision.
• Within 5 working days of receiving this notification, the local police inform the foreigner of the outcome.

Card Collection:

• Within 3 months of receiving the approval notification, the foreigner must collect their Permanent Residence Card from the Immigration Authority of the respective province or city

See more articles: Guide to Applying for a Vietnam Business Visa: Requirements & Procedures in 2025

For expert assistance with Golden Visa renewal or Permanent Residence applications, please contact the legal specialists at Harley Miller Law Firm.