Thanks to Vietnam’s fast-growing economy and abundant labor force, the country is considered as a promised land for investors to establish and develop their businesses. Therefore, all information related to the issuance of the Vietnam investor visa (also called “DT visa” or “investment visa”) is increasingly relevant.
In this guide, we will present you with all the information about the Vietnam investor visa that you need to know.
If you want to learn more about other visa options or the temporary residence card in Vietnam, check out our Guides section.
Table of Contents
1, Basic information about the Vietnam investor visa
1.1, What is a Vietnam investor visa?
Vietnam investor visa (official code is “DT”) is a type of visa granted to foreign investors contributing capital to companies or industries in Vietnam.
1.2, Types of Vietnam investor visa
DT1: for foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam, with a total investment capital of VND 100 billion ($4.35 million) minimum, or investing into sectors and professions with incentives and geographical areas with priorities decided by the government. The validity duration of this type of visa is up to 5 years.
DT2: for foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam, with a total investment capital of between VND 50 billion and VND 100 billion ($2.15 – 4.4 million), or investing into sectors and professions with encouragement decided by the Vietnamese Government. The validity duration of this type of visa is 5 years maximum.
DT3: to be granted to foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam, with a capital contribution of between VND 3 billion and VND 50 billion ($132,000 – 2.3 million). The validity duration of this type of visa is up to 3 years.
DT4: to be issued to foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam, with a total investment capital of less than VND 3 billion ($132,000). The validity duration of this type of visa is 12 months maximum.
Note: holders of a DT1, DT2, or DT3 are allowed to sponsor their children and spouse to acquire Vietnam TT visas. They can extend their visa by completing the visa extension procedures.
1.3, Comparison between Vietnam business visa and Vietnam investor visa
1.3.1, Purposes of Vietnam business visa and Vietnam investor visa
- Vietnam business visas are issued to foreigners entering the country with business objectives
- Vietnam investor visa is granted to foreigners investing in the country
1.3.2, Validity period of Vietnam business visa and Vietnam investor visa
- Vietnam business visa is valid for 12 months maximum
- Vietnam investor visa is valid for 5 years maximum
2, Preparations for application dossier for the Vietnam investor visa
2.1, Obtaining a Vietnam investor visa from foreign countries
People who are living in their home countries outside of Vietnam desiring to acquire a Vietnam investor visa, eligible applicants must comply with all the necessary formalities below and directly apply at the nearest Consulate or Embassy.
Step 1: Preparing required documents for Vietnam investor visa
- Original valid passport
- Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate/Investment Registration Certificate
- A seal registration certificate or notice of publication of information about the enterprise’s seal sample on the national business registration portal
- Form NA5 – application for Vietnam investor visa
- Form NA16 – Registration form for the seal and signature of the legal representative of the enterprise operating in the country
- Form NA2 with barcode – Request for pre-clearance of foreigners’ entry into Vietnam.
- Temporary residence registration form as prescribed
- Proof of legal status as stipulated by Vietnam’s law
Step 2: Submitting the dossier of Vietnam DT visa
The dossiers of the Vietnam DT visa will be submitted to the office of the Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Hanoi by your company, or your agent.
Commonly, Vietnam DT visa applications are processed within 5-7 working days, after which your company or your agent will receive a visa approval letter that serves as the basis for the foreign investor to obtain a Vietnam investor visa stamp.
Finally, the scan of the letter will be sent to investors via email.
Step 3: Obtaining the Vietnam investor visa stamp
To obtain a visa stamp for Vietnam entry, investors must prepare required documents including:
- Original valid passport as stipulated by Vietnam law
- Copy of the Vietnam visa approval letter
- 02 passport images in 4*6cm size in white background
- Form of Vietnamese visa application
Foreign investors will present themselves at the arrival section of the Vietnamese airport, the Vietnamese Consulate, or the Vietnamese Embassy for a visa stamp according to the location information declared on the NA2 form. After that, foreign investors will be allowed to enter the country with this visa.
2.2, Obtaining a Vietnam investor visa in Vietnam
In case investors are already in the country, they can directly submit the dossiers of DT visa application to the nearest office of the Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, or Hanoi.
Step 1: Preparing required dossiers of DT visa application
To apply for the Vietnam DT visa, investors must prepare the following documents:
- Original valid passport
- Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate/ Investment Registration Certificate.
- A seal registration certificate or notice of publication of information about the enterprise’s seal sample on the national business registration portal
- Form NA5 – Application for a visa, visa extension, extension of stay for foreigners in Vietnam.
- Form NA16 – Registration form for the seal and signature of the legal representative of the enterprise operating in the country
- Temporary residence registration form as prescribed by Vietnam’s Law
- Proof of legal status as stipulated by Vietnam’s Law
Step 2: Submitting the dossiers of DT visa application
The dossiers of DT application must be submitted to the Immigration Management sections of the police offices of the cities/ provinces where investors’ enterprises are located, or the Office of Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Hanoi.
Step 3: Obtaining the Vietnam investor visa
Commonly, the Vietnam investor visa stamped on the passport will be granted after 5 working days from the time investors submit their dossiers.
Talk to us
Whether you’re looking to enter Vietnam, or have been operating there for years, it’s important to work with a partner on the ground who knows the culture, law, policy, or potentials and can help you avoid any unwanted mistakes and navigate the minefields.
Get in touch with Bizspective to discuss how we can help to take your Vietnam business to the next stage.
