Vietnam has officially rolled out the first phase of its long-anticipated golden visa initiative: a five-year, multiple-entry talent visa designed to attract high-level professionals across academia, technology, arts, business, and culture.
The launch marks a significant shift in Vietnam’s long-term residency strategy and comes as the government pushes toward ambitious tourism and economic targets.
Vietnam New Golden Visa Framework
Announced in early 2025, Vietnam’s three-part golden visa program is intended to boost tourism, attract skilled workers, and incentivize global investment. The full package will ultimately include:
- A general golden visa is valid for 5–10 years
- A 10-year investor visa
- A five-year visa exemption card for top-tier professionals — the first to launch
While “golden visas” in other countries usually revolve around investment thresholds, Vietnam’s talent visa looks more like a digital-nomad–hybrid permit that prioritizes expertise over financial contribution.
The 5-Year Talent Visa: Who Is Eligible?
Officially implemented on August 15, 2025, the talent visa (Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CP) targets professionals who demonstrate exceptional skill, leadership, or global influence in their respective fields.
Key Eligibility Groups
Academia & Science
Vietnam is opening its doors to globally recognized researchers, professors, scientists, and experts. The goal is to strengthen the country’s research institutions and universities through international collaboration.
Key considerations:
- No minimum salary requirement
- No explicit remote-work or domestic employment rules have been clarified yet
- Professionals may still need to apply through legal offices for documentation support
Business & Investment Leaders
Executives, founders, and senior leaders of major companies also qualify — aligning with Vietnam’s ambition to boost innovation and global corporate presence.
Key considerations:
- Multiple-entry access for 5 years
- Ability to stay up to 90 days per entry
Culture, Arts & Sports Figures
Vietnam is actively recruiting internationally recognized creators, athletes, and cultural influencers to elevate its soft-power footprint.
Key considerations:
- Must demonstrate a recognized positive public influence
- Invitations may come through cultural organizations or ministries
Invited Guests of Institutions
Professionals invited by universities, research institutions, and large enterprises approved by Vietnam’s ministries also qualify.
Key considerations:
- Must receive official approval from relevant government bodies
- Visa tied to the purpose of visit or collaboration
Once approved, applicants receive a special visa exemption card valid for 5 years, allowing repeat entry as long as their passport remains valid at least 30 days beyond the exemption period.
Status of the 10-Year Investor Visa
While the talent visa is active, Vietnam’s 10-year investor visa is still pending government approval. According to industry experts, the earliest likely launch is sometime after 2026.
For now, investors can apply under the existing Investor Visa DT, which has four tiers:
- Invest < $114,733: 1-year visa
- Top tier ≥ $3.8 million: Up to 5-year visa
The upcoming investor-focused golden visa will allow a path to permanent residency after five years, significantly elevating Vietnam’s long-term residency appeal.
Why Vietnam Is Expanding Its Long-Term Visa Programs
Vietnam is among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies — transforming from one of the world’s poorest countries to a middle-income economy within one generation. The government now aims to:
- Reach 23 million international tourists in 2025
- Transition into a high-income nation by 2045
- Compete with Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia for long-term foreign residents and investors
Long-term visas are becoming more common across Asia, while Europe is tightening similar programs. Malta and Spain recently ended their golden visa schemes due to overwhelming demand, and Portugal and Greece have raised investment thresholds.
Vietnam, meanwhile, is moving in the opposite direction — betting on skilled workers and global investment to fuel its rapid economic rise.
Bottom Line
Vietnam’s new 5-year talent visa is a strategic step toward reshaping the nation’s long-term residency landscape.
Prioritizing skills over financial investment, the program positions Vietnam as a rising magnet for academics, innovators, executives, and creators.
With the investor visa still on the horizon and tourism goals accelerating, Vietnam is making a clear, future-focused bid to become one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for global talent.
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