Vietnam is preparing to roll out a 10-year golden visa program aimed at attracting wealthy investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. The initiative is part of the country’s broader push to boost foreign investment, grow tourism, and strengthen its position as an emerging financial and travel hub in Asia.
What Is a Golden Visa?
Unlike golden passport programs that offer immediate citizenship, golden visas typically grant long-term residency—potentially leading to citizenship after several years. Many European countries have been scaling back such programs, but Vietnam joins a growing list of Asian nations—like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia—offering extended-stay options to foreigners.
Why Vietnam?
Vietnam saw 17.6 million international arrivals in 2024, and it’s targeting 23 million in 2025. To compete with neighbors like Thailand (aiming for 40 million tourists) and Malaysia (which previously welcomed over 26 million), Vietnam is expanding its visa options.
Though the country offers visa-free travel to 30 countries (compared to Thailand’s 93 and Malaysia’s 158), it has recently taken steps to improve access, such as extending visa-free stays and exemptions for key markets like Japan, South Korea, Poland, and Switzerland.
Early 2025 tourism data shows strong momentum, with over 7.67 million international arrivals in Q1 alone—a record-breaking quarter.
Proposed Golden Visa Types
The Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board is recommending three main visa categories:
Standard Golden Visa: 5 to 10 years of residency, with extension options
Investor Visa: 10-year stay, with potential residency after 5 years
Talent Visa: A 5-year stay aimed at attracting highly skilled professionalsWhat’s Next?
Exact eligibility criteria and application details haven’t been finalized, but the government plans to pilot the program in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. The application process is expected to be fully digital.
Vietnam’s golden visa is poised to attract global talent and investment while offering foreigners a unique opportunity to live long-term in one of Asia’s most captivating destinations.
