Vietnam is set to become a more attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and global investors, as the country’s Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) has proposed three new long-term visa categories aimed at boosting tourism and economic growth.
According to a letter submitted by TAB to the Vietnamese government, the proposed visa types include a Golden Visa valid for 5–10 years with the possibility of renewal; an Investor Visa with a 10-year validity and a pathway to permanent residency after five years; and a Talent Visa valid for five years, featuring a simplified renewal process.
The initiative comes amid a growing trend of billionaires and ultra-wealthy individuals choosing Vietnam for luxury travel. As per The Financial Express, the new visa categories are designed to make it easier for long-term tourists, foreign professionals, and investors to live and work in the country, an effort that aligns with the government’s broader push to enhance Vietnam’s global appeal as a destination for tourism and business.
Vietnam’s current investor visa system, which includes DT1 to DT4 visa classes, is seen as restrictive by many foreign investors due to high financial thresholds and the need for active business involvement. For instance, a one-year DT4 visa requires an investment of VND 3 billion (approx. USD 120,000), while a five-year DT1 visa demands VND 100 billion (approx. USD 4 million).
To test the new visa categories, TAB has recommended pilot programs in key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and the island of Phu Quoc, which already attract a significant share of international visitors.
The Vietnamese government is also working on other tourism-friendly policies, including visa exemptions for key markets, improved immigration procedures, and reduced entry costs. As of now, Vietnam exempts visas for citizens from 30 countries and recently extended 45-day visa-free stays for nationals from 12 additional countries.
The proposed golden visa is expected to open new doors for Indian professionals and Southeast Asian businesses seeking longer-term residency and business opportunities in Vietnam.
