Vietnam Golden Visa Targets Indians

To lure foreign talent and capital, Vietnam has introduced a 10-year Golden Visa program, specifically targeting Indian investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs. This visa not only offers long-term residency but also access to quality healthcare, education, and a stable Southeast Asian economy. Here's what it means for Indians exploring global mobility, diversification, or second residency options:

The Vietnam Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residency permit aimed at:

High-net-worth individuals (HNIs), skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and foreign investors. Unlike standard visas, this long-term residency eliminates frequent renewals and grants access to economic, educational, and healthcare benefits in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s focus on Indians is strategic due to:

• Rising Indian outbound investments and migration for business and education

• More affordable lifestyle compared to Western nations

• Strategic Indo-Vietnam relations

• An increasing number of Indians seeking alternative residency options

The visa is available for several categories, including:

• Investors: Those making qualifying investments in Vietnamese businesses or real estate

• Professionals: Particularly in sectors like IT, education, and healthcare

• Business owners and entrepreneurs

• High-income earners with demonstrated financial capacity

"Unlike the current DT visa system, which ties foreign investors to specific business operations and high capital thresholds, the proposed Golden Visa would offer options for passive investment and skilled foreign talent. If approved, the program would signify a major shift in Vietnam’s approach to residency and economic migration," stated Savory & Partners, a Dubai-based consultancy firm assisting investors in obtaining citizenship & residency by investment. The proposal outlines three distinct visa options:

• 10-Year Golden Visa for qualifying foreign residents

• 10-Year Investor Visa with a pathway to permanent residency after five years, provided the investment is maintained

• 5-Year Talent Visa for skilled individuals, featuring simplified renewal procedures

• The board has proposed pilot programs in tourism and economic hubs like Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

This initiative arises amid increasing pressure to modernize visa policies and remain competitive as neighboring countries expand their investor migration offerings. Currently, Vietnam offers DT-class visas (from DT1 to DT4) for business-related stays, which have stringent requirements: A one-year DT4 visa requires a direct capital investment of at least VND 3 billion, approximately (US$120,000). A five-year DT1 visa demands a substantial investment of VND 100 billion, or (US$4 million). These options suit major investors but are too restrictive for individuals interested in passive investment, remote work, or retirement in Vietnam. The new Golden Visa proposal aims to address this gap.

While the government has not specified a minimum investment yet, the Golden Visa is expected to:

 Offer 10-year residence for investors, entrepreneurs, or skilled professionals

 Eliminate the need to establish a business in Vietnam

 Facilitate long-term stays without bureaucratic renewal issues

 Provide residency access to digital nomads, retirees, and passive investors

 Be piloted in key locations like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc

Currently, obtaining permanent residency in Vietnam requires at least three years of continuous stay and five years before naturalization. Proficiency in Vietnamese and renouncing original citizenship are also necessary—a dealbreaker for many. The proposed Golden Visa could bypass most of these requirements, offering a more streamlined path.

Vietnam has waived visas for citizens of 12 countries—Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland—for travel between March 15, 2025, and March 14, 2028.

As of March 1, 2025, the waiver also applies to visitors from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, and will remain effective until December 31, 2025. Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam has issued e-visas to nationals from all countries and territories. Previously, the e-visa facility was available to 80 countries, including India, since July 1, 2020. Visitors holding e-visas may enter through eight international airports, 16 land border checkpoints, and 13 sea ports.