Vietnam has announced it will introduce a new 10-year golden visa programme.
The Southeast Asian country is looking to attract long-term residents, investors and professionals from around the world.
It hopes, in turn, that this will bolster Vietnam’s tourism sector and economy.
Here’s everything we know so far about the golden visa.
Vietnam’s new golden visa aims to attract foreign investors
Vietnam is experiencing an economic boom, making it increasingly attractive as a destination for high-net-worth foreigners.
Authorities are looking to capitalise on this with new visas that offer renewable residency to those interested in investing in the country’s tourism sector and economy.
There are three proposed categories, according to news site Financial Express.
The golden visa has a term of 5-10 years, with the possibility of extension. The investor visa has a term of 10 years, with a roadmap to become a permanent resident after 5 years. The ‘Talent Visa’, aimed at highly skilled professionals in rapid growth sectors, has a term of 5 years, with a simple renewal process.
Applications for the visa are expected to be available entirely online, with no requirement for embassy appointments.
Visa procedures for tourists and business travellers on short trips have also been streamlined, simplified and digitised.
Vietnam offers affordability and culture
Beyond investment opportunities, Vietnam is positioning itself as a vibrant and affordable place to live, with quality services.
Major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang are rich in culture and offer international schools and housing options that are attractive to foreigners seeking residency.
Vietnam’s push for tourism expansion
Vietnam hopes the golden visa will contribute to its aim to expand tourism.
More than 7.67 million foreign visitors arrived in the country during the first quarter of 2025, marking a 23.8 per cent year-on-year increase, according to figures from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.
China and South Korea are Vietnam’s biggest tourism markets, followed by Taiwan, the US and Japan.
European markets are growing, thanks partly to Vietnam’s visa exemption policy. The UK recorded a 20.7 per cent increase in visitors, followed by France (24.7 per cent) and Germany (18.8 per cent).
Vietnam’s tourism authority plans to launch numerous promotional campaigns to help reach its aim of welcoming between 22 and 23 million international arrivals this year.
