Vietnam visa FAQ

Vietnam visa questions, answered for 2025–2026.

Requirements by country, the 90-day e-visa step by step, and temporary residence card rules — 71 practical answers for travellers planning a trip to Vietnam.

Vietnam visa requirementsVietnam e-visa guideTemporary residence card

Vietnam visa requirements

Vietnam visa requirements

Who needs a visa, what documents are required, how long you can stay, and what happens when things go wrong.

Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam in 2025 or 2026?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of 25 countries get visa-free entry for up to 45 days, and several more countries have bilateral agreements for longer stays — everyone else needs an e-visa or a visa on arrival. The quickest way to check your status is to send NamVisa your nationality, passport details, and travel dates, and we will confirm exactly what applies to you before you fly.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for US citizens?

US citizens are not on the visa-exemption list, so they need an e-visa for up to 90 days (single entry US$25, multiple entry US$50) or a visa on arrival. The requirements are a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport photo, and a scanned copy of the passport data page. NamVisa can process the e-visa urgently — from 1 hour to 3 days — if your travel date is close.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for UK citizens?

UK citizens get 45 days of visa-free entry, after which they can apply for a 90-day e-visa (single or multiple entry) if they want to stay longer. The 45-day exemption is per entry, so leaving and re-entering resets it. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for Australian and Canadian citizens?

Australian and Canadian citizens need an e-visa for any stay — neither country is on the 45-day visa-exemption list. The e-visa allows up to 90 days, single entry at US$25 or multiple entry at US$50, and requires a six-month-valid passport, a digital photo, and a passport scan. NamVisa handles the whole application including the photo check.

Which countries get visa-free entry to Vietnam?

25 countries get 45 days of visa-free entry, including most EU countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway), the UK, Russia, Japan, and South Korea. Some neighbors (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia) get 30 days under bilateral agreements, and Chile gets 90 days. Every other nationality needs an e-visa.

How long can I stay in Vietnam without a visa?

Up to 45 days for the 25 visa-exempt nationalities, or 30 days for several Southeast Asian neighbours under bilateral agreements. The exemption is per entry — you cannot extend it inside the country, so if you want to stay longer you either leave and re-enter or apply for a 90-day e-visa before your stay runs out.

What documents do I need to apply for a Vietnam visa?

For the e-visa you need a passport valid for at least six months, a digital passport-style photo (4x6 cm, white background works best), and a clear scan of the passport data page. For a visa on arrival you additionally need a pre-approved visa letter and two printed passport photos. NamVisa reviews your documents before submission so a bad photo or scan never delays your application.

How much passport validity do I need for Vietnam?

Vietnam requires your passport to be valid for at least six months from your date of entry for both e-visas and visa-on-arrival processing. If your passport has less than six months left, renew it before applying — officers can refuse entry at the border. NamVisa can tell you whether your passport passes the check before you submit anything.

What are the Vietnam visa fees from the government in 2026?

The official e-visa fee is US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entry, paid online when you apply. Visa on arrival costs US$25 for single entry plus a US$25 stamping fee at the airport. If you are in a rush, NamVisa's urgent processing starts at US$55 for a 3-day visa and goes up to US$160 for a 1-hour single entry — the government fee is included in our handling.

Can I get a Vietnam visa on arrival at the airport?

Yes, but only with a pre-approved visa letter — there is no walk-up visa desk at Vietnamese airports. You apply online first, receive an approval letter, then present it at the 'Visa on Arrival' counter at the airport with two photos and pay the US$25 stamping fee. NamVisa arranges the approval letter so it is ready before your flight lands.

Do children and babies need their own visa for Vietnam?

Yes. Every traveller needs their own entry permission, including infants — a child travels on their own passport with their own e-visa or visa-exemption stamp, even if they are listed in a parent's passport. The e-visa fee is the same for children. NamVisa processes family applications together so each child gets the correct visa before travel.

Can I enter Vietnam on an expired visa or with an expired visa exemption?

No — an expired visa or exemption stamp means you are overstaying, and exiting or re-entering on it will trigger fines. Under Decree 144/2021, overstay fines range from a warning to 500,000 VND for under 3 days up to 5,000,000 VND plus possible deportation for over 30 days. NamVisa's overstay team helps you clear the record and exit legally before the fine escalates.

What happens if my Vietnam visa is approved with a mistake in my name or passport number?

You should not fly on a visa with wrong details — the airline and border officers will flag it. NamVisa runs a visa correction service that fixes errors in names, passport numbers, entry dates, and ports of entry, usually faster than re-applying from scratch. Send us a copy of the approval and your passport page and we will assess the fastest fix.

What is the difference between a Vietnam e-visa and a visa on arrival?

An e-visa is a pre-approved digital visa valid for up to 90 days that you receive by email and show at immigration — no airport counter needed. A visa on arrival requires a pre-approved letter plus a stop at the airport counter to pay the US$25 stamping fee and get the stamp. For most travellers the e-visa is simpler; the letter route is mainly for urgent cases where the e-visa timeline does not fit.

What is the difference between single entry and multiple entry for Vietnam?

A single-entry e-visa lets you enter Vietnam once within 90 days; a multiple-entry e-visa lets you leave and come back as many times as you like during the 90 days. Multiple entry costs US$50 versus US$25 single. If you plan border trips, island hops, or regional travel, multiple entry almost always pays for itself.

Can I work in Vietnam on a tourist visa or e-visa?

No. Tourist e-visas and visa-exemption stamps do not permit employment — working on one can mean fines, deportation, and an entry ban. To work legally you need a work permit and a business visa (DN) or a temporary residence card arranged by your employer. NamVisa can point you to the right route if you have a job offer.

What happens if I overstay my Vietnam visa by a few days?

You will be fined when you exit: under Decree 144/2021 the fine is up to 500,000 VND for under 3 days, 1,500,000 VND for 3–10 days, and it rises steeply after that, with deportation possible beyond 30 days. Fines are paid at the border or immigration office. NamVisa's overstay help desks in HCMC, Hanoi, Nha Trang, Da Lat, and Hoi An arrange the paperwork and get you out without surprises.

Can I extend a visa-free entry stamp or tourist e-visa inside Vietnam?

Generally no — Vietnam does not extend 45-day exemption stamps or 90-day tourist e-visas from inside the country. The standard solution is to exit and re-enter (a visa run) or to have a new e-visa approved before your current stay ends. If you are on a visa type that can be extended, like some business visas, NamVisa's extension service handles the paperwork with immigration.

What should I do if my Vietnam visa application is taking too long?

Official e-visa processing is around 3 working days, but applications do get stuck in review, often because of photo or scan quality. NamVisa's visa-delay service checks your application status with immigration, fixes the document issues, and can switch you to an urgent processing tier — from 3 days down to 1 hour — if your flight is approaching.

What are the entry requirements for a visa run from Vietnam?

For a visa run you need a passport with six months validity, your current Vietnam stamp or e-visa, USD cash for the neighbouring country's visa (about US$30 at Moc Bai for Cambodia, US$35 at Lao Bao for Laos), and one passport photo. NamVisa's sister network visarun.vn runs same-day trips from HCMC, Da Nang, Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Da Lat.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for Indian citizens in 2026?

Indian citizens are not on Vietnam's 45-day visa-exemption list, so they need an e-visa for up to 90 days (US$25 single entry, US$50 multiple entry) or a visa on arrival with a pre-approved letter. In 2025 Vietnam announced a pilot visa-free program for Indian and Chinese tourists, so the rules may change mid-year — check with NamVisa for the current status before booking. The documents are the same as for any e-visa: a passport valid for six months, a digital photo, and a clear scan of the passport data page.

Do I need a return ticket or proof of onward travel to enter Vietnam?

Immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel, and most airlines require it before boarding — a return ticket, an onward flight, or a land-exit plan showing you will leave Vietnam. It is not a formal e-visa requirement, but travellers without any exit plan are sometimes questioned at the border. NamVisa advises on the documents that satisfy officers at your specific port of entry.

Can I enter Vietnam on a damaged passport or one with less than six months validity?

No — border officers can refuse entry for a damaged passport or one with less than six months of remaining validity, and airlines frequently check the six-month rule before you fly. If your passport is torn, water-damaged, or close to expiry, renew it before applying for any visa. NamVisa checks your passport against the entry rules before processing your application so you never discover the problem at the gate.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for German, French and other EU citizens?

Citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Czech Republic, Poland, and the other Schengen countries on Vietnam's 45-day exemption list can enter visa-free for up to 45 days per visit. For longer stays they apply for the 90-day e-visa (US$25 single entry, US$50 multiple entry) or a visa on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, and NamVisa can process the e-visa urgently if your travel date is close.

Is the Vietnam e-visa available for every nationality in 2026?

Yes. Since August 2023 Vietnam opened the e-visa to citizens of all countries and territories, so there is no longer a restricted nationality list. The e-visa allows up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, and is applied for online through the official portal or through a service such as NamVisa. The only practical requirements are a passport valid for at least six months, a digital passport photo, and a scanned passport data page.

Do I need a visa to transit through Vietnam without leaving the airport?

No — if you stay inside the international transit area and do not pass through immigration, you can transit Vietnamese airports without a visa. You do need a valid visa if you plan to leave the airport between flights, and some airlines still ask for proof of an onward ticket. Check with your airline, since transit rules can vary by nationality and airport, and NamVisa can confirm your exact situation.

I hold two passports — which one should I use to enter Vietnam?

Use the passport that gives you the best entry status — for example, a passport from a 45-day visa-exempt country instead of one that requires an e-visa. The important rule is consistency: apply for your e-visa with the same passport you will present at immigration, and keep using that passport for the whole trip. NamVisa can check both passports and recommend the smoothest option for your travel dates.

How much is the fine for overstaying my Vietnam visa?

Under Decree 282/2025, which replaced the old Decree 144/2021 penalty scale, an overstay of 1 to 15 days is fined from 500,000 to 2,000,000 VND, and longer overstays carry progressively higher fines up to a maximum of 40,000,000 VND plus possible expulsion and blacklisting for very long overstays. Immigration may also require you to leave within a set period. If you have already overstayed, contact NamVisa immediately — we arrange the fine payment, exit permit, or status resolution before it escalates.

Vietnam e-visa guide

Vietnam e-visa guide

How the 90-day e-visa works, what it costs, how to apply, and how to handle delays, rejections, and corrections.

What is the Vietnam e-visa and how does it work?

The e-visa is an electronic visa for stays of up to 90 days, issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department and delivered as a PDF by email. You apply online at the official evisa.gov.vn portal, and on arrival you show the printed approval plus your passport at immigration — no stamping fee and no airport counter. Since August 2023 it is valid for single or multiple entry and accepted at all international border gates.

How do I apply for a Vietnam e-visa step by step?

Go to evisa.gov.vn, fill in the form with your passport details and travel plans, upload a 4x6 cm digital photo and a scan of your passport data page, pay US$25 (single) or US$50 (multiple entry), and wait for the approval PDF. Most applications are processed in about 3 working days. If you would rather not risk a rejection over photo quality, NamVisa submits the application for you and checks it before you fly.

How long does a Vietnam e-visa take to process?

The official processing time is 3 working days, though in practice it can run longer during peak season or if your photo or passport scan does not meet the standard. If your travel date is close, NamVisa's urgent tiers process e-visas in as little as 1 hour (US$160 single entry) or 4 hours (US$95), with same-day and 3-day options at US$85 and US$55.

How much does a Vietnam e-visa cost in 2026?

The government fee is US$25 for a single-entry e-visa and US$50 for multiple entry, paid online during the application. There is no stamping fee on arrival for e-visa holders. NamVisa's assisted processing adds handling on top of the government fee — urgent 1-hour service from US$160, with 4-hour, same-day, and 3-day tiers at US$95, US$85, and US$55.

Which ports of entry accept the Vietnam e-visa?

The e-visa is accepted at all international checkpoints — all international airports (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and more), all international land borders including Moc Bai and Lao Bao, and international sea ports. That means you can enter by air, road, or cruise ship on the same e-visa.

Can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa multiple times?

Yes, there is no limit on how many e-visas you can hold over time, and you do not need to leave the country between applications. A common strategy is to apply for a fresh 90-day e-visa while your current stay is still valid, then exit and re-enter on the new one. NamVisa coordinates this with visa-run desks so the new visa is live before you reach the border.

What if my Vietnam e-visa is still processing and my flight is tomorrow?

Do not fly without an approval — airlines check before boarding. First send NamVisa the application details so we can verify the status and fix any document issues, and if time is truly short we switch you to urgent processing (1-hour to same-day) for a new application. Many 'delayed' e-visas turn out to be stuck on a photo or scan that fails the automated check.

Can I enter Vietnam with the e-visa PDF on my phone?

It is best to print the e-visa approval — some airlines and a few border officers will not accept a phone screen, and printing also protects you if your phone dies at immigration. Carry two copies: one in your bag and one in your passport. NamVisa always emails the PDF to you immediately so you can print it before departure.

What photo requirements does the Vietnam e-visa have?

The e-visa needs a digital passport-style photo, ideally 4x6 cm with a plain white background, no glasses, no hat, and a neutral expression, plus a clear scan of your passport data page. Bad photos are the number one cause of rejection or delay. NamVisa checks and, if needed, re-takes your photo requirements before submission so the application passes on the first try.

Is a 90-day e-visa better than the 45-day visa exemption?

For stays over 45 days, yes — the 90-day e-visa means one application every three months instead of a border trip every six weeks. It also lets you choose multiple entry, so short trips to Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand do not end your stay. For a single short holiday, the free 45-day exemption is simpler. NamVisa's team can recommend which fits your travel pattern.

Can I use a Vietnam e-visa to enter by land from Cambodia or Laos?

Yes — the e-visa is valid at all international land border gates, including Moc Bai (Cambodia) and Lao Bao (Laos). You simply show the printed approval at the Vietnamese entry checkpoint. This is exactly how visa runs work: exit on your old stamp, and re-enter on a freshly approved 90-day e-visa.

What happens if my Vietnam e-visa is rejected?

A rejection usually comes from a photo or passport-scan issue, a mismatch between the form and the passport, or occasionally a nationality flagged for extra checks. The application fee is not refunded, so it pays to get it right the first time. NamVisa reviews your documents before submitting and re-applies with corrected details if a rejection happens.

Can I change my entry date or port of entry on an approved e-visa?

Minor changes like a different port of entry or a shifted arrival date are usually fine — the e-visa is valid for 90 days from the requested entry date, and officers typically accept entry within that window. Big errors like a wrong passport number are not. For anything significant, NamVisa's correction service fixes the approval with immigration before you travel.

Do I need a printed e-visa or is the QR code enough?

Print the e-visa. The approval contains a QR code, but officers at Vietnamese borders and most airlines expect a physical copy to scan and stamp. Keep one printout in your passport and a second in your luggage, and save the PDF on your phone as backup. If your e-visa was processed by NamVisa, we re-send the PDF any time you need another copy.

Can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa while already in Vietnam?

Yes — you can apply from inside Vietnam, and many travellers do exactly that to line up their next 90 days. The new e-visa is approved while you are still in the country, then you exit and re-enter to activate it. NamVisa's desks combine the application with a same-day visa run so the whole reset happens in one trip.

Is the Vietnam e-visa valid for business trips?

The tourist e-visa covers short business activities like meetings and conferences, but it does not permit employment. If you will be paid by a Vietnamese company or work on site for long periods, you need a business visa (DN) sponsored by your employer. NamVisa advises on the right visa class before you commit to a work arrangement.

What if my name is written differently in my passport than on my e-visa?

The e-visa must match your passport exactly — name order, spelling, and passport number. A mismatch can mean denial at the border even though your application was approved. NamVisa's correction service handles name mismatches with immigration and can often fix the approval faster than a full re-application.

Can a child apply for a Vietnam e-visa?

Yes, children need their own e-visa application with their own passport, photo, and fee — there is no family discount in the official system. Parents can submit all family members in one sitting. NamVisa processes family applications as a batch so every member's e-visa arrives together with matching details.

What documents do I need to show at immigration with my e-visa?

Bring your passport (six months validity), the printed e-visa approval, and a return or onward ticket — officers sometimes ask for proof of departure. Have your hotel address ready if asked for the place of stay. Immigration scans the QR code and stamps your entry; the process takes a few minutes at most.

Can I stay 90 days on an e-visa and then apply for another one?

You cannot renew or extend an e-visa in place, but you can apply for a new one before the current visa expires and activate it by exiting and re-entering Vietnam. This is the standard long-stay pattern for digital nomads. NamVisa coordinates the new application with a visa run so there is no gap and no overstay.

When does the 90-day validity of my Vietnam e-visa start?

The 90-day validity runs from the entry date you request on the application form, not from the approval date. You can enter on that date or any day within the 90-day window, and you may then stay up to 90 days from your actual entry. If your plans shift, officers generally accept entry later in the window — NamVisa can confirm the rules for your specific approval.

Do Vietnam e-visa processing times slow down during Tet or peak season?

Yes — around Tet (late January to mid-February) and the summer peak, official processing can stretch well past the standard 3 working days as the Immigration Department handles a surge of applications. Plan to apply 2–3 weeks ahead during these windows. NamVisa's urgent tiers (1 hour to 3 days) keep running through peak periods, and we track your application status so you are never left guessing before a flight.

What happens if my Vietnam e-visa payment fails or the portal rejects my card?

The official evisa.gov.vn portal sometimes rejects international cards or fails mid-payment — first confirm your bank allows international online payments and that the card has sufficient balance, then retry. A failed payment does not create a pending application, so check the status page before paying twice. NamVisa submits applications through the portal on your behalf and resolves card and payment issues for you.

Can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa with a new passport after my old one was approved?

No — the e-visa is tied to the exact passport number in the application, so a renewed passport invalidates the old approval even if the visa is still within its 90-day window. You must apply again with the new passport details, or have NamVisa's correction service handle the change with immigration before you travel. If a renewal is coming up, it is usually simpler to renew your passport first and then apply for the e-visa.

What happens if I arrive at a different port of entry than the one listed on my e-visa?

Your e-visa names the specific airport, seaport, or land border gate you declared, and immigration expects you to enter through that port. Arriving elsewhere can mean being turned back or needing a correction before travel. If your plans change, contact NamVisa to arrange a new e-visa or a correction so your port of entry matches your actual itinerary.

How early should I apply for a Vietnam e-visa before my flight?

The official processing time is three working days, but you should apply at least two weeks before departure to allow for weekends, holidays, and portal delays. The e-visa becomes valid on the entry date you choose and runs for 90 days from that date, so applying early does not shorten your stay. NamVisa offers urgent e-visa processing from 1 hour to 3 days for last-minute travellers.

Temporary residence card

Temporary residence card

Who qualifies for a TRC, how long it lasts, what it costs, and how it compares to visas and the 5-year exemption.

What is a Vietnam temporary residence card (TRC)?

A temporary residence card (TRC) is a physical card issued by Vietnam's Immigration Department that replaces your visa and lets you stay in Vietnam continuously for 1 to 3 years without exiting — longer for some investment-linked categories under the rules in force since 2023. While the card is valid you do not need e-visas, extensions, or visa runs. Eligibility runs through employment, investment, family ties, or study.

Who is eligible for a Vietnam temporary residence card?

Foreigners with a valid work permit, investors and their legal representatives, foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens or with Vietnamese parents/children, and some students and specialists qualify for a TRC. Each category has its own validity period — work cards typically 1–2 years, family and investment cards longer. Check your specific case with the team at temporaryresidencecard.com before applying.

How long is a Vietnam temporary residence card valid?

Most TRCs are issued for 1 to 2 years for work-based categories (LD), up to 2 years for family cards (TT), and 1 to 10 years for investor cards (DT) depending on capital — DT1 investors can receive up to 10 years, DT2 up to 5 years, and DT3 up to 3 years. A card is never issued beyond 30 days before your passport expires, and you must renew before the printed expiry date — there is no grace period. NamVisa tracks your card's expiry and starts the renewal in time.

How much does a temporary residence card cost in Vietnam?

The official government fee for issuing a TRC in 2025–2026 is US$145 for a card valid up to 2 years, US$155 for 2 to 5 years, and US$165 for 5 to 10 years, with renewal extensions around US$10. Agency and translation fees are additional and depend on your category and province. NamVisa's partner service at temporaryresidencecard.com provides a fixed quote after reviewing your case, so there are no surprises.

How do I apply for a temporary residence card in Vietnam?

Your sponsor (employer, spouse, or investment entity) submits the application to the provincial Immigration Department with your passport, a completed application form, photos, and supporting documents like the work permit or marriage certificate. Processing usually takes 5–7 working days. NamVisa's TRC desk reviews your file first to catch missing documents before submission.

TRC vs visa — what is the difference in Vietnam?

A visa is a short-term entry permission for a specific purpose and duration, while a TRC is a long-term residence document that replaces visas entirely for its validity period. With a TRC you skip e-visa applications, stamping fees, and visa runs, and you can leave and re-enter Vietnam freely without extra paperwork. It is the right choice for anyone living in Vietnam long-term.

Can I renew my temporary residence card, and when should I start?

Yes, TRCs are renewable. Start the renewal at least 30 days before expiry — renewals are processed in about 5 working days once submitted, but late applications can leave you overstaying on an expired card, which carries fines under Decree 144/2021. NamVisa's TRC desk tracks your expiry and prepares the renewal file in advance.

What happens if my temporary residence card expires while I am in Vietnam?

An expired TRC means you are residing illegally, and you can face fines, an exit ban, or a blacklist if you do not resolve it. You cannot simply stay until the card is renewed — apply before expiry or get an exit-visa arrangement. If your card has already lapsed, contact NamVisa immediately so we can regularise your status before immigration acts.

Can I travel in and out of Vietnam with a temporary residence card?

Yes. While your TRC is valid you can leave and re-enter Vietnam freely without a visa or re-entry permit — just present your passport and card at immigration. This makes a TRC far more convenient than an e-visa if you travel regionally. Keep the card with your passport at all times while in Vietnam, as police checks are common.

What is the difference between a TRC and the 5-year visa exemption (EX5) card?

A TRC is for foreigners residing in Vietnam long-term under work, investment, or family ties. The 5-year visa exemption (EX5) is for overseas Vietnamese — people with Vietnamese roots — and their spouses and children, giving visa-free entry for up to 180 days per visit over 5 years without living in Vietnam. If you hold Vietnamese heritage, the EX5 at 5yearvisa.com is usually the better fit; otherwise a TRC covers long-term residence.

Can I work in Vietnam with a temporary residence card?

The TRC itself is not a work permit — you still need a valid work permit to be employed in Vietnam, and the TRC is what gives you long-term residence while you hold it. In practice, work-based TRCs are issued in line with the work permit's validity so the two documents run together. NamVisa's partner team at temporaryresidencecard.com checks that both are in order before you start work.

What happens to my TRC if I change employers in Vietnam?

Your TRC is tied to the sponsorship behind it, so changing employers means your new company must apply for a new work permit and a new TRC in your name — the old card becomes invalid once the sponsorship ends. You should not work for the new employer until the new permit and card are issued. NamVisa's TRC desk coordinates the transfer paperwork so there is no gap in your legal status.

What should I do if my temporary residence card is lost or stolen?

Report the loss to the local police to obtain a report, then apply for a replacement at the provincial Immigration Department with your passport, the police report, and fresh photos — replacement usually takes about a week. Keep a photocopy or photo of the card stored separately so you have the card number and details while the replacement is processed. NamVisa's TRC team handles the replacement application and tracks it for you.

Can my spouse and children get a temporary residence card based on mine?

Yes. Foreigners who are family members of a TRC holder — spouse, children under 18, and in some cases parents — can be granted their own TT-category temporary residence card. The family card's validity is tied to the principal cardholder's status, so it renews together with the main card. NamVisa's TRC desk prepares the family dossiers and coordinates with the provincial Immigration Department so everyone is covered at the same time.

What is the difference between a temporary residence card and permanent residence in Vietnam?

A temporary residence card is a renewable card that replaces your visa and allows continuous stays of 1 to 10 years depending on your category, but it still expires and must be renewed. Permanent residence is indefinite — it does not expire and lets you live in Vietnam without renewals — but it is far harder to obtain, requiring many years of continuous legal residence and a separate application through the Immigration Department. NamVisa can advise which path fits your situation.

Can investors get a 5-year or longer TRC in Vietnam?

Yes. Investor TRCs are issued in tiers based on capital: DT1 cards for investments of 100 billion VND or more or priority sectors last up to 10 years, DT2 for 50–100 billion VND up to 5 years, DT3 for 3–50 billion VND up to 3 years, and DT4 for smaller investments up to 12 months. An investor TRC removes the need for visa runs and is renewable while the investment remains active. NamVisa helps assemble the investment dossier and file the application.

I lost my passport in Vietnam — what happens to my visa or TRC?

Report the loss to the local police for an official report, then contact your embassy or consulate for a replacement passport or emergency travel document. Your visa or TRC is tied to the old passport number, so once you have the new passport, the visa or TRC must be transferred or re-issued — and an unresolved loss can create an overstay problem. NamVisa coordinates the police report, embassy steps, and immigration transfer so you stay legal throughout.

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