Vietnam Foreign Investor Visa: Capital Thresholds and Application Steps
Last updated: June 1, 2026
Vietnam’s investor visa system has four tiers, each tied to a specific capital contribution and different stay lengths. The 2025 amendments (Law No. 51/2019/QH14, amended 2025) raised the bar for the top tier and added an online filing option. Below are the exact capital thresholds, required documents, and step-by-step submission process as of June 2026.
Last updated: June 1, 2026
Eligibility and Capital Thresholds (DT1–DT4)
Tier | Minimum Capital | Vietnamese Employees | Temporary-Residence Card Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
DT1 | ≥ VND 3,000 billion (≈ USD 120 million) | ≥ 500 | 10 years |
DT2 | VND 1,000–3,000 billion (≈ USD 40–120 million) | ≥ 300 | 5–10 years |
DT3 | VND 50–1,000 billion (≈ USD 2–40 million) | – | 3–5 years |
DT4 | < VND 50 billion (< USD 2 million) | – | 1–3 years |
For DT3 visas in “special sectors” the minimum is now USD 3 billion; for other sectors it is USD 1 billion.
Required Documents Checklist
All documents must be notarized or apostilled and accompanied by a Vietnamese translation where the original is in another language.
Core documents
- Original passport (valid ≥ 1 year)
- Application form for investor visa or temporary-residence card (Form NA6)
- 2 passport photos (4 × 6 cm, white background)
- Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) or Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) issued within the last 90 days
- Audited financial statements showing the contributed capital (for DT1/DT2)
- Health-insurance certificate covering at least USD 50,000 for the intended stay period
- Criminal-record check issued within 6 months
Additional if applying from abroad
- Approval letter from the Immigration Department (obtained online or through an agent)
- Pre-paid return envelope (for embassy pickup)
For dependents (TT visa)
- Marriage or birth certificates
- Copy of principal investor’s DT visa or temporary-residence card
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Obtain IRC/ERC
Register your project at the local Department of Planning and Investment (DPI). Fee: VND 2,000,000 (≈ USD 80) in Ho Chi Minh City; the IRC is valid for 50 years in most sectors. - Prepare documents
Notarize copies and translate into Vietnamese. Bank statements or capital-contribution certificates must show the exact VND amount that matches the tier you are targeting. - File online
Upload the dossier on the National Public Service Portal (https://dichvucong.gov.vn). You will receive a QR-coded appointment letter within 2 working days. - Pay the fee
Investor visa stamping: USD 25 (single-entry DT4) or USD 50 (multiple-entry 3-month DT4).
Temporary-residence card issuance: VND 200,000 (≈ USD 8). Payment is accepted online or at the Immigration Department cashiers at 44 Phạm Ngũ Lão, Hà Nội. - Receive approval
Standard processing time: 5 working days from the date the Immigration Department receives a complete dossier. - Stamp the visa
Option A: Bring the approval letter and passport to the Immigration Department counter.
Option B: Mail to one of the 29 Vietnamese consulates abroad (courier return 3–5 business days).
Fees and Processing Times
Item | Amount | Payment Channel |
|---|---|---|
IRC issuance (HCMC DPI) | VND 2,000,000 (≈ USD 80) | Cash or bank transfer at DPI |
DT4 single-entry stamping fee | USD 25 | Consulate or Immigration cashier |
DT4 multiple-entry (3-month) stamping fee | USD 50 | Consulate or Immigration cashier |
Temporary-residence card issuance | VND 200,000 (≈ USD 8) | Online or cash at Immigration counter |
Courier return (consulate) | USD 15–25 | Pay directly to courier |
Processing clock starts only when every required document is present; incomplete submissions restart the 5-day counter.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Mismatched capital figures: The Immigration Department cross-checks your IRC with the audited capital contribution. Ensure the VND figure on both documents matches the tier threshold exactly.
- Expired certificates: IRC or ERC older than 90 days will be rejected automatically. Request a fresh copy from DPI before you file.
- Incomplete insurance: Health-insurance policies must state coverage of at least USD 50,000 and cover the entire validity period of the card, not just the next year.
- Wrong entry port: If you arrive before the visa is stamped, airlines will deny boarding. Wait for the approval letter or apply at an embassy if you need the visa in advance.
- Missing translations: Any document in a foreign language must be translated by a certified translator and notarized in Vietnam or apostilled abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a DT1 card if my project is in two phases, with only the first phase funded?
No. Audited statements must show the full capital for the tier has been contributed in the 12 months prior to application.
Is the 500-employee requirement for DT1 headcount or social-insurance contributors?
It is social-insurance contributors working under Vietnamese labor contracts for at least 6 months at the time of application.
Does the online portal work for renewals?
Yes, renewals and replacements for lost cards follow the same 5-day processing rule.
Can my spouse work in Vietnam on a TT dependent visa?
No. TT visa holders must obtain a separate work permit or switch to a work-category visa if they wish to take up employment.
What happens if I increase my capital after receiving a DT3 card?
You may apply to upgrade to DT2 or DT1 provided you meet the new tier’s capital and employment criteria. The old card is surrendered and the new one is issued for the full validity period.
Are there any industry-specific relaxations?
The USD 3 billion threshold applies to “special sectors” such as semiconductor and renewable energy; all other sectors use the USD 1 billion minimum for DT3.
Can I use a nominee or local partner to meet the capital requirement?
No. The capital must be registered under your name or your wholly foreign-owned enterprise per the IRC.
For investors weighing other long-stay options, see our brief on Vietnam's Golden Visa Pilot Program or Vietnam Digital Nomad Visa options.
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