Vietnam has officially unveiled a proposed 10-year Golden Visa program designed to reshape its tourism and investment sectors by attracting long-term travellers, foreign investors, and skilled professionals.
This initiative supports the government’s broader strategy to position Vietnam as a dynamic regional hub, promoting sustainable economic development and global collaboration.
The proposal, highlighted by international media and aligned with Vietnam’s national growth priorities, emphasises enabling extended residency for global talent and financial contributors.
With a particular focus on emerging markets like India, the program seeks to strengthen economic and cultural connections while advancing innovation and expanding the country’s tourism industry.
Traditionally known as a hotspot for short-term tourism, Vietnam is now aiming to shift toward a more sustainable tourism model that prioritises extended stays and deeper international engagement.
Central to this new vision is the Golden Visa program, which provides renewable long-term residency to individuals who actively support the nation’s economy, tourism sector, or innovation ecosystem.
This initiative reflects a wider regional movement in Southeast Asia, where neighbouring countries are also implementing long-stay visa schemes to attract affluent individuals, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals capable of driving economic growth and enriching the local talent landscape.
The proposed Golden Visa program includes two primary categories.
The investor visa offers a 10-year residency permit to foreign investors who fulfil certain investment requirements in Vietnam. By maintaining their investment for a minimum of five years, holders may qualify for permanent residency, supporting sustained capital inflows and economic resilience. The specific investment benchmarks and qualifying sectors are currently under review, with a focus on areas that align with Vietnam’s long-term development priorities.
Whereas the talent visa, tailored for highly skilled professionals in critical growth sectors like technology, healthcare, education, and finance, streamlines renewal processes to encourage long-term employment and the retention of international expertise. It is intended to help bridge skill gaps in emerging industries and support Vietnam’s shift toward a knowledge-driven economy.
Both visa categories are designed with accessibility in mind and provide a clear pathway for integration into Vietnamese society. Visa holders will have access to essential services such as local education, healthcare, and the housing market, promoting a stable and inclusive environment for long-term residents.
Furthermore, Vietnam has advanced considerably in digitising its visa and immigration systems, notably through the introduction of eVisas for tourists and short-term business travellers.
The Golden Visa program will leverage this existing digital framework to simplify the application process, shorten processing times, and improve overall transparency and efficiency.