VISA ASSISTANCE

Vietnam Investor Visa (DT Visa): Complete Guide for Foreign Investors

Are you planning to invest in Vietnam and need a long-term visa? The Vietnam Investor Visa, also known as DT Visa, is your gateway to live, work, and grow your business legally in Vietnam.

What is the Vietnam Investor Visa?

The Vietnam Investor Visa (ký hiệu: DT) is a long-term visa issued to foreign investors or foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam. It allows eligible individuals to reside in Vietnam for investment-related purposes and even sponsor their immediate family.

The visa is regulated under:

Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on the entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.
Amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14.

Vietnam DT Visa Categories

Based on the capital contribution or industry of investment, Vietnam’s DT visa is divided into four categories:

Visa Type	Capital Contribution	Validity	Eligible for Temporary Residence Card (TRC)?
DT1	From 100 billion VND or investment in priority sectors	Up to 5 years	✅ Yes (up to 10 years)
DT2	From 50 to under 100 billion VND or encouraged sectors	Up to 5 years	✅ Yes
DT3	From 3 to under 50 billion VND	Up to 3 years	✅ Yes
DT4	Less than 3 billion VND	Up to 12 months	❌ No

Note: Only DT1, DT2, and DT3 visa holders are eligible to sponsor their spouses and children for a dependent (TT) visa in Vietnam.

Benefits of the Vietnam Investor Visa

Reside in Vietnam legally for 1–5 years depending on your investment.
Apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) valid for up to 10 years.
Sponsor family members for dependent visas (TT visa).
Flexible visa extension and upgrade options.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Investor Visa?

You can apply either within Vietnam or from your home country. Below are the detailed procedures:

Option 1: Apply for DT Visa inside Vietnam

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate & Investment Certificate.
Seal specimen certificate or publication notice.
Form NA16 – Legal rep signature/seal registration.
Form NA5 – Visa application form.
Original passport (valid for at least 6 months).
Temporary residence registration form from the local police.

Step 2: Submit to Vietnam Immigration Department
Submit all documents at one of the Immigration offices in:

Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
Da Nang
…or at the provincial Immigration Office where your company is based.

Step 3: Receive DT Visa
Processing time is typically 5 working days. The visa will be stamped directly into your passport.

Option 2: Apply for DT Visa from abroad

Step 1: Prepare for Visa Approval Letter
Your company in Vietnam must prepare:

Certified copy of Business & Investment certificates.
Seal publication notice.
Form NA16 and NA2 (with barcode).
Passport scan of the investor.

Step 2: Submit to Immigration Office
Your sponsoring company or visa agent will submit these to the Immigration Department.
Processing takes about 5 working days.

Step 3: Get Visa Stamp
Present the following at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate or Vietnam airport (if visa-on-arrival is approved):