Vietnam · long-stay visa routes and official sources
4 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Vietnam: Hard (64/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Employer-sponsored work residence.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Vietnam?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Employer-sponsored work residence. Overall difficulty is rated "Hard" (64/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Vietnam without a local job offer?
Yes — 1 of the 4 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student visa. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
Main non-tourist route is employer sponsorship, best with a Vietnamese company offer.
Typical timeline / duration: 3-8 months
Employer/foreign employee submits work permit application to competent labour authority before work starts.
Official government page says application should be submitted at least 15 days before employment begins; requirements depend on category such as manager, executive, expert or technical worker.
No general income threshold in the official page checked.
Common evidence includes role/category proof, health certificate and criminal record, but the exact list should be confirmed under current decree and local authority.
An employer-led or qualification-based work route.
Typical timeline / duration: Work permit duration is generally tied to contract/assignment and may be renewable subject to current rules. Some short assignments/exemptions exist and should be listed separately.
Employer/foreign employee submits work permit application to competent labour authority before work starts.
Official government page says application should be submitted at least 15 days before employment begins; requirements depend on category such as manager, executive, expert or technical worker.
No general income threshold in the official page checked.
Common evidence includes role/category proof, health certificate and criminal record, but the exact list should be confirmed under current decree and local authority.
For people with real business setup or investment.
Typical timeline / duration: 2-6 months
Make or hold a qualifying investment, capital contribution, or ownership interest in a Vietnamese company or investment project and provide the corporate and capital evidence.
Use a Vietnamese organisation, company, or other eligible sponsor to submit the invitation or guarantee and select the correct investor visa category for the investment basis.
Provide a valid passport, visa application, photograph, investment or enterprise-registration documents, and any temporary-residence-card documents required for a stay beyond the visa period.
Register temporary residence at the Vietnamese accommodation and keep the actual investment and sponsored purpose consistent with the visa and residence documents.
For Vietnamese language, university, or training programs.
Typical timeline / duration: 2-5 months
Be accepted by a Vietnamese school, university, language centre, or other eligible educational institution for the approved study programme.
Have the educational institution or another eligible Vietnamese sponsor provide the invitation or guarantee and support the correct DH student visa procedure.
Submit a valid passport, visa application, photograph, admission or enrolment evidence, and any health, financial, or accommodation documents requested for the case.
Register temporary residence after entry and renew or change the visa or temporary-residence document through the sponsoring institution before it expires.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.