Vietnam is slowly emerging as one of the most popular destinations for Indians – it’s affordable, not far away from India, and has an awesome blend of culture, heritage, and beauty. The country is taking major steps to attract not only foreign tourists but also international talent that can help in the development of the country.
In a major move to attract such international talent, Vietnam has announced a 5-year visa exemption rule. This will mean that international talent visiting the country would not be required to apply for a visa each time they visit the country in a span of five years. Here’s the entire scoop of news you need to know!
Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Cards: All That You Need To Know!
What Are Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Cards?
Vietnam is set to roll out special visa exemption cards for select foreign nationals, starting August 15, 2025. These visa exemption cards will allow them to make multiple entries into the country for up to five years – all without the need to reapply for a visa each time they do so.
Vietnam Briefing, Vietnam’s leading daily news service, announced this big move recently. The new visa policy is aimed to fetch in high-profile international talent that is capable of contributing to Vietnam’s socio-economic growth. Vietnam’s 5-year visa exemption cards will make it convenient for international talent to visit the country.
Not just that, the new policy is also linked to Vietnam’s larger goal of becoming a competitive, conducive, and globally connected hub, aligning with its newly passed International Financial Centre (IFC) policies.
Who Can Apply For Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Cards?
The Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Cards target influential international talent that can contribute to the development of Vietnam. These are the eligible applicants:
- Senior officials from foreign governments, parliaments, international organizations, and top judicial bodies.
- Renowned scientists, researchers, and professors from leading universities and research bodies.
- CEOs, executives, and top officials from major global companies, particularly those with strong cultural influence or brand recognition.
- Entrepreneurs, investors, and high-profile business leaders.
- Prominent personalities in academia, culture, or economics with a global impact.
Also note that applicants must hold a valid passport during their five-year period. They must also be nominated by a recognized Vietnamese agency or organization. Their work or presence in Vietnam must be able to make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.
How To Apply For A Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Card?
Applications must be nominated by a recognized Vietnamese agency or organization. They must be filed by a competent agency or organization, either online or in person, with the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security.
Processing Steps:
- The Immigration Department reviews the application and issues a digital Special Visa Exemption Card (Form NC-01).
- The requesting agency is informed of:
- Access to the digital SVEC (Form NB-01), or
- Issuance of the physical chip-embedded card (Form NC-02), or
- Reasons for rejection
Processing Time:
- High-profile state guests: Within 3 working days.
- Scholars, investors, cultural/sports/tourism figures, experts, honorary consuls, and approved invitees: Within 5 working days.
- Physical chip-embedded card: Within 7 working days.
Each entry allows a 90-day temporary stay in Vietnam. If the card is valid for less than 90 days, the stay period matches the remaining validity. At the border, travelers must present both their passport and the SVEC for inspection.
Perks And Benefits For Those With Approved 5-Year Visa Exemption Cards
Among all the perks that the visa applicants will enjoy, the major one remains that of entering the country without reapplying for a visa. Of course, within a five-year validity period only.
Those granted the new visa exemption cards will get both physical and digital card formats with equal legal status in the country. They’ll also enjoy faster, more convenient entry processes in the country – making it perfect for frequent travelers.
What’s also noteworthy is that the physical cards will be embedded with a chip containing personal details of the cardholder – name, passport number, and biometric data.
While these rules and perks apply to foreign nationals newly getting nominated for a visa, foreign nationals already residing in the country will be issued such a card after they add their biometric data to the National Immigration Database. Alternatively, they’ll get the visa exemption card once they obtain a Level 2 electronic ID account.
Vietnam’s Efforts Towards Global Development
With this initiative, Vietnam is widening its efforts to modernize immigration and business policies, allowing skilled professionals to enter and contribute to the country’s economic growth. Be it researchers, top government officials, media personalities, or investors, Vietnam is inviting international talent to collaborate and work in the country. By doing so, it is trying to position itself as a key player in the global arena.
Vietnam officials believe that this new visa exemption policy will boost the country’s economy. It will also contribute to valuable opportunities in research, culture, and business, further solidifying Vietnam’s reputation across the world.
Summing Up
Vietnam’s new visa exemption policy will allow international talent to enter and work in the country. It will grant them visa exemption for up to five years, given that they can contribute to the socio-economic development of Vietnam. They’ll also enjoy a few other perks and benefits, making their stay in Vietnam legally secure. What do you think of this move?
