Vietnam launches 10-year 'golden visa' to attract investors, global talent, tourists

Vietnam has launched a 10-year golden visa programme, offering long-term renewable residency to individuals contributing to its economy, tourism, or innovation sectors.

The move forms part of a broader strategy to position the country as a sustainable travel and investment hub in Southeast Asia.

According to local media reports, the new 10-year golden visa targets the following sectors:

• Global investors,

• Skilled professionals,

• Business leaders, and

• Remote workers seeking a more stable and flexible living arrangement.

Unlike standard tourist visas, it offers long-term benefits for recipients and their families without frequent renewals or complicated red tape.

Travel and Tour World reported that the programme aims to attract individuals who can make meaningful contributions to Vietnam’s economic and cultural development.

Record numbers

This policy follows a record-breaking start to 2025, with over 6 million international visitors arriving in the first quarter alone.

Between January and April, Vietnam welcomed 7.67 million foreign tourists, a 23.8% year-on-year increase.

To make travel more accessible, Vietnam has also streamlined its visa application process by adopting a more digital-friendly approach and eliminating embassy visits for many travellers.

In addition, the government recently extended visa-free travel for citizens of Poland, Czechia, and Switzerland, allowing 45-day stays on package tours booked through registered Vietnamese tour operators.

Visa waivers

These reforms build on earlier visa waivers for citizens of 13 countries —including the UK, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and several Nordic nations — allowing visa-free entry for up to 45 days.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has also directed ministries to explore further visa exemptions for visitors from Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Martin Koerner, group commercial director at The Anam luxury resort chain, believes the expanded visa waivers will boost the tourism sector by encouraging more European travellers to book package tours.

China led with 1.95 million arrivals, followed by South Korea (1.58 million), Taiwan (440,000), and the U.S. (323,000). Other top source markets included Japan, Cambodia, Australia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Recent figures support this, with rising visitor numbers from the UK (+20.7%), France (+24.7%), Germany (+18.8%), Italy (+32.6%), Spain (+12.9%), Denmark (+12.7%), Sweden (+16.3%), and Norway (+11.5%).

Beyond tourism, Vietnam is promoting a modern, expat-friendly lifestyle, blending traditional culture with modern amenities.

Cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang offer safe, affordable living with international schools, hospitals, and diverse housing options.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism plans to launch seven global promotional campaigns this year, aiming to attract 22–23 million international arrivals.

With bold reforms and a long-term vision, the 10-year golden visa marks a significant step in Vietnam’s evolution into a leading destination for sustainable tourism, investment, and global talent.