Vietnam

Vietnam, with its rapidly growing economy and strategic location in Southeast Asia, is an attractive destination for high net worth immigrant investors. Its burgeoning real estate sector, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, offers potential for significant appreciation. The country’s manufacturing boom and burgeoning tech scene present diverse investment opportunities. While bureaucratic hurdles exist, Vietnam’s vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and natural beauty enhance its appeal. Though citizenship is challenging to obtain, long-term residency is a viable option for those considering a second home in this dynamic nation.

Vietnam Golden Visa

Vietnam does not currently offer a golden visa or citizenship by investment programme similar to those offered by some other countries. Such golden visa programmes often allow individuals to obtain citizenship or residency rights through substantial investment, typically in real estate, national development funds, or local businesses. However, Vietnam has recently made changes to its immigration laws regarding visas granted to foreign investors.

Vietnam Investor Visa

Also known as the DT Visa, this allows the holder to stay in the country for twelve months, and exit/enter as they please. Through establishing or investing in a business in Vietnam, one can obtain citizenship by naturalisation. This investment could be in a limited liability company or a joint-stock company in Vietnam. These visas are granted for up to five years, though they can be extended to ten.

DT1

Granted to investors for capital investments of VND 100 billion ($4.06 million).

DT2

For investment capital between VND 50 billion and 100 billion ($2.04-4.06 million).

DT3

For investment capital between VND 3 billion and 50 billion ($122,000-$2.04 million).

DT4

For investment capital less than VND billion ($122,000).

Those holding a Vietnam Investor Visa can then apply for a Vietnam Temporary Residency Card, which is valid for up to ten years.

Vietnam Passport Strength and Ranking

If Vietnam were to offer a Citizenship by Investment programme, one of the concerns for applicants would be the weakness of its passport. The Vietnamese passport offers visa-free access to around 148 countries worldwide. It is a relatively weak passport. In terms of access for business people, it offers visa-free access to only 9.7% of the world’s wealth (as measured by GDP) and 15.2% of the global travel popularity. It ranks 148^th overall in La Vida’s comprehensive Global Passport Ranking.

Investment Migration

Vietnam consistently ranks among the top countries in Asia in terms of the number of citizens participating in investment migration programs. Popular destinations for Vietnamese investors include the United States (through the EB-5 program), Canada, Australia, and various European countries offering residency or citizenship through investment schemes.