Vietnam has launched a 10-year golden visa program aimed at establishing the country as a sustainable travel and investment hub in Southeast Asia. This move is not just expected to strengthen Vietnam’s tourism sector but is also designed to attract long-term residents, investors, and professionals from around the world.
At present, many South Asian countries have visa-on-arrival for Indian tourists (such as these), while Vietnam issues e-visa for travellers.
Alongside the 'golden visa,' the board suggested a 10-year investor visa with the potential for permanent residency after five years and a five-year talent visa with streamlined renewals. These schemes could first be implemented in key tourist cities like Phú Quốc, Hồ Chí Minh City, Hà Nội and Đà Nẵng.
The Golden Visa is valid for five to 10 years and is extendable.
The Investor Visa has a term of 10 years and offers a pathway to permanent residency after five years.
The Talent Visa is designed for highly skilled professionals in rapidly growing sectors. This visa lasts for five years and features a straightforward renewal process.
The timing of the proposal is a strategic move. Vietnam has recovered 98 per cent of its pre-pandemic tourism levels, emerging as the fastest-growing destination in Southeast Asia. In 2024, it attracted 17.5 million international visitors—outpacing Singapore and trailing only behind Thailand and Malaysia. Vietnam is currently experiencing an economic boom, making the country an increasingly attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals from abroad. Authorities are looking to capitalize on this growth by introducing new visa categories that offer renewable residency options for those interested in investing in the tourism sector and the broader economy.
Much of Vietnam’s tourism momentum can be traced back to reforms introduced in 2023, most notably the extension of e-visas to 90 days and the inclusion of more visa-exempt nations. Connectivity has also improved, with the launch of the first direct US-Vietnam flight and a string of luxury hotel investments, from the Capella Hanoi to upcoming Ritz-Carlton openings.
The application process for these golden visas is set to be fully digital, allowing prospective applicants to complete the necessary forms and submit documents online without the need for in-person appointments at embassies. Furthermore, the visa application procedures for tourists and business travellers embarking on short trips to Vietnam have been streamlined and simplified, making it easier than ever to explore the country or engage in business activities. By modernising its visa policies, Vietnam aims to attract global talent and investment, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing its position on the world stage.
India has become a major growth market. In 2024, Vietnam welcomed over 5,00,000 Indian tourists, a 297 per cent surge from pre-pandemic numbers. Đà Nẵng saw 2,22,000 Indian visitors this year alone, over five per cent of total international arrivals. Meanwhile, destinations like Phú Quốc and Hạ Long are becoming popular hotspots for Indian destination weddings.
Vietnam’s budget airline Vietjet Air is riding the wave, offering fares from INR 11 across several India-Vietnam routes to boost accessibility. Chinese travellers are also turning to Vietnam amid safety concerns elsewhere.
With infrastructure expansion underway—including the upcoming Long Thành International Airport slated for March 2026—Vietnam has set its sights on welcoming 23 million international visitors by 2025. If the current growth trend holds, it could soon surpass Malaysia to become the second-most-visited country in Southeast Asia.
(With inputs from multiple news reports)