As regional rivals roll out attractive visa schemes, Vietnam plans to introduce long-term stay options to lure international visitors and investors
Vietnam may soon join its Southeast Asian neighbours in offering a “golden visa” program as part of a strategic effort to boost tourism and foreign investment. The country’s Tourism Advisory Board has formally proposed an ambitious long-term visa scheme to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, recognising the need to remain competitive in the increasingly crowded Southeast Asian tourism market.
Having spent considerable time travelling through Vietnam over the last decade, I’ve witnessed its remarkable tourism evolution firsthand. From the chaotic streets of Hanoi to the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc, Vietnam has transformed into a world-class destination. Yet despite its undeniable charm and impressive post-pandemic recovery, the country now faces the challenge of distinguishing itself from regional competitors offering increasingly attractive visa options to international visitors.
Vietnam’s stunning landscapes like Ha Long Bay attract millions of visitors annually, but the country must now compete with neighbouring nations offering more flexible visa options.
The Visa Race Heating Up Across Southeast Asia
Vietnam’s tourism industry has nearly recovered to pre-Covid levels, but there’s growing concern that it might lose ground to regional rivals like Thailand and Malaysia, which have already implemented more liberal visa policies. As someone who’s navigated the visa requirements across Southeast Asia extensively, I can attest to how significantly these policies influence traveller decisions—particularly for digital nomads, retirees, and frequent visitors who prefer destinations that don’t require constant visa renewals.
Thailand’s recent introduction of a 10-year visa option, Malaysia’s “Malaysia My Second Home” program, and Indonesia’s various long-stay visas have raised the stakes considerably. Even formerly restrictive Cambodia now offers options for extended stays that weren’t available just a few years ago. These developments haven’t gone unnoticed by Vietnamese authorities, who recognise that in today’s competitive tourism landscape, convenience is king.
During a recent conversation with a boutique hotel owner in Hoi An, he expressed frustration with the current visa limitations: “We have guests who love Vietnam and want to stay longer, maybe even invest here, but they end up going to Thailand or Bali because it’s easier visa-wise. It’s heartbreaking to lose visitors simply because of paperwork.”
Vietnam’s Proposed Golden Visa Scheme
The Tourism Advisory Board’s proposal outlines several visa options that could dramatically shift Vietnam’s approach to international visitors:
- A “Golden Visa” valid for 5-10 years: Similar to programs already implemented in Thailand and Indonesia, this would allow approved foreigners to remain in Vietnam for extended periods without frequent renewals.
- A 10-year investor visa: This option would include the possibility of acquiring permanent residency after five years if investment levels are maintained—a significant incentive for foreign investors.
- A 5-year “talent visa”: Aimed at skilled professionals and digital nomads, this visa would feature a simplified renewal process.
The board suggested these visa programs could initially be piloted in tourism hotspots and metropolitan areas with significant international appeal—specifically mentioning Phu Quoc Island, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang as potential testing grounds.
Vietnam hopes to attract more digital nomads and remote workers with its proposed “talent visa”.
Strategic Timing for Vietnam’s Tourism Evolution
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh appears receptive to these proposals, having recently urged government ministries to consider expanding visa policies to stimulate tourism growth. During a meeting with officials, he emphasised the importance of positioning Vietnam as a safe, welcoming destination for international visitors.
The timing of this proposal is particularly strategic. After the severe impact of the pandemic on global tourism, countries worldwide are reassessing their approach to visitor policies. Vietnam, which recorded approximately 18 million international arrivals in 2019 before the pandemic struck, has seen impressive recovery but must now focus on sustainability and competitiveness.
From my perspective as a frequent visitor, Vietnam’s relatively strict visa policies have long been one of its few tourism drawbacks. Currently, most Western tourists can enter visa-free for only 15 days—significantly less generous than Thailand’s 30-day exemption or Indonesia’s recent visa-free policy for dozens of countries. Those seeking longer stays must navigate a somewhat cumbersome visa application process that feels increasingly outdated compared to the streamlined systems of its neighbours.
What This Could Mean for Travellers and Expats
If implemented, these new visa options could transform the experience for several groups:
For tourists: The ability to make multiple entries over several years without reapplying for visas would make Vietnam significantly more attractive for repeat visitors and those exploring Southeast Asia more broadly.
For digital nomads: A 5-year talent visa would position Vietnam as a premier destination for remote workers, competing directly with Thailand’s digital nomad visa and Bali’s growing remote work scene.
For investors: The path to potential permanent residency through investment could attract substantial foreign capital, particularly in the tourism and real estate sectors.
For retirees: While not explicitly mentioned in the proposal, long-term visas would inevitably benefit retirees looking for alternative destinations to the traditional Thailand and Malaysia retirement havens.
During my recent stay in Da Nang—a city rapidly transforming into an expat hub—I met numerous Western business owners who expressed enthusiasm about the potential changes. “We’ve been waiting for something like this for years,” said a British café owner who’s operated in Vietnam since 2017. “It would completely change the calculus for many people considering where to base themselves in Southeast Asia.”
Da Nang could be one of the pilot locations for Vietnam’s new visa program, leveraging its growing popularity with digital nomads and expats.
Balancing Opportunity with Implementation Challenges
While the proposal sounds promising, Vietnam faces several implementation challenges. The country’s immigration infrastructure would require significant modernisation to handle more complex visa programs efficiently. Additionally, there are legitimate security considerations in extending long-term visas that would need to be addressed through proper vetting procedures.
There’s also the question of cost. “Golden visa” programs typically involve substantial investment requirements or fees. In Thailand, for example, some long-term visa options require proof of funds exceeding $25,000 in a bank account, along with health insurance coverage. Vietnam will need to find the right balance—setting requirements high enough to attract quality visitors and investors while remaining competitive with neighbouring countries.
My discussions with local tourism operators suggest mixed feelings about potential investment requirements. “We need visitors who contribute to the local economy, not just backpackers staying in $5-a-night hostels,” remarked a tour company owner in Ho Chi Minh City. “But if they make the requirements too strict, we’ll miss out on the young professionals and digital nomads who are increasingly important to our business.”
Regional Context: A Southeast Asian Visa Renaissance
Vietnam’s potential visa overhaul reflects a broader trend across Southeast Asia. The pandemic forced tourism-dependent economies to reconsider their visitor strategies, with many pivoting toward attracting longer-staying, higher-spending visitors rather than maximising sheer arrival numbers.
Thailand, traditionally the region’s tourism leader, has experimented with various long-term visa options. Indonesia recently announced significant visa policy liberalisation. Malaysia continues to refine its second home program. Even Cambodia and Laos have simplified stay extensions for foreign visitors.
This regional shift represents a recognition that tourism patterns are evolving. The rise of remote work has created a new class of location-independent professionals with significant spending power and flexibility. Meanwhile, an ageing population in Western countries, Japan, and South Korea has increased the number of retirees looking for affordable, welcoming destinations for their golden years.
Vietnam’s move, therefore, isn’t just about keeping pace—it’s about securing its place in this transformed tourism landscape.
Vietnam’s vibrant urban culture in places like Hanoi’s Old Quarter remains a powerful draw for international visitors seeking authentic experiences.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
Based on the government’s response to previous tourism initiatives, I anticipate we might see a phased implementation if these proposals are approved. The pilot program in key tourist destinations would likely begin sometime in 2025, with potential nationwide expansion following a successful trial period.
For travellers planning Vietnam visits in the coming years, it’s worth monitoring these developments closely. Even if the full 10-year “golden visa” takes time to implement, we might see interim improvements to the current visa system, potentially including extended visa-exempt periods or simplified e-visa processes.
The proposal also hints at a more strategic approach to tourism development beyond simply increasing visitor numbers. By targeting investors and skilled professionals, Vietnam appears to be looking toward sustainable growth that benefits local communities while preserving the cultural and natural heritage that makes the country so appealing.
My Take: A Long-Overdue Evolution
Having witnessed Vietnam’s tourism development over the past decade, this potential visa overhaul feels like a natural and necessary evolution. Despite offering some of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular landscapes, vibrant cities, and delicious cuisine, Vietnam has sometimes been hampered by administrative hurdles that detracted from its appeal.
The current visa system often feels at odds with the legendary Vietnamese hospitality I’ve experienced throughout my travels—from the misty mountains of Sapa to the lush Mekong Delta. A more welcoming, forward-thinking approach to visas would better reflect the warmth and entrepreneurial spirit of the Vietnamese people.
If implemented thoughtfully, these changes could position Vietnam not just as a destination for brief holidays but as a place where visitors can forge deeper connections, pursue business opportunities, and perhaps even build new lives. In the competitive landscape of Southeast Asian tourism, that distinction could make all the difference.
For now, those of us who love this remarkable country will watch with interest as these proposals move through governmental channels. Here’s hoping Vietnam’s visa revolution isn’t far away.
