Vietnam Digital Nomad Visa

Vietnam currently doesn’t offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. However, remote workers can still live and work in Vietnam using existing visa options like the e-visa, tourist visa, or business visa. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• E-visa: 30-day single-entry visa, easy online application, costs $25 USD.

• Tourist Visa on Arrival: Up to 90 days, requires pre-approval, costs $56–100 USD.

• Business Visa: Longer stays, requires sponsorship from a Vietnamese company.

Key Points for Remote Workers:

• Vietnam’s cost of living is 59% lower than the U.S., with monthly expenses ranging from $700 to $1,400.

• Internet penetration is nearly 80%, and major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang offer excellent coworking spaces.

• No specific visa allows remote work, so compliance with visa regulations is critical.

Quick Comparison

Vietnam’s vibrant cities, affordable living, and growing digital infrastructure make it a great destination for remote workers, even without a dedicated digital nomad visa.

Current Visa Types for Remote Workers in Vietnam

Vietnam doesn’t currently offer a specific visa for digital nomads. However, there are several visa options that remote workers can use, such as tourist visas, business visas, and the e-visa. Each comes with its own set of benefits and limitations.

Tourist Visa Overview

A tourist visa is a simple choice for remote workers visiting Vietnam. The e-visa, available to citizens of 46 countries, allows a 30-day stay for a fee of $25 USD [1][4]. For longer stays, the 90-day visa on arrival is another option.

*Includes application fee ($6–50) and stamping fee ($50).

If you’re planning an extended stay or need a visa for business purposes, other options may be more suitable.

Business Visa Details

Business visas are better suited for longer stays and come with added flexibility. These visas typically require sponsorship from a Vietnamese company. The process usually involves:

• Securing sponsorship from a licensed Vietnamese company [5].

• Providing passport details and passport-sized photos.

• Paying fees, which vary depending on the embassy or consulate.

• Waiting about 5–7 working days for approval [5].

This type of visa is ideal for remote workers with business ties or longer-term plans in Vietnam.

How to Apply for an E-Visa

The e-visa system is one of the easiest ways to enter Vietnam. Applications are submitted online through the official Vietnam Immigration portal. Key features include:

• Online application through the official portal.

• Valid entry at 33 checkpoints across the country, including 8 major airports, 16 land border crossings, and 9 seaports.

• Single-entry permission, with no extension options within Vietnam [6].

For remote workers, the e-visa is a fast and straightforward choice, requiring minimal paperwork. However, if your stay exceeds 30 days, you’ll need to explore other visa options or plan for periodic exits and reapplications.

Who Can Apply for Vietnam Visas

Vietnam doesn’t currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. However, remote workers can apply for various existing visa types depending on their situation. Understanding the requirements is key to a smooth application process and a successful stay in Vietnam.

Passport Requirements

Your passport needs to remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date into Vietnam [1]. If you’re applying for an e-visa, you’ll also need to upload a JPG image of the passport’s biodata page.

Financial and Insurance Obligations

While there’s no set income requirement, you’ll need to pay visa fees and have valid health insurance [2]. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

Required Documents

Remote workers applying for a Vietnam visa need to prepare the following:

Primary Documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity

• A completed application form

• Two recent passport-sized color photos

• Proof of visa fee payment [2]

• Valid health insurance documentation [2]

Additional Requirements:

• Entry and exit form provided during your flight [1]

• English translations for documents not in English or Vietnamese [7]

For longer stays or multiple entries, you may need extra documentation to show financial stability and detailed travel plans. Organizing these documents ahead of time can simplify both the initial application and any future visa extensions.

How to Get Your Vietnam Visa

Getting the right visa is key to a smooth remote work experience in Vietnam. There are several visa options tailored to different needs and lengths of stay.

Choosing the Right Visa

The type of visa you need depends on how long you plan to stay and your work setup:

For most remote workers, the E-visa is a convenient choice, offering a straightforward online process and a 30-day validity. If you’re planning a longer stay, the Visa on Arrival is ideal, allowing stays of up to 90 days.

Once you’ve decided on the right visa, follow these steps to complete your application.

How to Apply

For an E-visa, head to the official Vietnam Immigration website. You’ll need to upload a passport photo and your passport’s data page, provide your temporary address in Vietnam, and pay the required fee [3].

If opting for a Visa on Arrival, apply online for a pre-approval letter. During your flight, fill out the entry/exit form and pay the stamping fee once you arrive in Vietnam [1].

Fees and Processing Times

If you’re using the Visa on Arrival option, make sure to carry cash for the stamping fee, as it must be paid at the airport.

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Remote Work Life in Vietnam

Vietnam offers a mix of modern conveniences and cultural richness, making it an appealing destination for remote workers. With clear visa options, the country provides a solid foundation for thriving as a digital nomad.

Best Cities for Remote Workers

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam’s bustling business hub, known for its strong expat community and well-developed infrastructure. It boasts high-speed internet cafes and an energetic nightlife, creating a lively and productive atmosphere for remote workers [1].

Hanoi blends its historic charm with modern co-working spaces. Its location near Ha Long Bay also makes it easy to plan weekend escapes [1].

Da Nang has gained popularity among digital nomads, offering a combination of beachfront living, up-to-date infrastructure, and proximity to UNESCO sites like Hoi An. With affordable living costs and a growing remote work community, it’s an attractive choice.

Each city offers unique perks, from cost of living to internet quality, helping remote workers find the best fit for their lifestyle.

Living Expenses and Internet

Monthly expenses for remote workers in Vietnam typically fall between $685 and $1,380 [8]. Here’s a breakdown of common costs:

Vietnam ranks 47th globally for fixed internet speeds, offering dependable connectivity [10]. Co-working spaces like Dreamplex and Toong provide excellent facilities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and opportunities for networking [11].

Legal Work Guidelines

To stay compliant while working remotely in Vietnam, follow these steps:

1. Ensure your visa is up to date.

2. Keep proof of employment readily available.

3. Record any international earnings.

Co-working spaces such as The Hive and CirCO can serve as official business addresses and provide professional work environments that align with local regulations [11]. For backup internet, consider using a mobile hotspot with unlimited data [9]. Providers like Viettel Telecom and FPT Telecom offer reliable services, with internet penetration reaching 80% across the country [10].

These practices, combined with proper visa documentation, help ensure a seamless remote work experience in Vietnam.

Making Your Stay Work

Extending Your Visa

If you’re planning to stay longer in Vietnam, you’ll need to navigate the visa process carefully since there’s no specific visa for digital nomads.

For e-visa holders, the process involves leaving Vietnam when your visa expires, reapplying, and then re-entering the country. Other visa types can often be renewed more easily with the help of local travel agencies. If you’re on a work visa, you have more options, as these permits can last up to two years and are renewable [3].

While handling visa requirements, it’s also a good idea to get familiar with Vietnamese customs to make your daily interactions smoother.

Local Customs Guide

Understanding Vietnamese norms can help you connect with locals and avoid awkward situations. Here are some key cultural tips:

In both social and business settings, it’s important to stay composed and respect the idea of “saving face.” This means avoiding actions or words that could embarrass anyone, including yourself [12].

Money and Health Services

Taking care of your finances and health is key to a hassle-free stay in Vietnam.

Healthcare Access:
Family Medical Practice is a reliable option, with clinics in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang offering a range of medical services [14].

Financial Management:
For international banking, platforms like Wise and Revolut provide multi-currency accounts, making transactions easier [15]. They also offer better exchange rates compared to traditional methods. When it comes to insurance, consider options like Cigna Global for long-term coverage [13].

“As a digital nomad, you’ll need to choose between nomad health insurance (a type of travel insurance) for shorter stays and long-term international health insurance to cover you anywhere in the world, typically for 6+ month stays and travel.” - Digital Nomad Exchange Resource Guide [13]

Next Steps

To move forward with your plans for Vietnam, use this action plan to stay organized and on track:

Once your timeline is set, rely on local resources and plan your finances carefully to make your move easier. Upon arrival, join expat Facebook groups like ‘Expats in Vietnam – The Vietnam Expat Guide’ for advice on coworking spaces and housing options [17]. If you’re heading to the central region, check out ‘Da Nang & Hoi An Expats’ for more localized tips [17].

Financial Planning: Expect a monthly budget ranging from $600 to $1500 [1]. Open a local bank account with Vietcombank or Techcombank for smoother transactions [1]. Don’t forget to install ExpressVPN before you arrive [1].

Choosing Your Location: Finalize your base once other arrangements are in place:

• Hanoi/HCMC: Ideal for networking and professional opportunities.

• Da Nang/Hoi An: Offers a relaxed lifestyle with beach access and a strong digital nomad community [16].

“If you plan to move to Vietnam, proper preparation is key. Follow this comprehensive checklist to ensure your relocation goes smoothly.” – APRIL International [16]