Can I live in Vietnam long-term on just an e-visa?

Many expats and digital nomads do exactly this. The 90-day multiple-entry e-visa allows you to stay, then do a short border run (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand) and re-enter. It's legal and widely practiced, though there's no formal digital nomad visa. For stays beyond 1–2 years, a work permit plus TRC is the better long-term solution.

How long does the e-visa application take?

The standard e-visa is processed within 3 business days via evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The fee is $25 and you'll need a scanned passport, photo, and your intended entry/exit dates. There is no expedited processing — apply at least a week before travel.

Do I need a work permit if I work remotely for a foreign company?

Technically, if you are employed by or contracting for a foreign company (not a Vietnamese entity) and your income is paid abroad, you do not require a Vietnamese work permit. Most remote workers and digital nomads operate on the e-visa in this way. Only employment with Vietnamese-registered companies requires a work permit.

What is a border run and how does it work?

A border run means exiting Vietnam before your visa expires, spending time in a neighboring country, then re-entering on a new 90-day e-visa. Popular routes include the Moc Bai bus crossing to Phnom Penh (Cambodia) or a quick flight to Bangkok. The entire trip can be done in 1–2 days. Apply for your new e-visa before you leave.

Can my family join me in Vietnam?

Yes. Spouses and children of TRC holders can apply for a DL (family) visa or TRC based on family relationship. Proof of marriage (apostilled) and birth certificates are required. If you are on a tourist/e-visa, family members apply for their own e-visas independently. There is no formal trailing-spouse visa category.

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🇻🇳 Vietnam

Visa & Residency

$25

E-Visa Cost

Online application, 90-day validity

3 business days

Processing Time

Online via evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn

$20–$50

Work Permit Fee

Government fees; agency fees $300–$800

1–2 years

TRC Duration

Temporary Residence Card; renewable

80+

Countries Eligible

Check updated list before applying

Available

Visa-on-Arrival

At major airports with pre-approval

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Ho Chi Minh City 🏛️Hanoi 🏖️Da Nang

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Overview

Vietnam's 90-day e-visa has made the country accessible for expats and digital nomads from 80+ countries. Available for single or multiple entry, it can be applied for online in minutes and is typically approved within 3 business days. Long-term residents typically pursue a work permit plus temporary residence card (TRC), while business owners can apply through an investment visa route. Retirees and long-stay nomads often cycle the e-visa with periodic border runs to neighboring countries.

Key Takeaways

Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — fee is $25, approval in ~3 business days
Work permit is employer-sponsored: your Vietnamese company applies on your behalf
DN visa (Business): issued to those doing business in Vietnam; requires invitation from a Vietnamese company or business partner
TRC is issued for 1 or 2 years to those holding a valid work permit or investor status

90-Day E-Visa: The Standard Entry

The Vietnam e-visa is the simplest and most popular entry route for short-to-medium term expats and digital nomads.

Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — fee is $25, approval in ~3 business days
Valid for 90 days, available as single entry or multiple entry
Covers 80+ nationalities including US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and India
Multiple entry e-visa allows border runs to Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand and re-entry
Many nomads renew by exiting to Cambodia (Moc Bai border) or flying to Bangkok for a few days
Upload passport photo, passport scan, and entry/exit dates; no invitation letter required

Work Permit: Required for Local Employment

Any foreigner employed by a Vietnamese company or organization must obtain a Work Permit (Giấy phép lao động) — working without one carries fines and deportation risk.

Work permit is employer-sponsored: your Vietnamese company applies on your behalf
Requires degree certificates (apostilled), police clearance from your home country, and health check
Valid for 2 years, renewable; government fees ~$20–$50 plus agency fees of $300–$800
After obtaining a work permit, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) — 1 or 2 years
TRC eliminates the need for visa renewals; you can re-enter Vietnam multiple times during validity
Freelancers and remote workers for foreign companies technically do not need a work permit

Business & Investor Visas

Entrepreneurs and investors can enter and stay in Vietnam through business visa categories tied to company registration.

DN visa (Business): issued to those doing business in Vietnam; requires invitation from a Vietnamese company or business partner
Investors who register a company (LLC or joint stock) in Vietnam can apply for a longer-stay TRC as a business owner
Foreign direct investment (FDI) of $130,000+ USD into a Vietnamese LLC qualifies for investor residency
Business visas issued for 1–5 years with multiple entry; renewable through company sponsorship
Company registration takes 2–4 weeks through DIZA or local business registration departments
A local lawyer or incorporation service ($500–$1,500) is strongly recommended for company setup

Temporary Residence Card & Long-Term Stay

The Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is Vietnam's closest equivalent to a long-term residency permit.

TRC is issued for 1 or 2 years to those holding a valid work permit or investor status
Allows multiple entries and removes the need for continuous visa renewals
Apply at provincial Immigration Department; requires work permit, photos, and passport copies
Permanent residency in Vietnam is technically possible but rarely granted to foreigners in practice
Many long-term expats simply renew their TRC every 1–2 years through their employer
Spouses and dependents of TRC holders can obtain their own TRC through family visa (DL category)

FAQs