Vietnam Golden Visa 2026: Complete Expat Guide
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Vietnam Golden Visa. Discover investment requirements, property buying rules, and relocation benefits for expats.
What This Guide Covers
Answer-first: The Vietnam Golden Visa refers to the UĐ1 Visa (launching July 2026) and the existing DT Investor Visas. These pathways grant expats 5 to 10 years of residency. They require verifiable capital investment or high-level technical expertise. This guide breaks down exact costs, tax benefits, and property buying rights.
Who This Is For
This guide is for high-net-worth expats, strategic investors, and top-tier tech professionals planning a long-term relocation to Vietnam in 2026. If you want to invest over $120,000 USD, buy an apartment, and bring your family, this framework applies to you.
What is the Vietnam Golden Visa (UĐ1)?
Answer-first: Launching on July 1, 2026, the UĐ1 Visa is Vietnam’s new preferential visa. It targets ultra-high-net-worth investors and top-tier tech experts linked to International Financial Centers (IFC). It offers up to 5 years of residency, extendable to 10 years, and includes family sponsorship.
Unlike tourist visas, the UĐ1 visa requires formal nomination by a licensed Vietnamese agency. Spouses and children under 18 automatically receive the UĐ2 visa. The Ministry of Public Security processes approved applications in just 3 working days.
Golden Visa vs. Investor (DT) Visa vs. TRC
Answer-first: The “Golden Visa” is a marketing term. Legally, you apply for either the new UĐ1 Visa (IFC-linked) or a standard DT Investor Visa. Once in Vietnam, you convert DT1, DT2, or DT3 visas into a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for long-term stays.
| Visa Type | Target Group | Min. Paid-up Capital | Max Validity (with TRC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UĐ1 / UĐ2 | Strategic Investors, IFC Tech Experts | Varies by IFC project | Up to 10 years |
| DT1 | Major Corporate Investors | $\ge$ 100 billion VND (~$4M) | Up to 10 years |
| DT2 | Mid-Tier Corporate Investors | 50B - 100B VND (~$2M - $4M) | Up to 5 years |
| DT3 | Small Business Investors | 3B - 50B VND (~$120k - $2M) | Up to 3 years |
| DT4 | Startups & Explorers | < 3 billion VND (<$120k) | Up to 12 months (No TRC) |
Minimum Investment Requirements
Answer-first: To secure long-term residency (TRC), you must invest at least 3 billion VND (approx. $120,000 USD) to qualify for a DT3 visa. You must prove this capital was legally transferred via a Direct Investment Capital Account (DICA).
According to local legal experts at VILAF, simply committing capital on paper is no longer enough. The 2026 regulations require strict proof of paid-up charter capital. Authorities will request bank transfer receipts or audited financials.
Can You Buy a House with a Golden Visa?
Answer-first: Yes, but with strict limits. Holding a UĐ1 or DT Visa (with a TRC) allows you to buy property. However, foreigners cannot own freehold land. You can only purchase apartments in approved commercial projects with a 50-year leasehold.
Starting March 1, 2026, all residential properties possess a unique 40-character Electronic Property ID. This helps expats verify project legality online. Additionally, the Land Law 2024 unified property certificates into one document.
You must pay for all real estate using a licensed Vietnamese Dong (VND) bank account. Cash transactions or direct international card payments are strictly illegal.
Tax Incentives: Live Tax-Free Until 2030
Answer-first: Personnel holding the UĐ1 visa within the International Financial Center (IFC) receive a 0% Personal Income Tax (PIT) rate on salaries until 2030. They also pay 0% capital gains tax on transferred shares within IFC entities.
Decree 324/2025/ND-CP established these massive tax breaks to attract global talent to Ho Chi Minh City. This makes the UĐ1 pathway financially superior to standard DT investor visas for eligible experts.
Costs and Official Fees to Expect
Answer-first: Beyond your business investment, expect to pay official government fees for your Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Under Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC, fees range from $145 to $165 USD depending on validity.
| Item | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TRC State Fee (Up to 2 yrs) | $145 USD | Official government fee only |
| TRC State Fee (2 - 5 yrs) | $155 USD | Paid to Immigration Department |
| TRC State Fee (5 - 10 yrs) | $165 USD | Applicable for DT1 / UĐ1 |
| Legal / Agency Fees | $500 - $2,500+ USD | Varies heavily by law firm and scope |
Red Flags & Common Mistakes
Answer-first: The biggest mistake expats make is buying a “DT4 Visa package” from sketchy agencies under the promise of long-term residency. A DT4 visa strictly prohibits the issuance of a Temporary Residence Card (TRC).
Watch out for these red flags:
- Fake “Freehold” Promises: Agencies claiming the visa grants you permanent land ownership.
- Bypassing the DICA: Transferring investment capital through personal accounts instead of a corporate Direct Investment Capital Account.
- The DT4 Trap: Paying thousands in setup fees for an investment under $120,000, only to discover you must leave Vietnam after 12 months.
(Read our complete Rental Contract Red Flags guide to stay safe).
FAQ
How much do you need to invest for the Vietnam Golden Visa?
To obtain long-term residency (TRC) in Vietnam through an Investor Visa (DT Visa), you must invest a minimum of 3 billion VND (approximately $120,000 USD) for a DT3 visa. To qualify for the top-tier DT1 visa, you must invest over 100 billion VND (approximately $4,000,000 USD). This capital must be legally transferred into a Direct Investment Capital Account (DICA) in Vietnam.
Can foreigners buy property in Vietnam with a Golden Visa?
Yes, but with restrictions. Holding an Investor Visa or the new UĐ1 visa (and a valid Temporary Residence Card) allows you to buy property. However, foreigners cannot own land or freehold property in Vietnam. You are restricted to buying apartments in approved commercial residential projects (up to a 30% foreign quota) with a 50-year leasehold ownership.
Is the Vietnam Golden Visa the same as a DT (Investor) visa?
Vietnam does not have an official program named the “Golden Visa.” The term is used by agencies to market two pathways: the national Investor Visa (DT1, DT2, and DT3) and the newly launched UĐ1 Visa (effective July 2026), which targets strategic investors and top experts in Special Economic Zones and International Financial Centers.
How long can you stay in Vietnam with this visa?
The standard Investor Visas (DT1 and DT2) grant up to 5 years of stay, while the UĐ1 visa also grants up to 5 years. By converting these visas into a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), top-tier investors (DT1) and specific IFC-linked UĐ1 holders can extend their residency for up to 10 years.