Decree 221/2025, effective 15/8, outlines the subjects, criteria, conditions, and duration of visa exemptions for foreigners deemed to require special entry incentives to Vietnam for socioeconomic development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang (seated) stroll through the old quarter, enjoying a beer, during Mr. Huang's second visit to Vietnam after signing an agreement to establish an AI center, 5/12/2024. Photo: Giang Huy

Seven categories of foreigners are eligible for visa exemptions:

First, guests invited by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, the President, the National Assembly Chairperson, the Prime Minister, the Permanent Member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat, the Vice President, the Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Deputy Prime Minister, the President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, the President of the Supreme People's Procuracy, the State Auditor General, Ministers and equivalents, Provincial Party Secretaries, Municipal Party Secretaries, Chairpersons of People's Councils, and Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and cities.

The second group includes scholars, experts, scientists, university professors, research institute members, chief engineers, and high-quality digital technology professionals.

The third category comprises investors and leaders of major global corporations and businesses. The fourth includes individuals in culture, arts, sports, and tourism who have a positive public influence.

The next two categories apply to Vietnam's Honorary Consuls abroad and guests invited by research institutes, universities, and large corporations. The government will determine the list of eligible research institutes, universities, and large corporations based on recommendations from ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies.

Finally, other cases requiring visa exemptions for diplomatic purposes or socioeconomic development will be decided by the Minister of Public Security based on recommendations from agencies and organizations.

The production team for Alan Walker's music video "Alone, Pt. II" takes a photo at the filming location in Son Doong Cave. Photo: Oxalis Adventure

Criteria for determining influence:

For foreign investors and leaders of large global corporations and businesses: The corporation or business must be listed among the top 100 globally by market capitalization, as published annually by reputable international organizations.

For outstanding international soccer players: They must be listed among the top 100 players annually by reputable international organizations or be invited by a professional domestic soccer club for competition or exchange.

For content creators specializing in promoting culture, tourism, cuisine, and traditional crafts: They must meet three criteria: Produce content focused on these areas with at least 1,000,000 followers on social media platforms; Actively promote Vietnamese tourism or commit to producing Vietnam-related content during their visit with a concrete content plan approved by Vietnamese authorities; and Have no public actions or statements negatively impacting Vietnam's image.

Influential foreign nationals will be considered for level 2 electronic identification accounts.

According to the decree, individuals in these groups will receive special visa exemption cards for socioeconomic development purposes. These cards, available in electronic or physical chip-embedded formats with equal legal validity, will be chosen by the issuing agency or organization.

Physical chip-embedded cards are issued to foreigners already in Vietnam with biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) in the National Immigration Database or a level 2 electronic identification account. These cards grant visa exemptions for 3 to 5 years.

The encrypted chip stores the following information: full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, issue date, place of issue, facial image, fingerprints, and the foreigner's identification number (if applicable).

These cards allow multiple entries into Vietnam within the exemption period. The decree also states that these individuals may be considered for level 2 electronic identification accounts as needed.

The Ministry of Public Security will invalidate the special visa exemption cards if the holder fails to meet the criteria and conditions or if requested by relevant agencies or organizations.

Prior to this special visa incentive policy, the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) proposed Vietnam offer 5-10 year "golden visas," renewable, to global elites, exceeding the current 1-2 year limit.

The TAB also suggested 10-year investment visas with a path to permanent residency after 5 years if the investment is maintained, to attract experts, talent, and high-net-worth individuals.

Similar countries in the region have long implemented robust visa exemption policies to boost their economies and tourism. Thailand currently offers visa exemptions to 93 countries, Malaysia to 158, while Vietnam only exempts 30.

Singapore also has a "Global Investor Programme" to attract talent and wealthy individuals. Recently, former US President Donald Trump introduced a $5 million golden immigration card, attracting nearly 70,000 applicants worldwide within days.

Hai Thu