HCMC – The Government has introduced a time-limited visa exemption policy for selected foreign nationals, including billionaires, leading scientists, chief engineers, and highly skilled digital technology professionals.
Under Decree 221 issued on August 8, the measure targets individuals considered essential for the country’s socio-economic development.
Six categories are eligible. The first covers invitees of Vietnam’s top leaders, including the Party General Secretary, State President, National Assembly Chair, Prime Minister, and equivalent positions.
The second includes scholars, experts, scientists, and university professors or researchers. Eligible scientists must have received prestigious international awards or be officially recognized in their respective fields. Chief engineers and high-caliber digital technology specialists also qualify.
Investors and executives of major global corporations are eligible if their companies rank among the world’s 100 largest by market capitalization, as recognized annually by reputable international organizations.
Individuals in culture, arts, sports, and tourism with significant public influence also qualify. For football players, eligibility requires ranking among the world’s top 100 and having an invitation from a domestic professional club.
Honorary consuls of Vietnam abroad, as well as invitees of Vietnamese research institutes, universities, or major enterprises, are also covered. In other special cases for diplomatic or economic purposes, the Minister of Public Security may grant exemptions.
Special visa waiver cards—either electronic or chip-based physical cards—will have the same legal validity. The exemption period will not exceed five years and must be at least 30 days shorter than the passport’s remaining validity.
The Ministry of Public Security may revoke the visa waiver if the holder no longer meets the criteria or upon request from competent authorities.
The new policy is intended to attract top talent, major investors, and internationally recognized cultural and sports figures, strengthening Vietnam’s competitiveness in the global economy.
