All Vietnam visa options at a glance
| Visa | Duration | Cost (USD) | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-visa single-entry | 90 days | 50 | Yes (new application) |
| E-visa multi-entry | 90 days | 95 | Yes (new application) |
| Visa-on-arrival (DN) | 1–3 months | 50–155 + stamping | Yes |
| Work permit + LD visa | 2 years | ~600–1,500 | Yes |
| Temporary Residence Card | 2–5 years | ~150–250 (stamping) | Yes |
| Investor visa (DT) | 1–10 years | varies | Yes |
| Married-to-Vietnamese (TT) | 3 years | ~250 | Yes |
1. The 90-day e-visa — the default starting point
Since August 2023, Vietnam offers a 90-day e-visa available to nationals of more than 80 countries (including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, all 27 EU states, most of South America). It comes in two versions:
- Single-entry: 50 USD. You can leave Vietnam, but you cannot come back without a new visa.
- Multi-entry: 95 USD. You can leave and re-enter as many times as you want during the 90 days.
How to apply: Use the official Vietnamese government site evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Avoid third-party sites — they charge 2–3× the price for nothing. Approval takes 3 working days; pay in advance, receive a PDF, print it and bring it to immigration on arrival.
What you need: Passport with 6+ months validity, a passport-style digital photo, your planned arrival date and the entry/exit ports (Da Nang Airport for most expats), and a credit card.
2. Extending or renewing the e-visa
The 90-day e-visa can be extended once for another 90 days from inside Vietnam, but the process changed in 2024 and is now slow and inconsistent. The cleaner path most expats take:
- Apply for a brand-new e-visa before the current one expires.
- Do a quick "visa run" — fly to Bangkok, Singapore, Phnom Penh or take the bus to Laos.
- Re-enter Vietnam on the new e-visa.
Cost of a same-day visa run from Da Nang: 200–450 USD all-in including transport, escort and the new visa fee. We handle these end-to-end.
3. Work permit + LD visa — the long-term path for employees
If you have a Vietnamese employer (including your own legally registered company), you qualify for a work permit and an LD-class visa, leading to a 2-year Temporary Residence Card.
Documents required:
- University degree, notarised and apostilled in your home country
- Background check from your home country (no criminal record), apostilled
- 2+ years of experience in the role, certified by a previous employer
- Vietnamese health check from an approved hospital
- Employer paperwork (business licence, labour usage approval)
Timeline: 6–10 weeks from start to issued work permit. Total cost typically 600–1,500 USD when handled through an agent.
4. Investor visa (DT) — for business owners
Setting up a Vietnamese company with foreign capital makes you eligible for a DT-class investor visa. The duration depends on the size of investment:
- DT4: Investment under 3 billion VND (~120,000 USD) → 1-year visa
- DT3: 3–50 billion VND → 3-year visa
- DT2: 50–100 billion VND → 5-year visa
- DT1: Over 100 billion VND → 10-year visa
The DT4 is the most common path for small-business owners and freelancers wanting long-term residence without local employment.
5. Married-to-Vietnamese (TT) visa
A foreigner legally married to a Vietnamese citizen qualifies for a 3-year TT-class visa. Required documents include the marriage certificate (registered in Vietnam), proof of address and the spouse's household registration book.
6. What about a digital-nomad visa?
As of April 2026, Vietnam does not offer a dedicated digital-nomad visa, despite repeated announcements. Most remote workers operate on the multi-entry 90-day e-visa with periodic visa runs, or set up a small DT-class investment to obtain a 1-year visa.
Visa runs from Da Nang in 2026 — practical details
Three realistic options for a same-day visa run from Da Nang:
| Destination | Method | Time | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Direct flight | 4 hours total | 250–400 |
| Phnom Penh | Direct flight | 4 hours total | 220–380 |
| Lao Bao (Laos border) | Bus or private car | 10–12 hours total | 150–250 |
The Lao Bao border crossing is the cheapest option but the longest day. Almost all of our clients prefer the Bangkok or Phnom Penh flight.
Common visa mistakes
- Applying through a third-party site. The fees are inflated and refunds are nearly impossible.
- Booking flights before approval. The 3-day processing window is reliable but not guaranteed.
- Missing the passport-validity rule. You need 6+ months left on your passport when you enter Vietnam.
- Overstaying. Fines are 25 USD per day plus possible deportation and a future entry ban.
- Assuming visa-free entry. Some nationalities (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain) get a 45-day visa exemption — but it's single-entry only and cannot be extended.
FAQ
How much does a Vietnam visa cost in 2026?
The 90-day multi-entry e-visa costs 95 USD direct from the government site. Single-entry is 50 USD. A full work permit + 2-year residence card typically costs 600–1,500 USD when handled by an agent.
Can I get a Vietnam visa on arrival in Da Nang?
Yes, but only with a pre-approved visa-on-arrival letter (DN visa). Most travellers find the e-visa simpler — apply online, no queue at the airport, no cash needed at immigration.
How long can I legally stay in Vietnam as an expat?
Indefinitely, with the right visa. The simplest paths to long-term residence are a work permit (2-year TRC), an investor visa (1–10 years depending on capital) or marriage to a Vietnamese citizen (3-year TRC).
Is the Vietnam digital-nomad visa available yet?
No. As of April 2026, despite multiple announcements since 2022, Vietnam has not launched a dedicated digital-nomad visa. The current best option for remote workers is the multi-entry e-visa with periodic visa runs.
Sources: Vietnam Immigration Department (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn), Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs work permit guidelines, DaNang Keys casework data 2023–2026 (200+ visa filings handled). Visa rules can change — verify with the embassy before travel.