A guide to living and working legally in Vietnam

How to live legally in Vietnam 2026: A Complete Guide to Visas, Registration, and Fines

At the end of 2025, Vietnam underwent significant changes to its immigration laws. Decree 282/2025 , which came into effect on December 15, doubled fines for visa violations and tightened controls over the registration of foreigners. Decree 59/2026 is the first document to detail and update how the state expels foreigners and what happens to them before they leave. The maximum fine for overstaying now reaches 40 million dong—approximately $1,500. At the same time, the country simplified entry for tourists, extending the e-visa to 90 days and adding twelve more European countries to the visa-free list.

This dual approach creates a new reality: Vietnam is open to legal visits and residence, but no longer forgives rule violations. While previously it was possible to overstay a visa for a week, pay a small fine at the airport, and forget about it, now even a short overstay is recorded in a database and affects subsequent visas, and the lack of residence registration, which many considered a formality, now effectively blocks the extension of legal status.

Let's take a closer look at how the system works and what you need to do to live in Vietnam without running into legal trouble.

Explanation of all abbreviations

LD = (work visa category LD1 or LD2). LD stands for Labor — in Vietnamese "labor/work"
This visa is for those working in Vietnam as employees. LD1 is for highly qualified specialists, LD2 is for ordinary workers.

WP = Work Permit
An official document that grants a foreigner the right to work in Vietnam. Without it, working for a Vietnamese company is illegal. Issued for up to two years.

TRC = Temporary Residence Card
A plastic card that confirms your right to legally reside in Vietnam. Issued based on a work visa, investor visa, or family-based visa. Valid for 1 to 5 years (sometimes up to 10 years for large investors).

ĐT = Đầu tư (investment in Vietnamese)
Investor visa. ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3, ĐT4 — categories depending on the investment amount.

TT = Thăm thân (family/relatives in Vietnamese)
Family visa for spouses, children, parents of Vietnamese citizens or foreigners with work/investor visas.

DH = Du học (study abroad in Vietnamese) is a student visa for foreigners enrolled in a Vietnamese university or language school. It is valid for 3–12 months and can be extended for the entire duration of their studies.

DL = Du lịch (tourism in Vietnamese)
Tourist visa, including electronic e-visa for 90 days.

IRC = Investment Registration Certificate
A document that confirms that your investment project has been approved by the authorities.

ERC = Enterprise Registration Certificate
Analogous to our OGRN (Primary State Registration Number) - confirms that the company is registered and officially exists.

NA17 = form for temporary registration of foreigners
A paper form that your landlord or hotel must complete and submit to the police within 12 to 24 hours of your check-in.

UĐ1 = Ưu đãi 1 — a special visa for highly qualified digital specialists. Valid for up to 5 years, requires a Vietnamese sponsor. Launch: July 1, 2026.

UĐ2 = Ưu đãi 2 — visa for family members of a UĐ1 holder (spouse + children under 18).

Glossary: ​​Understanding the Terms

Apostille

A special stamp placed on official documents (diplomas, marriage/birth certificates, police clearance certificates) to ensure their recognition in another country without further verification. Valid only between countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention.

Where to get it: In Russia, through the MFC or the Ministry of Justice (2-4 weeks, cost ~3000-5000 rubles). In other countries, usually through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Justice.

Countries requiring it: Russia, most of the EU, the US, the UK, and Australia are part of the convention. China, Canada, and the UAE are not part of the convention and require consular legalization (which is more complicated and time-consuming).

Why for Vietnam: Vietnam requires an apostille on your diploma and a certificate of good conduct when applying for a Work Permit if you are from a convention country.

Consular Legalization

The document certification procedure for countries that are not party to the Hague Convention. The document is first certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country, then by the Vietnamese embassy/consulate. This takes 1-3 months and is more expensive than an apostille.

Example: If you are from China or the UAE, your diploma must be consularly legalized (apostille will not work).

Notarized translation

A notarized translation of the document into Vietnamese confirms the translator's qualifications and the accuracy of the translation. This is mandatory for all foreign documents applying for a Work Permit, TRC, or visa.

Where to get it: At a Vietnamese notary public or through an agency. Cost: ~$30-50 per document.

Temporary Residence Registration (Tạm trú)

Notifying the police of your actual residence is mandatory. This is done by the landlord or hotel using form NA17 within 12-24 hours of your check-in. Without this, your visa extension or TRC may be denied.

Why this is important: Starting in 2025, immigration will strictly check for registrations from previous visits. No registration = no new visa.

Visa Run

Slang term for a strategy for extending a tourist stay by briefly leaving the country and returning with a new visa. For example: 90 days on an e-visa in Vietnam → flight to Thailand for 2-3 days → return with a new 90-day e-visa.

Risks in 2026: Frequent visa runs (more than 3-4 per year) attract the attention of immigration authorities – they may suspect you of working illegally and start asking questions at the border.

Overstay

Overstaying a visa is when you stay in the country longer than the stamp in your passport allows. Effective December 15, 2025, the penalties are severe: fines from $20 to $1600, deportation, and a ban on entry from one to 10 years, depending on the length of the overstay.

Additionally, a landlord who fails to register a foreigner faces a fine of up to 40,000,000 VND (~$1,520). Travel agencies whose clients remain illegally are also subject to a fine of up to 40,000,000 VND.

The Hague Convention of 1961

An international treaty that simplifies the recognition of documents between participating countries through an apostille (instead of lengthy consular legalization).

Participants: ~120 countries, including Russia (since 1992), Ukraine, Belarus, almost the entire EU, the USA, Australia, Japan, Korea.

Non-participants: China, Canada, UAE, Saudi Arabia - these countries require consular legalization.

Criminal Record Certificate / Police Clearance

An official document confirming a clean criminal record. A work permit in Vietnam requires a certificate from the applicant's home country with an apostille (not older than six months).

New for 2025: You can now obtain a certificate within Vietnam (if you've already lived here), and it's automatically processed along with your Work Permit through a single online portal—no need to go to the Justice Department in person.

Quota for hiring foreigners

A permit from the Vietnamese Ministry of Labor authorizing the company to hire a foreign worker. The employer must justify why a Vietnamese national cannot be hired for the position.

Deportation

Forced deportation from the country for visa violations or working without a permit. Typically accompanied by a re-entry ban of 1 to 10 years. Since December 2025, this ban has been possible with an overstay of at least 16 days.

Entry ban

A ban on entry to Vietnam for a specified period (from 1 year to life). Issued for serious violations: prolonged overstay, working without a work permit, forged documents, or deportation.

What has changed over the past three years

In August 2023, Vietnam implemented a major visa reform. The e-visa, which previously granted a 30-day stay and was valid for citizens of 80 countries, was expanded to all nationalities and extended to 90 days. Furthermore, multiple-entry visas are now available—for $50 instead of $25, you can enter and exit the country multiple times within those three months.

At the same time, the visa-free regime was expanded. While in 2022, citizens of about a dozen countries could stay visa-free for up to 45 days, in 2025, Belgium, Poland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and several other European countries were added to the list. For Russians, the 45-day visa-free regime began in 2023 and was extended until at least 2028.

It would seem that everything had become simpler. But at the same time, the authorities began to crack down on illegal employment and immigration violations. In 2024, a wave of inspections of language schools and coworking spaces was carried out, identifying teachers and freelancers working on tourist visas. And in December 2025, a new decree on fines was passed, effectively ending the era of "gray schemes."

Now, overstaying for more than two weeks can result in deportation and an entry ban for a year or more. Working without a permit carries the same penalty, plus a fine of up to 30 million dong. If you're not registered at your address, the immigration service may refuse to issue a new visa without explanation.

Three rules that work for everyone

Whether you're just coming for a month or planning to stay for years, there are basic requirements that every foreigner must meet.

First: monitor your visa expiration date like you monitor your health. A small overstay used to be considered a minor inconvenience. Now it's a serious violation with long-term consequences. Even a one-day overstay means a fine of 500 to 2 million dong and mandatory inclusion in a database of violators. If you return to Vietnam a year later and overstay again, the fine will be several times higher, and the risk of deportation will increase exponentially.

Practical advice: immediately after receiving your entry stamp, take a photo of it and set a reminder on your phone for a week before the expiration date. Plan your departure at least a day or two before the deadline—flights are subject to delays and traffic jams, so it's better to be on the safe side.

Second: registering at your residential address is now critically important. According to Vietnamese law, every foreigner must register with the police at their actual place of residence. This responsibility is not yours, but the landlord's—they must submit Form NA17 within 12-24 hours of your check-in. Previously, many landlords ignored this requirement, and nothing happened. Now the situation has changed dramatically.

On the one hand, fines for landlords have increased to 40 million dong, depending on the number of unregistered tenants. On the other hand, the immigration service has begun checking registration histories when issuing new visas and renewing temporary residence cards. Cases have emerged of people being denied e-visas without explanation, and when they apply to immigration, it turns out that the system doesn't contain registration data for their previous visit.

What to do : At the hotel, simply hand your passport over to reception and make sure the information has been entered into the system. When renting an apartment, include a mandatory registration clause in the contract and ask the landlord to send you a screenshot or photo of the confirmation from the online system or the stamp on the paper form. If the landlord refuses to register you, without any particular reason, explaining that "this is how we've always done it and it's fine," look for another place to stay. It's no longer a formality.

Third: do not work for Vietnamese companies without permission. A tourist visa, including an electronic one, only allows tourism. Working for a local employer requires a work permit and the corresponding LD visa. Violation of this requirement is punishable by a fine of 15 to 30 million VND, deportation, and an entry ban of one to three years.

This is especially true for English teachers, who traditionally make up a large number of expats. Language schools were subject to a wave of inspections in 2024-2025, and now most reputable institutions require legal registration. The "you work for cash, the school says you're a volunteer" approach is no longer viable—inspections result in fines for both the teacher and the school, and the school also faces the risk of having its license revoked.

Remote work for foreign companies is a separate issue. Formally, Vietnamese law doesn't directly regulate this. In fact, the authorities tolerate this situation as long as you comply with other regulations: don't work for locals, pay taxes in your home country, and comply with visa and registration requirements. But it's important to understand: this is a gray area, and the approach can change at any time.

Possible scenarios: choose your option

Now let's move on to specific situations. Vietnam offers several legal options for long-term residency, and the choice depends on your goals and capabilities.

Table: What documents are needed for your scenario?

Scenario	The status of	Minimum documents	Additional features
Winterer / remote work up to 45 days (Russia, EU, Japan, Korea, etc.)	Visa-free (stamp)	Passport valid for 6+ months, return ticket	QR declaration upon arrival at SGN (from 15.04.2026); registration at the address vietnam.mid+1
Winterer 45 + 90 days	Visa-free + e-visa	Passport, tickets, e-visa ($25/$50)	Apply for an e-visa only outside Vietnam; QR declaration at each entry through SGN dv-tours+1
Remote work/digital nomad for up to 90 days	E-visa 90 days	Passport (6+ months), photo, reservation	$25 single / $50 multi; 3-5 business days; address registration; insurance dv-tours
Work at school/office	LD2 + WP + TRC	Passport, diploma + apostille, criminal record + apostille, medical certificate, contract	An experience: 2 years (1 year for IT); job posting - 5 days; WP for 10 working days English.luatvietnam+1
Senior IT / expert / consultant	UĐ1 (+ UĐ2 for family)	Passport, portfolio/confirmation of expertise, letter from Vietnamese sponsor	Start July 1 2026; term up to 5 years; mandatory departure every 90 days; review - 3 working days giacorp+1
Investor (ĐT3)	ĐT3 visa + TRC	Passport, IRC, ERC, proof of capital from $130k	Quarterly reporting, real activity, accountant; TRC term 3-5 years
Family	TT visa + TRC	Passport, TRC/main applicant visa, marriage/birth certificate	Apostille + notarized translation; registration the whole family at one address
Student	DH visa	Passport, admission letter, approval letter from the university	The university is the sponsor and organizer; for programs of 1+ years, the transition to TRC

⚡ New from July 1, 2026: UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas

From July 1, 2026, Vietnam will launch two new visa categories for highly skilled digital professionals:

UĐ1 — for senior IT specialists, experts, and recognized professionals. Duration: up to 5 years (up to 10 years for IFC specialists in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City).

UĐ2 — for spouses and children under 18 of a UĐ1 holder. The term is the same as UĐ1.

The main difference from the e-visa: the UĐ1 grants legal status and the right to work, but retains the 90-day rule —leaving the country every 3 months remains mandatory.

A Complete Guide: Vietnam Talent Visa

Winterer or digital nomad: three to six months a year

Whether you work remotely for international clients or simply want to spend the winter in a warm climate, Vietnam is a perfect destination, but you need to develop the right visa strategy.

If you're from Russia, Germany, France, Italy, or other visa-free countries, the first 45 days are easy: arrive, get your visa stamp, and settle in. This is the most convenient option for getting to know the country for the first time or for short visits. The main thing is to remember to register at your address and not miss your departure date.

For a longer stay, there's a 90-day e-visa. It's processed online through the official portal ; the process typically takes three business days. It costs $25 for a single entry or $50 for multiple entries. Common application errors include incorrectly formatted passport or face photos, date errors, and providing a residential address that later doesn't match your actual registration address. Be careful during this step.

Is it possible to combine a visa-free entry and an e-visa? Yes, but there are some caveats. The classic scheme is as follows: enter visa-free, spend 45 days, travel to neighboring Thailand or Malaysia for a few days, and return with a pre-approved 90-day e-visa. Important: you can only apply for an e-visa while outside Vietnam; you cannot do so while inside the country.

Teacher, guide, or other professional: work needed in Vietnam

Let's say you want to not just live in the country, but work legally—teach English, lead tours for tourists, work in a cafe or IT company. A tourist visa is absolutely not suitable for this type of situation.

There is only one legal route: a work permit, a work visa (LD category), and, based on that, a temporary resident card (TRC). The entire process takes one to three months and requires the participation of the sponsoring employer.

How it works: A Vietnamese company wanting to hire you must obtain a quota for hiring a foreigner and justify why a local cannot fill the position. Then, you submit documents for a work permit: a university diploma with an apostille, a police clearance certificate (also with an apostille and no more than six months old), a resume, and proof of at least two years of relevant work experience. Teachers typically require a teaching diploma or TEFL/CELTA certificate.

Once your work permit is approved (valid for up to two years), you receive a LD work visa for the same period, and then you can apply for a temporary residence card—a plastic card that allows you to live and work legally. The entire process through an agency typically costs between $800 and $1500.

The main problem is fictitious schemes. Online, you can still find offers to "buy a work visa without a real employer" for a nominal $500. It's a trap. Agencies process documents through shell companies that don't conduct any real business. Immigration services can easily detect this—they just need to check tax returns and payroll. The result: permit revocation, a fine, deportation, and, for those behind the scheme, criminal charges. Given new fines and tightened controls, this has become too risky.

If you're a teacher and a school offers you a job without paperwork, citing "we pay cash, no one will know," run away. School raids are regular; inspectors simply show up in the classroom and ask for documents. Without permission, you'll be fined and expelled. The school is also facing serious problems, but that doesn't make things any easier for you.

IT Specialist on Relocation: One Year or More

If you want to move to Vietnam for a year, two or three, working in IT, you have two main options.

The first and most popular option is to find a job with a local company or an international one with an office in Vietnam. The process is the same as for teachers: a work permit, a Long Term Visa, and a temporary residence card valid for up to two years. The employer typically covers all the paperwork and expenses. The advantages are obvious: stable legal status, the ability to obtain family visas (a spouse and children can enter under the TT category as dependents and receive a TRC for the same period). The disadvantages: salaries at local companies are usually lower than in the West, and you are tied to one employer—changing jobs means starting over from scratch.

The second option is to open your own company in Vietnam and obtain an investor visa. This is suitable if you work for foreign clients as a consultant, developer, designer, or run another business that doesn't require a large team to be physically present in Vietnam.

The minimum authorized capital for company registration is not formally fixed, but in practice, it starts at $10. To obtain a temporary residence permit for investors, you must invest at least 3 billion dong (approximately $130). For this amount, you receive a DT3 investor visa valid for up to three years and a TRC for three to five years.

The process goes like this. First, prepare a business plan and choose a field of activity (IT consulting, software development, marketing services—anything, as long as it's approved for foreign investors). Then, with the help of a lawyer, register the company, obtain an investment certificate (IRC) and an entrepreneurial license (ERC), and deposit capital into a corporate account. Based on these documents, you apply for an investor visa and a TRC. The entire process takes three to four months, and legal support costs between $3 and $7.

Pitfalls: the company must be genuinely active. Tax reporting is required quarterly, even if there is no turnover. When renewing the TRC after three years, the immigration service looks at actual indicators—whether there is turnover, whether you pay taxes, and how many people are employed. A purely formal company without any activity is a one-way ticket; the TRC will not be renewed.

But in return, you gain independence: you are not tied to an employer, you can work for whomever you want, you can move in and out freely, and your family receives legal grounds to live with you.

Checklist 1: TRC for work (LD visa + Work Permit)

Target group: teachers, IT specialists, office workers hired by a Vietnamese company

Documents from you:

•  International passport (valid for at least 18 months, preferably 2+ years)

•  Apostilled higher education diploma + notarized translation into Vietnamese

•  A certificate of no criminal record from the country of citizenship with an apostille (not older than 6 months)

• A resume in English/Vietnamese with proof of at least 2 years of relevant work experience (The period of confirmed employment depends on the field; for IT it is shorter, for technical workers it is longer)

•  For teachers: TEFL/CELTA/TESOL certificate or teaching diploma

•  Medical certificate (available in Vietnam): HIV, tuberculosis, drug test, psychiatric report

•  Photos 4x6 cm (4 pcs.) or 3x4 cm as required by a specific office

•  A copy of your valid visa (if you are already in Vietnam)

Documents from the employer:

•  Company registration (ERC) and operating license

•  Justification letter: why a foreigner is needed, not a Vietnamese

•  Employment contract (term coincides with WP)

•  Evidence of an attempt to find a local specialist (job postings)

Stages and deadlines:

1. Document preparation: 2–4 weeks (apostilles and translations take the longest)

2. Work Permit Application: 5-15 business days for review

3. Obtaining a WP → applying for a LD work visa: 5–7 days

4. Submission to TRC: 10–15 days

5. Total: 1,5–3 months from start to receiving TRC

Cost (through agency):

• WP design: $300–600

• LD visa: $50–100

• TRC: $200–$400

• Translations, apostilles, medical certificates: $200–300

• Total: $750–$1400

Common mistakes:

• Expired certificate of no criminal record (get this last, valid for 6 months)

• A diploma without an apostille (in many CIS countries this is done through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the processing time is 2–4 weeks)

• The employer cannot justify the need for a foreigner (WP refusal)

Important: WP and TRC are tied to a specific employer. Changing jobs means starting a new WP from scratch.

As of January 1, 2026, a new category has been added to the list of people exempt from the Work Permit: foreign high-quality digital technology industry personnel, approved by the Ministry of Digital Technologies. This is a direct link to the UĐ1; such a specialist receives a WP exemption and can apply for an LD1 instead of an LD2.

LD1 and LD2: What's the Difference?

It is important to understand the logic: the LD visa is not a final document , but an intermediate link :

Work Permit (WP) → LD2 visa → TRC (resident card)

1. The employer issues you a Work Permit through the Ministry of Labor (takes 15-30 days).

2. Based on the WP, you receive an LD2 visa - a stamp in your passport for the duration of the WP (usually 1-2 years).

3. With your LD visa, you apply for a TRC —a plastic residence card that confirms your right to legally live and work.

What is the difference between LD and UĐ1 (IT specialist visa from 01.07.2026)

Investor or entrepreneur: five to ten years

If you have significant capital and long-term business plans in Vietnam—a restaurant, hotel, manufacturing, or export-import—an investor visa becomes your primary means of legalization.

The system is built on the principle of "the more you invest, the longer your status." The DT4 visa (investments under $130) only grants one year without the right to a TRC. DT3 (from $130 to $2 million) grants three years of visa and up to five years of TRC. DT2 (from $2 million to $4 million) grants five years of visa and TRC. DT1 (from $4 million or priority projects) grants up to five years of visa and up to ten years of TRC.

The most popular option among middle-income expats is the DT3, which requires an investment of approximately $150. This provides a stable, three-year, renewable status. The spouse and children are also eligible for the TRC.

The entire process takes three to six months. You need a business plan, company registration, an investment certificate, capital contribution, and a visa and TRC application. It's important to understand that this isn't a "golden passport for money"—the authorities expect genuine economic activity. The tax office checks your reports, and immigration officials review your turnover and employment during renewals. Fictitious businesses will be quickly identified.

On the other hand, if you genuinely run a business, pay taxes, and create jobs, the government treats you favorably. Renewing a TRC for investors is usually hassle-free, and many entrepreneurs live in Vietnam for decades under this status.

Checklist 2: TRC for Investment (ĐT3 visa)

For: entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners who invest at least $130 and want to live in Vietnam for 3–5 years

Documents:

•  International passport (valid for 2+ years)

•  Business plan in Vietnamese and English (description of activities, financial model, timeframe)

•  Capital documents: bank statement, proof of source of funds

•  Office/premises lease agreement (company legal address is required)

•  Photo 4×6 cm (4 pcs.)

•  Application for an Investment Certificate (IRC)

Stages and deadlines:

1. Business plan preparation and legal consultation: 2–4 weeks

2. Filing for IRC (Investment Registration Certificate): 15–30 days

3. Company registration and obtaining ERC: 7–15 days

4. Capital contribution to a corporate account (minimum VND 3 billion ≈ $130k for ĐT3)

5. Applying for an investor visa ĐT3: 10–15 days

6. Submission to TRC: 10–20 days

7. Total: 3–5 months

Cost:

• Legal support for company registration: $3000–7000

• Registration fees: $200–$500

• Accountant (required): $100–$300/month

• ĐT3 visa: $50–100

• TRC: $200–$400

• Total start-up costs (excluding capital): $4000–8000

Requirements after receiving TRC:

•  Quarterly tax reporting (even with zero turnover)

•  Annual audit (for companies with a turnover of a certain amount)

•  Actual activity: contracts, invoices, turnover (TRC is checked when renewing)

•  At least 1 Vietnamese employee (not always required, but recommended for reporting purposes)

Important: This is not a "golden passport." A fictitious company with no turnover = TRC renewal denial after three years.

Common mistakes:

• Underestimating time: We thought it would take a month, but it turned out to be six months.

• Incorrect field of activity (some areas are closed to foreigners)

• There is no real business: they invested capital, opened a company, but did nothing – after 3 years the TRC will not be renewed

Pros:

• Independence from the employer

• TRC for 3-5 years

• Eligibility for TT family visas for spouse/children

• The opportunity to work for anyone (your own company, foreign clients)

Family: one works, the rest are dependents

When more than one person but a family is moving, the scheme is built through the main applicant and dependents.

If one of the spouses is a Vietnamese citizen, a family visa (TT) is the solution. The foreign spouse and children receive a residence permit for up to five years and the corresponding TRC. A marriage certificate and the children's birth certificates, apostilled and translated, are required.

If both spouses are foreigners, one must obtain a primary visa—work or investor—while the other and their children enter as dependents on the same TT visa. For example, a father works for an IT company on a LD visa with a two-year TRC, while the mother and two children receive TT and TRC visas for the same two years. When changing jobs or extending status, the documents are updated for the entire family at the same time.

An important detail: all family members must be registered at the same address. If you move, everyone's registration must be updated. Overstaying a child's TRC or visa is punishable by the same penalties as an adult's—there are no age-related exemptions.

For school-age children, the question of education arises. International schools with English-language instruction cost between $5 and $20 per year. Vietnamese public schools are free or very affordable, but instruction is in Vietnamese, which creates a barrier for foreign children.

Checklist 3: TRC for Family (TT Visa)

For: spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or foreigners with work/investor visas

Scenario A: Spouse/Child of a Vietnamese Citizen

Documents:

•  International passport (valid for 1+ year)

•  Marriage certificate with apostille + notarized translation into Vietnamese

•  For children: birth certificate with apostille + translation

•  Copy of Vietnamese passport/ID card of citizen spouse

•  A copy of the house register (Sổ hộ khẩu) of the citizen spouse

•  Photo 4×6 cm (4 pcs.)

•  A marriage registration certificate from the Vietnamese Civil Registry Office (if married in Vietnam) or legalization of a foreign marriage

TRC duration: up to 5 years (usually tied to your circumstances)

Scenario B: Spouse/Child of a Foreign National with a Work/Investor Visa

Documents:

•  international passport

•  Marriage certificate with apostille + translation

•  Birth certificates for children with an apostille + translation

•  Copy of TRC of the main applicant (parent/spouse who works or invests)

•  A copy of the main applicant's work visa (LD) or investor visa (ĐT)

•  Photo 4×6 cm

•  Registration of the entire family at one address (required)

TRC term: same as the main applicant's TRC (if the father has a 2-year TRC, the mother and children also have a 2-year TRC)

Stages and deadlines:

1. Collection of documents with an apostille: 2–4 weeks

2. Translations and legalization: 1–2 weeks

3. TT Family Visa Application: 7-15 days

4. Submission to TRC: 10–20 days

5. Total: 1,5–2,5 months

Cost:

• Apostilles + translations: $150–$400

• TT Visa: $50–100

• TRC: $200–$400 per person

• Total for a family of 3: $600–$1500

Important:

• All family members must be registered at the same address.

• When changing the address, the registration is updated for everyone

• An overstay or late TRC for a child is punished in the same way as for an adult (no discounts)

Common mistakes:

• Forgot the apostille on the child's birth certificate

• Registration is only for the main applicant; other family members are forgotten.

• Documents in a foreign language without translation into Vietnamese

Pros:

• The whole family lives together legally

• Children can attend international schools with legal status

• TRC is extended along with the main applicant

Student Visa DH: Study in Vietnam

DH stands for "Du học" (study abroad) in Vietnamese. This is the only legal way to study at a Vietnamese university or language school as a foreigner. A tourist e-visa is not suitable for this purpose, either officially or in practice: universities do not enroll students without a DH.

The visa is issued for 3–12 months and is extended while you study.

How it works:

• You are entering a Vietnamese university or language school.

• The university acts as your sponsor and submits your visa approval request to the Immigration Department.

• You receive a visa approval letter and with it you apply for a DH visa at the embassy or upon arrival.

• After moving into a dormitory or apartment, you must complete standard registration at the address (NA17 within 24 hours).

Long-term course → TRC instead of endless extensions:
If the program lasts for a year or more, students can transfer to TRC for students — it's more convenient than renewing your visa every few months. A TRC is issued for 1–3 years with the support of your university.

Checklist 4: DH student visa

For: foreigners admitted to a Vietnamese university, language school or course.

Documents:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, 2+ blank pages)

• An official admission letter from a Vietnamese educational institution is essential

• Visa approval (approval letter) - received and sent to you by the university itself

• Completed visa application form

• Photo (white background, 4×6 cm)

• Proof of accommodation (dormitory or rental agreement)

• Financial statement (sometimes requested, sometimes not - depends on the specific office)

Stages and deadlines:

1. Admission → receiving an admission letter: depends on the university, usually 1–4 weeks

2. The university applies for visa approval for immigration: 5-10 working days

3. DH visa processing at the embassy or upon arrival: 1–5 days

4. Registration at the address immediately after check-in: 24 hours

Total: 2-6 weeks from admission to entry

Cost:

• DH Visa: $25–100 depending on duration

• Document translations and notarization: $30–$80

• Total: $55–$180

Common mistakes:

• Arriving on an e-visa and thinking that you can simply "re-register" for a DH while inside the country → it's not possible, an e-visa cannot be converted to a TRC

• Not keeping track of your visa expiration date between semesters → same overstay with penalties

• Studying on a tourist visa → formally, this is a violation of the purpose of entry; the university will not allow such a student to take exams.

Pros:

• The simplest of all legalization schemes is to put all the bureaucracy on the university's side.

• For a long program (2-4 years) → TRC, less hassle with extensions

• Student status = legal residence + registered address → clean record for future visas

Fines: What will happen for violations?

Now for the unpleasant part. Decree 282/2025 introduced a strict gradation of penalties depending on the severity and duration of the violation.

For an overstay of one to fifteen days, the fine ranges from 500 to 2 million dong—roughly $20-$80. It sounds trivial, but the real issue isn't the amount, but the database entry. For repeat offenders, the fines increase, and the authorities' tolerance declines.

An overstay of 16-29 days costs 5 to 10 million dong ($200-$400) plus the real risk of deportation and a one-year entry ban. A month or two of overstaying costs 15 million ($600) and almost guaranteed deportation with a one- to two-year ban. A six-month overstay costs 25-30 million ($1,000-1,500) and a three- to five-year ban. A year or more costs a maximum of 40 million ($1600), deportation, and a five- to ten-year ban.

Failure to register at an address entails fines for both parties. A foreigner who fails to provide registration documents or provides false information faces a fine of 3 to 5 million dong. A landlord or hotel that fails to register a tenant faces a fine of 3 to 20 million dong, depending on the number of violations. For businesses, this also poses the risk of licensing issues.

Working without a permit is punishable by a fine of 15 to 30 million rubles for foreigners, deportation, and a ban of one to three years. An employer who hires an illegal worker pays 45 to 75 million rubles and risks losing their business license. Organizing fictitious schemes with fake permits is a criminal offense, especially for agents and intermediaries.

Since April 1, 2026, Decree 59/2026/ND-CP has been in force —the first document that details not only penalties but also the rights of foreigners during the deportation process.

Main innovations:

• Deportation without payment of a fine: If a foreigner is unable to pay an administrative fine, he or she may be deported immediately, without waiting for payment.

• The process is completely digital: all documents, deportation decisions, and detainee data are processed electronically. The violation history is stored in the database indefinitely.

• Minors are held separately from adults while awaiting deportation.

Rights of a foreigner during deportation (now enshrined in law):

• Notice of reasons at least 48 hours before execution

• The right to contact the consulate/embassy of your country

• The right to an interpreter

• The right to hire a lawyer

• The right to challenge a deportation decision

• The right to take back legally acquired property

Tax residency: what you should know in advance

Legality in Vietnam has another aspect that's often overlooked. Immigration status answers the question of whether you have the right to be here. Tax status answers the question of who you pay. These are different questions, and the answers aren't always the same.

There's nothing urgent here. But it's worth understanding the rules before they become relevant.

Two tests, not one

Everyone's heard of the 183-day rule. Almost no one has heard of the second test, but it's the one that works more often.

The second test is removed by a certificate of tax residency in another country.

Whether you're employed or not, or whether you have a Vietnamese employer, doesn't affect your status. Residents pay tax on all worldwide income, while non-residents pay only on Vietnamese income, at a flat rate of 20%.

What changed in 2026

The new Personal Income Tax Law No. 109/2025/QH15 will go into effect on December 10, 2025. If you've read about the "seven levels from 5% to 35%," that's outdated.

2026 scale (monthly income after deductions): up to VND 10 million - 5%, 10-30 million - 10%, 30-60 million - 20%, 60-100 million - 30%, over VND 100 million - 35%.

Taking into account the deduction, a single person starts paying approximately 17 million VND per month (~$650), with one dependent - approximately 24 million.

Important: This scale calculates earned income . Rent, dividends, and asset sales are classified as separate categories and are calculated at their own rates. It's not a good idea to simply calculate "20%" for everything—the figure will be off in both directions.

Another piece of good news: starting July 1, 2026, the law introduces a five-year exemption from personal income tax for hi-tech and digital technology specialists. This is a direct continuation of the UĐ1 visa scheme—the state grants them both a long-term visa and a tax holiday.

What makes sense to do

If you're only visiting occasionally (up to 183 days), no problem. Just keep in mind the "12 consecutive months" rule, not just the calendar year.

If you're at the border (150-200 days), keep a table of entry and exit dates based on stamps. It's best to decide whether to accept residency or reduce your presence in advance and with data.

If you live here permanently, it makes sense to get a detailed look: get a tax identification number (MST), break down your income into categories, and calculate it. Not because anyone's rushing you, but because doing the calculations yourself is cheaper than trying to figure it out later.

If you work on a LD visa, your employer withholds the tax themselves. Annual reconciliation: organizations submit it by March 31, individuals submit it by April 30. Upon leaving the country, accounts are closed within 45 days.

First steps after arrival

So, you've landed at Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City airport. What next?

⚡ New from April 15, 2026: Online declaration for arrivals in Ho Chi Minh City

From April 15, 2026, all foreigners arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City, SGN) are required to complete a Pre-Arrival Information Form (PIF ) – a digital declaration – before passing through border control.

• Who is required: all foreigners (including TRC holders, e-visa, visa-free travelers, business visas)

• Exempted: Vietnamese citizens, transit passengers without passport control

• When to fill out: 3 days before departure, on the website prearrival.immigration.gov.vn

• What you will need: name and passport details, flight number, residential address in Vietnam, visa number

• Result: QR code on your phone (or printout) - present at passport control

• If you haven't filled out your form in advance: there are kiosks in the airport hall, but there will be a queue during rush hour.

• Each entry requires a new declaration , including for repeat visa runs.

• Expected expansion: to Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Da Nang

First, check the stamp in your passport. Make sure the entry date is correct and the maximum stay matches your visa or visa-free entry. Take a photo of the stamp with your phone and immediately set a reminder for seven days before the expiration date.

On your first day, sort out the registration process. If you're staying at a hotel or hostel, give your passport to reception and ask if they register foreigners with the police. Reputable establishments do this automatically. If you're renting an apartment, discuss the registration process with the landlord before signing the contract. Ask them to send you a screenshot or photo of the confirmation within 24 hours of checking in.

In the first few days, decide on a strategy. If you're visiting for a short period as a tourist, simply enjoy the country and keep track of your travel dates. If you plan to stay longer, begin the legalization process now—don't wait for your tourist visa to expire. Obtaining a work permit or investor visa takes months, so it's best to start early.

Table: Forecast for 2026–2028

Letfind.me's conclusion : in any scenario, those who initially established a "white" status (work, investments, family) win. Those who live on endless visa runs and ignore registration lose.

The main thing: our new Vietnamese reality requires discipline and attention

Vietnam in 2026 is no longer the country where you could live for years on visas, ignore registration, and work wherever you wanted on a tourist visa. The system has become digital, enforcement has tightened, and fines have increased exponentially.

Meanwhile, for those who follow the rules, everything has become simpler. A 90-day e-visa solves the issue of wintering and short visits. Work permits are issued relatively quickly if you have a reliable employer. Investor visas open the door to long-term residency for entrepreneurs. Family visas allow you to bring your loved ones with you.

The main thing is to play by the law. Don't overstay even for a day. Require registration at every address and verify that it's actually done. Don't work illegally and don't deal with dubious agents promising visas through fictitious schemes.

If you choose the appropriate scenario from this guide and follow the basic requirements, life in Vietnam will be comfortable and predictable. Good luck with your legalization.