How to Stay in Vietnam Long Term: Your Complete Guide for 2025

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Staying in Vietnam long term is completely achievable if you choose the right legal pathway. Most expats succeed through one of four options: the Temporary Residence Card (TRC), work permit + TRC, investor visa, or marriage/dependent visa. Each option comes with its own requirements, benefits, and long-term stability. Understanding these routes clearly will help you plan your stay with confidence and avoid unnecessary immigration issues.

Understanding the Basics of Vietnam’s Long-Term Visa Policies

Vietnam has evolved significantly in its approach to foreign residents over the past few years. Gone are the days when visa runs every month were your only option. Today, the Vietnamese government offers several legitimate pathways for foreigners who want to establish a more permanent presence in the country.

First, let’s clarify what we mean by “long term.” For most people, this means staying beyond the typical tourist visa period of 15 to 90 days. The good news is that Vietnam recognizes different categories of long-term visitors, each with specific visa types designed to match your circumstances.

Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam has expanded its electronic visa program substantially. Citizens from all countries can now apply for e-visas valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entries through any of the 42 international border gates. Additionally, 13 countries including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Belarus, Japan, and South Korea now enjoy visa exemption for up to 45 days instead of the previous 15 days.

However, if your goal is to truly settle in Vietnam for months or years, you’ll need to look beyond tourist visas and e-visas. The key to living in Vietnam for expats lies in obtaining either a temporary residence card Vietnam or a specific long-term visa category that aligns with your purpose for staying.

The Vietnamese immigration system categorizes long-term stays based on your activities: working, doing business, investing, studying, or joining family members. Each category has its own requirements, benefits, and limitations. Understanding these distinctions will save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road.

>>> Read more: Hoi An Vietnam Travel: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors 2025

The Most Popular Ways for Expats to Stay in Vietnam Long Term

Based on our years of consulting experience, we’ve identified four primary pathways that cover the vast majority of cases. Let’s examine each one in detail.

Option 1: The Temporary Residence Card (TRC) Explained

The temporary residence card Vietnam, commonly abbreviated as TRC, represents one of the most sought-after documents for foreigners planning an extended stay. Unlike regular visas that require renewals every few months, a TRC allows you to reside in Vietnam for periods ranging from six months to five years, depending on your eligibility.

So, how to get TRC in Vietnam? The process typically involves sponsorship. You’ll need a Vietnamese entity – whether a company, an educational institution, or a family member who is a Vietnamese citizen – to sponsor your application. The sponsor submits your documentation to the local immigration department, which then evaluates your case.

The TRC offers several advantages. Once approved, you don’t need to worry about frequent visa renewals or border runs. You can open local bank accounts more easily, sign long-term rental agreements, and generally integrate into Vietnamese society with fewer administrative hurdles. Many expats find that having a TRC makes daily life significantly smoother.

However, the TRC isn’t automatic. You must meet specific criteria depending on your sponsorship category. Common routes include employment with a Vietnamese company, marriage to a Vietnamese national, or enrollment in a Vietnamese educational institution. Each route has its own documentation requirements and processing timeline.

The validity period of your TRC depends on your circumstances. Work-related TRCs often match your employment contract length, up to two years at a time, with the possibility of renewal. Marriage-based TRCs can extend up to three years. Investor-related TRCs may reach five years for substantial investments.

Option 2: Securing a Vietnam Work Permit and TRC

For those coming to Vietnam for employment, the combination of a Vietnam work permit and temporary residence card forms the foundation of your legal stay. This is arguably the most common pathway for western expats who relocate to Vietnam.

The process begins with your employer. Vietnamese law requires that foreign workers obtain a work permit before starting employment, with some exceptions for short-term assignments or specific professional categories. Your employer acts as your sponsor throughout the process.

Here’s what you typically need to provide:

A valid passport with at least six months validity Your original degree certificates and transcripts, properly notarized and legalized Police clearance certificate from your home country, issued within the past six months Health certificate from a Vietnamese medical facility Passport-sized photographs meeting Vietnamese standards Employment contract with the Vietnamese company

The documentation requirements can feel overwhelming, especially the notarization and legalization process for educational certificates. Many countries require apostille stamps or embassy authentication. This is where having experienced guidance makes a substantial difference. At Tân Văn Lang, we regularly help clients navigate these bureaucratic requirements efficiently.

Once your work permit is approved—a process that typically takes four to six weeks—you can then apply for your TRC. The work permit itself is valid for up to two years and can be renewed if you continue working with the same employer or find new employment.

One important consideration: your work permit ties you to a specific employer and job position. If you change jobs, you’ll need to cancel your existing permit and apply for a new one with your new employer. This transition period requires careful planning to avoid gaps in your legal status.

Option 3: The Vietnam Investor Visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4)

Vietnam welcomes foreign investment, and the Vietnam investor visa reflects this policy. If you have the financial means and business acumen, establishing a company or making a significant investment in Vietnam can provide you with a clear pathway to long-term residence.

The investor visa category breaks down into several subcategories based on your investment type and amount:

• DT1 visa is for investors who establish a company in Vietnam and make substantial capital contributions. This route requires registering a legal business entity with the appropriate Vietnamese authorities.
• DT2 visa applies to corporate representatives or branch office managers of foreign companies operating in Vietnam.
• DT3 visa is designated for investors in specific economic zones or industrial parks with preferential investment policies.
• DT4 visa covers other investment-related activities approved by Vietnamese authorities.

The investment threshold varies depending on your business sector and location. Generally, you should expect to invest at least several hundred million Vietnamese dong, though exact amounts depend on your specific business plan and the regulatory environment of your industry.

One major advantage of the investor route is that it can lead to a TRC valid for up to five years, particularly for substantial investments that create jobs and contribute to the local economy. This represents the longest single period of authorized stay available to most foreigners.

The process involves several steps. First, you’ll need to develop a viable business plan and complete the business registration process with the Department of Planning and Investment. Next, you’ll need to secure appropriate premises for your business operations.

Finally, once your business is legally established and your investment verified, you can apply for your investor visa and subsequent TRC.

Keep in mind that maintaining your investor visa requires actually operating your business. Authorities expect to see genuine business activities, tax filings, and compliance with Vietnamese commercial law. This isn’t a passive arrangement—you need to actively manage or be involved in your investment.

Option 4: The Vietnam Marriage Visa or Dependent Visa (TT Visa)

If you’re married to a Vietnamese citizen or have Vietnamese children, the Vietnam marriage visa, officially known as the TT visa, offers a straightforward path to long-term residence. This category recognizes the importance of family unity and provides considerable flexibility.

The TT visa is notably easier to obtain compared to work permits or investor visas because you don’t need employment sponsorship or significant capital investment. Your Vietnamese spouse serves as your sponsor, and the primary requirement is proving your legitimate marital relationship.

With a marriage-based TRC, you can stay in Vietnam for up to three years per authorization, with straightforward renewal processes. Many expats appreciate that this visa type doesn’t restrict your activities in Vietnam—you’re free to work, start a business, or simply enjoy retirement, though working still requires appropriate work authorization.

One significant benefit is that after holding a marriage-based TRC for three consecutive years, you may become eligible to apply for a Vietnam permanent residence card, commonly called the PRC. The permanent residence card represents the highest level of residence authorization for foreigners, providing nearly all the rights of Vietnamese citizens except voting and certain other civic privileges.

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What About Visa Extensions and Visa Runs?

Let’s address the question many first-time visitors ask: can I just keep extending my tourist visa or doing visa runs? The short answer is technically yes, but practically speaking, it’s not a sustainable long-term strategy.

Extending visa in Vietnam is certainly possible. If you enter on a tourist visa and decide you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension through authorized visa agencies while you’re in the country. Each extension typically adds 30 days to 3 months to your stay, depending on the type.

However, there are several limitations to consider. First, visa extensions cost more than obtaining a new visa from outside Vietnam. Second, there’s a limit to how many times you can extend—you can’t extend indefinitely. Third, living on continuous tourist visa extensions doesn’t provide the stability or legal standing that a proper long-term visa offers.

Visa runs—leaving Vietnam briefly and returning on a new visa—used to be a common workaround. Some expats would fly to nearby countries like Thailand, Cambodia, or Singapore, spend a night or two, then return to Vietnam on a fresh tourist visa. While this remains technically possible, Vietnamese immigration authorities have become increasingly skeptical of frequent visa runs.

If immigration officers notice a pattern of repeated entries on tourist visas over many months, they may question your true purpose for being in Vietnam. They could deny entry, issue warnings, or flag your passport for additional scrutiny. The uncertainty and stress simply aren’t worth it when legitimate long-term visa options exist.

Our advice at Tân Văn Lang is always the same: if you’re serious about staying in Vietnam beyond a few months, invest the time and effort to obtain proper long-term authorization. The peace of mind and practical benefits far outweigh the initial paperwork.

For those who need immediate short-term flexibility while preparing long-term visa applications, strategic use of the 90-day e-visa with multiple entries can provide breathing room. However, this should serve as a transitional solution, not a permanent strategy.

>>> Read more: Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption (Five-Year Visa) – Simple Guide & Full Service

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Each Long-Term Stay Option

Choosing the right pathway depends on your personal circumstances. Let’s break down the key advantages and challenges of each option to help you decide.

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Document Requirements and Fees

Here’s a clear breakdown of typical requirements and costs for each visa type:

Note: Fees are approximate and subject to change. Additional service fees may apply if using visa agencies. Processing through Vietnamese embassies may have different fee structures ^[1]

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa service: Fast & secure solution for your trip 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Vietnam visa options and choosing the right pathway requires careful consideration of your circumstances, goals, and resources. At Tân Văn Lang, we’ve helped hundreds of expats successfully navigate these processes, from initial consultation through final approval. Whether you’re pursuing a work permit, exploring investment opportunities, or applying for family-based residence, having experienced guidance ensures you avoid common pitfalls and maximize your chances of approval.

The key to success with any long-term visa application is thorough preparation, accurate documentation, and patience with the administrative process. Start planning early, gather your documents systematically, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance when needed. With the right approach, your dream of living in Vietnam for expats can become a comfortable, legal reality.