Vietnam's visa rules have changed significantly in recent years, and most of the guides online are out of date. Here's what's actually true in 2026 for expats planning to stay long-term.

The Current Situation at a Glance

Vietnam now offers e-visas to citizens of most countries, valid for up to 90 days with a single or multiple entry option. The 90-day e-visa replaced the old 30-day limit in 2023, which was a significant improvement for long-stay visitors.

The key things to understand:

• E-visa: 90 days, available to most nationalities, applied for online
• Visa exemptions: Some nationalities get 30–45 days visa-free
• Extensions: Possible in-country, but not always straightforward
• Long-stay options: Business visas, investor visas, and temporary residence cards exist but require more paperwork

Getting Your E-Visa

The official e-visa portal is evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The process is straightforward:

1. Fill in the application form online
2. Upload a passport photo and passport scan
3. Pay the fee (currently $25 USD for most nationalities)
4. Wait 3 business days for approval

The approval email contains a QR code. Print it or have it ready on your phone — immigration officers scan it on arrival.

Common mistakes: Using a third-party site that charges more and just submits the same form. The official portal is the only one you need. Also, make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining.

The 90-Day Reality

The e-visa gives you 90 days. What happens after that?

Option 1: Leave and re-enter. The simplest approach. Fly to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore for a few days, then come back on a fresh 90-day e-visa. This works, but it adds cost and disruption. Budget $200–400 for a visa run including flights and accommodation.

Option 2: Extend in-country. It's technically possible to extend your stay without leaving. The process involves going to the immigration office with your passport, a completed form, and a fee. Processing takes 5–7 business days. The extension is typically granted for another 30–90 days depending on your visa type and the officer's discretion.

In practice, extensions are inconsistent. Some people get them easily; others are told to leave and re-enter. Having a local agent handle this significantly improves the outcome.

Option 3: Get a different visa type. If you're staying long-term, a business visa (DN) or an investor visa gives you more stability. These require more documentation but offer longer validity and easier extensions.

Business Visas for Long-Term Expats

If you're working remotely or running a business, a business visa (DN visa) is worth considering. It's valid for 1–3 years with multiple entry, and extensions are more predictable than tourist visa extensions.

To get one, you typically need:

• An invitation letter from a Vietnamese company (a visa agent can arrange this)
• Your passport and photos
• The application fee (varies by duration)

The invitation letter requirement sounds complicated but is routine — visa agents handle this regularly and the cost is usually $50–150 for the letter plus the official visa fee.

Temporary Residence Cards (TRC)

For expats planning to stay 2+ years, a Temporary Residence Card is the most stable option. It's valid for 1–2 years, renewable, and eliminates the need for visa runs entirely.

TRCs are typically issued to:

• Employees of Vietnamese companies (requires a work permit)
• Investors in Vietnamese businesses
• Spouses of Vietnamese citizens
• Retirees meeting certain criteria

The process is more involved than a standard visa — expect 4–8 weeks and a stack of paperwork. A good immigration lawyer or visa agent is essential here.

Practical Tips From People Who've Done It

Keep copies of everything. Your e-visa approval, entry stamp, and any extension paperwork. Immigration officers occasionally ask for documentation you wouldn't expect.

Track your days carefully. Overstaying a Vietnamese visa results in fines and can affect future entry. Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before your visa expires.

Use a reputable visa agent for anything beyond a standard e-visa. The rules change, the paperwork is in Vietnamese, and having someone who knows the current situation is worth the fee. We work with trusted agents in Nha Trang and Cam Ranh — ask us for a referral.

Don't rely on border crossing advice from other travellers. Rules vary by nationality, visa type, and sometimes by which officer you get. What worked for someone else six months ago may not apply to you.

The Bottom Line

For most expats arriving in Vietnam, the 90-day e-visa is the right starting point. It's easy to get, gives you time to settle in, and lets you figure out your longer-term plan without committing to more complex paperwork upfront.

If you're planning to stay beyond 90 days, start thinking about your extension or visa change strategy before you arrive — not in week 11 when you're running out of time.

Visa admin is one of the things we handle as part of our concierge service. If you'd rather not navigate it alone, we're here.