Vietnam Unveils 10-Year Golden Visa to Attract Investors, Global Talent, and Tourists

Vietnam is taking bold steps to establish itself as a new tourism and investment hub in Southeast Asia by launching a 10-year "Golden Visa" program.

This initiative is so as to attract long-term visitors as well as foreign investors and skilled professionals and this is a fundamental change in Vietnam’s tourism program, more towards long-term economic and lifestyle related engagement as opposed to short stay.

That renewable long-term residency, the golden visa is all part of the grander plan of Vietnam to become a sustainable tourism destination as well as encourage innovation and economic growth. The visa will be anticipated to attract high value individuals who are part of the tourism, technology and business of Vietnam.

Vietnam’s immigration system is also rapidly embracing digital transformation. Interestingly Indian citizens can now get short-term business and travel e-visas without need to go to an embassy completely online. The approaching golden visa program is forecasted to have a similar digital-first approach, easing the process for applicants who qualify.

Vietnam has attractive qualities of life, apart from its economic potential. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang are very popular due to their reasonable safety and cost, growing availability of international schools, hospitals and modern housing. Whether you want the misty mountains of Sapa, or the beach resorts of Nha Trang, or the historic temples of Hue, Vietnam offers a myriad of lifestyle options for those who want to stay there.

Tourism is increasing already. In the period of January to April 2025, 7.67 million international visitors entered Vietnam and this increased by 23.8% as compared to the same period last year, said the Vietnam national authority of tourism.

China remains the largest market for visitors (1.95 million or 25.4% of total arrivals). South Korea has 1.58 million tourists (20.6%). Other important markets include Taiwan (440,000), the United States (323,000), and Japan. ASEAN neighbors like Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand are also among the top ten markets.

Several countries experienced particularly strong year-on-year growth:

China: +56.7%

Philippines: +98.3 %

Cambodia: +79.6 %

Laos: +44.7%

Russia: +110.9%; now Vietnam's largest European source market.

Meanwhile, Vietnam is expanding into Europe by waiving short-term visa requirements for certain countries. The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy all registered double digit growth in visitor numbers. Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic—the home countries of the citizens who gain visa waivers until December 2025—also posted tremendous gains.

Looking forward, Vietnam will roll out seven major international tourism campaigns this year and will earnestly pursue 22-23 million foreigners to visit by the end of 2025. The new golden visa is likely to be important in this strategy.

Vietnam is quickly emerging as a serious contender in the global tourism and investment landscape, bolstered by liberalized visa policies, digital convenience, and lifestyle appeal.