Moving to Vietnam
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

Book design is the art of incorporating the content, style, format, design, and sequence of the various components of a book into a coherent whole. In the words of Jan Tschichold, "methods and rules upon which it is impossible to improve, have been developed over centuries. To produce perfect books, these rules have to be brought back to life and applied."
Front matter, or preliminaries, is the first section of a book and is usually the smallest section in terms of the number of pages. Each page is counted, but no folio or page number is expressed or printed, on either display pages or blank pages.

Moving to Vietnam can be pursued for various reasons, including work, business, investment, or study. Regardless of your purpose, obtaining a visa is a prerequisite for entry. Here are the steps to move to Vietnam for a duration extending beyond three months.

Non-Vietnamese citizens intending to work in Vietnam legally need to apply for a Vietnamese work visa (LD) and work permit. These work visas typically have a maximum validity of 12 months, renewable before expiration. Your prospective employer must advertise the job to demonstrate that no Vietnamese national is qualified to fill the position, initiating the application process. Eligibility for a work visa in Vietnam requires you to meet certain criteria:

• You must be an adult (aged 18 or above).
• You should be in good health.
• You must not have any criminal charges.
• You should possess the qualifications and a minimum of three years' work experience for the job in Vietnam.
• Your role must involve highly skilled work.

The application for a work visa can be submitted to the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, or you can opt for a visa on arrival. However, before applying for a work visa, you need to secure a work permit, enabling you to work legally in Vietnam for periods longer than 90 days. The responsibility for obtaining the work permit falls on your employer, who will apply for it at the Vietnam Ministry of Labor, Invalid, and Society on your behalf. If your work permit extends beyond one year, you can qualify for a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC).

Foreign nationals relocating to Vietnam for business purposes should apply for a Vietnam business visa (DN Visa). These visas are issued to individuals engaging in business activities or working with Vietnamese enterprises. Business visas allow a stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days (three months) and can be issued for a maximum of 12 months, with potential extensions.

Two types of business visas are available:

• DN1: For those working with a company or organization with legal status in Vietnam.
• DN2: For individuals offering services or goods in Vietnam with their commercial presence.

It's important to note that a business visa is not granted to those with a work permit.

Vietnam offers investment visas to foreign nationals who have the financial means to make investments in the country, meeting specified financial requirements. The financial criteria vary according to the type of visa sought.

Vietnamese investor visas are categorized as follows:

• ĐT1: For foreign investors with total investment capital exceeding VND 100 billion (approximately USD 4,264,760), or those investing in government-designated business fields and investment areas. Valid for up to five years.
• ĐT2: For foreign investors with capital contributions ranging from VND 50 billion (approximately USD 2,132,380) to VND 100 billion (approximately USD 4,264,760). Valid for up to five years.
• ĐT3: For foreign investors with capital contributions between VND 3 billion (approximately USD 127,942) and VND 50 billion (approximately USD 2,132,380). Valid for up to three years.
• ĐT4: For foreign investors with capital contributions less than VND 3 billion (approximately USD 127,942). Valid for up to one year.

Holders of investment visas are eligible to apply for a Temporary Residence Card.

Foreign students planning to study in Vietnam must obtain a student visa, referred to as a DH Visa. To be eligible for a student visa, you must first be admitted to a Vietnamese educational institution and secure an acceptance letter from the university.

The educational institution where you enroll should submit the necessary documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City for approval. Once approved, the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate will receive a copy of the visa pre-approval, allowing you to complete the application process at one of the Vietnamese diplomatic missions in your home country. Student visas are typically issued for six months and can be renewed.

Book design is the art of incorporating the content, style, format, design, and sequence of the various components of a book into a coherent whole. In the words of Jan Tschichold, "methods and rules upon which it is impossible to improve, have been developed over centuries. To produce perfect books, these rules have to be brought back to life and applied."

Front matter, or preliminaries, is the first section of a book and is usually the smallest section in terms of the number of pages. Each page is counted, but no folio or page number is expressed or printed, on either display pages or blank pages.

Vietnam offers numerous advantages and some challenges:

Bringing pets (cats and dogs) to Vietnam requires compliance with the state's regulations. The following requirements must be met:

• Pets must be vaccinated against rabies between 30 days and 12 months before arrival in Vietnam.
• A health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian, no older than seven days, must accompany pets.
• The "Pet's Inoculation Record" must be completed with information about the vaccine, including the name, manufacturer, batch number, and more.
• Proof of treatment against specified diseases, such as Feline panleukopenia, Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Leukemia for cats, and Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Para Influenza for dogs.
• An import permit is required for more than two pets.
• Ticks and tapeworm treatment must be administered to pets 5 to 7 days before their arrival in Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Vietnam, present the veterinary certificate and the Pet's Inoculation Record to the immigration officer.

Explore some of the popular destinations in Vietnam that have captured the hearts of expats with their charm, convenience, and unique experiences:

Hanoi:

The capital city of Vietnam is an ideal place for expats moving to the country for the long term. Hanoi is known for its stunning architecture, many cultural and historical sites, and delicious street food. In addition, it is a perfect place for people that want to know more about Vietnamese history and culture.

Although Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, it is not as populated as other cities such as Ho Chi Minh City. But, since the main source of income is tourism, you will get the chance to meet people from all around the world, especially during the summer months.

Hanoi is a great place for digital nomads and students. The city offers plenty of extracurricular activities, and staff members of its educational institutions are highly qualified.
Hanoi is also a very safe city with a low crime rate, making it a great place for expats moving to Vietnam with children.

Ho Chi Minh City:

Home to around 9 million people, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. The city is a popular place among foreigners due to its affordable cost of living, delicious cuisine, culture, and vibe. There are 12 districts in Ho Chi Minh City, but most expats moving here choose to make District 7 their new home. So if you want to make foreign friends, this area is a great place to go. The city is an ideal place for history buffs and individuals seeking the thrill of a big urban city that never sleeps.

Ho Chi Minh City is also a great place for expats looking for jobs in Vietnam. You will find it easy to find a job, especially as a teacher of English.

Living costs in Ho Chi Minh City are more expensive than in other cities but still very affordable compared to big cities in other countries. For example, a single person would spend around €700 to €2200 per month to cover expenses (utilities, groceries, transportation, etc.), including rent. However, this also depends on the lifestyle and how much you are willing to spend.

Da Nang:

A coastal city known for its sandy beaches and history, Da Nang is one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. You will not find another city that describes Vietnam better than De Nang. Da Nang has a great location, wonderful weather, and beautiful nature. The city is home to stunning mountains, a beautiful sea and rivers, and historical sites.

With its charm, Da Nang has become a modern tourist magnet. The city is famous for its national parks, the old town of Hoi An, the ancient capital of Hue and the Cham ruins in My Son, the Golden Bridge, and many more.

Life in Da Nang will never be boring, as there are many activities you can do daily to spice up your monotonous life. If you plan to move to Da Nang for work, you have the chance to find a job in numerous sectors, like education, IT, tech, tourism, and hospitality.

Hoi An:

A colorful and stunning city famous for its well-preserved Ancient Town, Hoi An is one of the best cities to live in Vietnam. Especially for people who want to get away from metropolitan life and enjoy a peaceful life among nature. This is one of the reasons why you will meet many retired expats moving to Hoi An to spend the rest of their golden days.

Hoi An is a magnificent city with picturesque canals, pristine beaches, and buildings and streets that reflect the combination of indigenous and foreign cultures. In Hoi An, you will see many tailoring stores with high-quality products. So if you like to shop, this is the place for you. The city also offers delicious food with fresh herbs and intense flavors and affordable prices for a comfortable life.

It is the perfect place for remote workers that want to live in a peaceful Vietnamese coastal town and enjoy the culture and traditions of Vietnam.

Nha Trang:

With stunning sandy beaches, diving sites, and offshore islands, Nha Trang will charm you the second you put your foot there. However, the city has so much more to offer, such as beautiful temples, museums, amusement parks, mud baths, and golf sites.

In Nha Trang, you can meet and see different species of exotic animals, especially monkeys. So if you are an animal lover, Nha Trang will make a perfect new home for you. The city is famous for its impressive architecture that expresses a combination of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Nha Trang is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam and offers a wide range of things to do night and day.

It is also very affordable, especially if you plan on renting for a longer period of time. You can get an apartment for as low as €180 to €1200, depending on the location and size.

Your family members can reunite with you in Vietnam by obtaining a Vietnam dependent visa (TT Visa). This type of visa is extended to parents, spouses, children, and family members of specific visa holders, including LV1-2, DT1-3, NN1-2, DH, PV1, LD1-2, and LS holders.

Obtaining Vietnamese citizenship necessitates residing in the country for at least five years. Citizenship by naturalization can be pursued after satisfying this five-year residency requirement, along with other essential criteria, such as agreeing to comply with Vietnamese laws and demonstrating proficiency in the Vietnamese language. Adequate financial means to support oneself is another essential criterion for citizenship.

Vietnamese citizenship can also be acquired through birth, restoration, or diplomatic processes for those who have previously renounced their Vietnamese citizenship.

Vietnam does not permit dual citizenship. Consequently, those seeking Vietnamese citizenship must renounce their existing citizenship. The choice of which citizenship to retain and which one to relinquish rests with the individual.

Can I Lose My Vietnam Citizenship?

Vietnamese citizenship can be lost under specific circumstances, including voluntary renunciation, deprivation of citizenship, and loss through international treaties to which Vietnam is a party. Upon losing Vietnamese citizenship, you will no longer be permitted to use a Vietnamese passport.

Individuals relocating to Vietnam permanently can import their personal belongings, which may include clothing, furniture, household electronics, computers, stereo systems, household linen and bedding, and more. You are allowed to import only one air and one surface shipment.

These items should be personal belongings that you've used in your home country. It is essential that you are in Vietnam for customs clearance when your belongings arrive. This process necessitates specific documents, including your original passport and a detailed, legible inventory in English.

Certain items are prohibited from entering Vietnam, such as firearms, narcotics, pornographic, cultural, or politically sensitive materials, radio transmitters, satellite dishes, and political or historical books about Vietnam.

For individuals importing vehicles or cars, motor vehicles are subject to a 150% customs duty, except for diplomatic or international organizations, under specific foreign investment licenses. Importing a vehicle necessitates an import permit, a certificate of registration, and the presentation of car-related documents.