Vietnam is taking a major step to attract high profile global talent by proposing five-year visa exemption cards. The initiative is designed for scientists, executives and influencers with over one million followers to encourage investment and cultural exchange while making Vietnam as a globally connected hub.
Starting this month, approved applicants will be able to enter Vietnam multiple times over a five-year period without reapplying for a visa making it easier for top international talent to live, work and promote its culture.
The Vietnam 5-year visa is not a blanket program for mass migration, rather it is a targeted effort to attract leaders whose voices resonate across borders. The requirement of at least one million followers ensures that the individuals chosen can spread Vietnamese culture and values far beyond the country’s shores.
Who can apply?
The Vietnam’s 5 Year Visa program is selective, targeting individuals who can make meaningful contributions to Vietnam’s socio-economic and cultural development.
Eligible applicants are:
- Heads of government and diplomatic officials from foreign states and international organizations.
- Famous scientists, professors and researchers representing leading institutions worldwide.
- CEOs, investors and entrepreneurs from big international companies.
- Artists, cultural icons and influencers with global reach particularly those with more than 1 million followers.
- Academics and economists with international impact.
In addition, the applicants must hold a valid passport who are nominated by a Vietnamese organization or authority. Their work must clearly align with the national development and cultural goals of Vietnam. The main goal, therefore is that only individuals with proven global reach and impact will be eligible, due to a highly selective approch.
What Does Vietnam’s 5- Year Visa Offer?
Successful applicants would receive a five-year residency exemption that lets them to stay and work in Vietnam without the normal visa restrictions.
The new visa card gives several key benefits for successful applicants:
- Multiple Entries: Freedom to enter and exit Vietnam over five years without the need to reapply for a visa.
- Physical and Digital Cards: Both formats carry equal legal status, providing ease to travelers.
- Faster Immigration Clearance: Hassle- free entry for frequent visitors, executives and business leaders.
- Biometric Security: Physical cards include an embedded chip with personal and biometric details for added security.
For foreigners who are already living in Vietnam, the card will be issued after biometric details are updated in the National Immigration Database or when they get a Level 2 electronic details for more security.
However there’s a condition these global figures must actively promote Vietnamese culture to the world. From showcasing the nation’s traditions to highlighting modern achievements, Vietnam wants its culture to resonate across digital platforms and international communities.
To apply for a Vietnam 5-year visa exemption, you need to apply through the official Vietnam National Electronic Visa system website, specifically the Vietnam portal on Immigration/Vietnam visa. The application process is entirely online, and you can find detailed instructions on the Vietnam National Electronic Visa system website.
Why This Matters
Officials describe the Vietnam 5- year visa is not just an immigration policy, but a cultural and economic strategy. By welcoming influential personalities, Vietnam hopes to increase international collaboration and investment, and showcase its traditions and creativity to wider audiences. The policy also aligns with Vietnam’s broader ambition to transform into a high-income country by 2045, using talent attraction and cultural diplomacy as tools to boost its global presence.
The Bigger Picture
In essence, Vietnam’s decision to launch five-year visa exemption cards is more than an administrative reform, it is a message to the world’s brightest leaders and creators that Vietnam is ready to welcome them as partners in shaping its future. If successfully implemented, the program could establish the country as one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for international talent.
As the digital economy continues to thrive, Vietnam’s move could redefine how nations use soft power and influence to attract the world’s best minds and voices.
