Vietnam To Offer 5-Year Special Visa Waiver For Foreign Contributors From August 15

Vietnam has introduced a long-term visa exemption scheme designed to attract exceptional foreign talent and stimulate socio-economic growth. On August 8, 2025, the government issued Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP, introducing the "Special Visa Exemption Card" (SVEC) policy. Effective August 15, 2025, this will enable eligible individuals to obtain a visa waiver card in both digital and physical formats, allowing for multiple entries and valid for up to five years in certain cases.

What Is Vietnam's Special Visa Exemption Card?

The SVEC targets foreign nationals whose expertise, work, or influence is expected to aid Vietnam's development. Cardholders can enter and exit multiple times during the exemption period. The card is valid for a maximum of five years and must expire at least 30 days before the passport's validity ends.

Those nominated by authorised agencies or organisations for socio-economic development purposes may also apply for a Level 2 electronic identification (e-ID) account.

How Is This Visa Waiver Scheme Beneficial?

The initiative benefits both Vietnam and applicants. For business leaders, investors, scientists, and cultural influencers, it removes the need for frequent visa renewals and supports long-term collaboration.

For Vietnam, it offers a direct route to attract global expertise, encourage foreign investment, and strengthen its position as a centre for innovation, culture, and tourism.

Who Can Apply For The Special Visa Exemption Card?

Decree 221 applies to a wide range of distinguished individuals, including:

• Senior leaders from foreign governments, parliaments, international organisations, and supreme judicial bodies.
• Renowned scientists, professors, researchers, scholars, chief engineers, and digital technology experts from reputed institutions.
• CEOs and executives from globally recognised corporations with high cultural or brand value.
• Investors, entrepreneurs, and senior executives contribute to socio-economic growth.
• Influential cultural, arts, sports, and tourism figures with an international impact.

How To Apply For The Special Visa Exemption Card

Applications must be filed by a competent agency or organisation, either directly or online, with the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. Required documents include a written request and a copy of the passport's information page.

Processing Steps:

The Immigration Department reviews the application and issues a digital SVEC (Form NC-01).

• The requesting agency is informed of:
• Access to the digital SVEC (Form NB-01), or
• Issuance of the physical chip-embedded card (Form NC-02), or
• A written explanation if the application is rejected.

Processing Time:

• High-level state guests: Within 3 working days.
• Scholars, experts, investors, cultural/sports/tourism figures, honorary consuls, and approved invitees: Within 5 working days.
• Physical chip-embedded card: Within 7 working days.

Residence And Entry Rules For SVEC Holders

SVEC holders receive a 90-day temporary residence stamp for each entry. If the card's validity is less than 90 days, the residence period matches the remaining validity. At the border, travellers must present both passport and SVEC for inspection before entry.

When Can The SVEC Be Revoked?

The Immigration Department can revoke an SVEC if the holder no longer meets eligibility requirements or if a competent agency formally requests revocation.