In a bold move to position itself as a competitive global hub for investment and talent, Vietnam is considering a new 10-year golden visa program aimed at attracting international investors, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs. As countries around the world ramp up efforts to lure high-net-worth individuals and top-tier talent, this potential long-term visa could not only reshape Vietnam’s economic landscape.

What’s on the table?An ambitious new immigration strategy has been proposed by Vietnam's Tourism Advisory Board: a long-term golden visa scheme that would allow professionals and investors to live in the country for up to ten years. Moreover, the initiative includes:

Investor visa: For those who invest in Vietnam, a 10-year resident visa is granted, with the potential of permanent residency after five years, provided the investment is maintained.

Talent visa: The five-year talent visa is intended for highly qualified workers, particularly those working in important growth industries. To promote long-term employment and retention, this visa would have a simplified renewal procedure.

Location-based pilot: The program is expected to be piloted in major economic hubs and tourist hotspots such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc.


The Ministry of Public Security in Vietnam is currently reviewing the request, but if it is accepted, it might represent a dramatic change in how the nation views international talent and financial intake.

Read more: Bans, visas & tariffs: Is the US losing its appeal for travellers

Why now?Vietnam’s golden visa plan is part of a broader strategy to enhance its appeal as a regional investment and innovation hub. The country has already made headlines for its rapid economic growth, stable political environment, and increasing participation in global trade. Vietnam now hopes to recruit the kind of long-term foreign talent and wealth that has historically been attracted to countries like the United States, Singapore, or the United Arab Emirates thanks to its burgeoning real estate sector, developing tech economy, and thriving tourism market.

This comes at a time when countries are actively redesigning their immigration policies to cater to the globally mobile elite. Portugal, the UAE, Spain, Greece, and even Malaysia offer competitive golden visa schemes. Vietnam’s new program could become one of the most accessible and investor-friendly options in the region—if it’s priced and structured well.

Comparing to the US Golden VisaThe US increased the needed investment to an astounding $5 million in 2025 when it launched a new, more exclusive "Gold Card" visa. Officials say that the goal is to draw in only the most serious investors who can contribute significantly to the American economy. Although the EB-5 program is still in existence, it is steadily losing ground to the Gold Card.

Read more: Saudi Arabia bans visas for 14 countries: Why is India on the list?

Because of this stark policy difference, international investors may decide to reevaluate where they put their money. If the proposed golden visa from Vietnam is implemented effectively and at a reasonable cost, it could provide faster processing and greater value than the very costly and bureaucratic US option.

Affordability, access, and appeal
In addition to offering a more effective route, Vietnam's proposed visa appeals to a broader spectrum of individuals. Along with high-net-worth individuals, it is likely to attract skilled professionals, retirees, and digital entrepreneurs who want to live in an affordable, culturally varied, and economically vibrant country.

The rising demand for flexibility, lifestyle quality, and simplified migration paths means that Vietnam is entering the golden visa race at just the right time. Countries like the US may remain aspirational destinations—but in a post-pandemic world, ease of access and affordability often outweigh prestige.