Permanent Residency

Hi, After spending time in Vietnam I want to retire there. Is there a Permanent Residency Visa or something similar so I don't have to renew visa every three months. Thank you
rob - @yrdwlkr

"Spending time" in Vietnam doesn't qualify you for anything except a new tourist visa after you leave the country.

Do you have other qualifications?

Yes. It's called a marriage license. Happy hunting.

@OceanBeach92107

Hi. thanks for your reply.  sorry I didn't make myself clear.  I want to retire in Vietnam.  There is no equivalent visa like in Thailand.  I read there is a visa that only needs to be renewed every year in Vietnam.  Are you familiar with that?

@jimmythepipe24

   Yeah.  I am getting married to Vietnamese woman on my return.  Does that qualify as I now need different, or any visa?

@yrdwlk

When you are married you can apply for a 5 year visa exemption certificate (VEC) You will then only be required to leave Vietnam 🇻🇳 every 180 days. It’s as simple as doing a border run to Cambodia and then returning the same day. However when I was here on a VEC I found taking a holiday to the likes of Bali every 6 months quite enjoyable.

regards

bb

@OceanBeach92107
Hi. thanks for your reply. sorry I didn't make myself clear. I want to retire in Vietnam. There is no equivalent visa like in Thailand. I read there is a visa that only needs to be renewed every year in Vietnam. Are you familiar with that? - @yrdwlkr

If you are married to a citizen of Vietnam there are a few different choices:

1. A 5-Year (validity) visa exemption certificate (VEC) that allows you to stay for up to 6 months at a time. However, you don't gain resident status with that and are essentially still considered a tourist. You have to exit and reenter the country every 6 months. you also have to exit and reenter the country every 5 years when you need a new certificate, as they can only be activated by immigration when entering the country.

2. A TT visa for spouse (or other family member) of a Vietnam citizen. Those are usually issued for periods of 6 months to 1 year. It's possible to apply for renewal without leaving the country.

3. A 3-year Temporary Resident Card for spouse of a Vietnamese citizen.

4. After living here for 3 years with a TRC, you are eligible to apply for a 5-year temporary resident card. It's more complicated than the three year TRC.

If you don't want to get married and you have ₫3,000,000,000 VNĐ to invest in government approved industries, you can also qualify for a 3 year TRC.

Or you can start a business here with a minimum capital contribution of ₫600,000,000 VNĐ and qualify for a renewable one year business visa.

@Michael Boylan

Thank you Michael.  That’s what I want to know.  Best wishes

@OceanBeach92107

Great.  Thank you for the clear options.  Best wishes