Vietnam digital nomad visa: Complete guide for UK expats

If you’re travelling the world as a digital nomad from the UK, you’ll want to spend some time in Vietnam. It’s a popular spot for remote workers and expats, due to its stunning natural beauty, low cost of living, friendly people and fantastic food.

But before you can jet off on your Vietnamese adventure, you’ll need to get your paperwork sorted - and this means getting a visa.

We’re here to help, with a complete guide to getting a digital nomad visa for Vietnam. This includes what visa options are available, who is eligible, how to apply and how much it costs.

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Vietnam digital nomad visa: requirements and eligibility

Vietnam isn’t quite like other countries which have a digital nomad visa.

It doesn’t have a special category of visa just for remote workers, but has recently introduced something known as a 5-year talent visa (its official title is “special visa exemption card for skilled professionals”). This could be a good fit for digital nomads looking to spend time in Vietnam.

It’s the first of three new golden visas the country is launching, with the aim of attracting more skilled foreign workers.

With this new multi-entry talent visa, eligible foreign nationals can legally live and work in Vietnam for up to 5 years - spending no more than 90 days in the country at a time before returning.¹

Not all of the details are clear yet, especially in terms of whether there will be a minimum income requirement or if you can work for Vietnamese clients and employers - or if you’ll be limited to remote work only.

However, this visa is targeted towards top professionals in specific fields, such as:¹

• Academics, experts, scientists, and professors from universities and research institutes
• Chief architects
• Highly skilled professionals in the digital technology industry
• Investors, corporate leaders, and executives of major global enterprises
• Figures in culture, arts, sports, and tourism with a positive public influence
• Invited guests of recognised research institutes, universities, and large enterprises, as approved by competent ministries and government agencies.

So, it’s likely that you’ll need to provide documentation as to your qualifications and work experience in any of these fields.

How much does it cost?

The Vietnam digital nomad visa costs $50 USD (approx. £37.78 GBP) in application fees.²

Aside from the upfront application fees, there may be other costs to factor in. For example, service fees if you apply through a visa application centre, the cost of getting travel/health insurance, or fees related to having documents translated.

What documents do you need?

You’ll need to start the application process to find out the exact list of documents required for the talent visa. However, you’re likely to need the following as a minimum:

• A completed application form
• A valid passport
• At least one recent passport-size colour photograph of yourself
• Documents proving your qualifications and work experience in an eligible field
• If there is a minimum income requirement, proof of income such as pay slips or recent bank statements.

You may also be asked for additional documents, such as proof of medical/travel insurance or a police/criminal record certificate.

How to apply for the digital nomad visa for Vietnam

It is possible to apply for the Vietnam 5-year talent visa online through the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security’s national public portal.¹

However, as this visa is relatively new and information about it is difficult to find, it may be advisable to apply through a suitably qualified solicitor.¹

A solicitor can help you fill in the forms, get your supporting documents together and double-check you meet the eligibility requirements - as well as helping you submit the application and pay any required fees.

While you’re waiting for your visa to be issued, you can get on with other important pre-move preparations.

For example, starting an application to open a Vietnamese bank account, getting a suitable SIM card for your phone and finding somewhere to live - whether you’re planning to rent or buy a home in Vietnam.

Closer to the time, you might also want to get some Vietnamese dong (VND) or a travel-friendly card, like the Wise card, to cover your first few days and weeks in the country.

How long can you stay in Vietnam as a digital nomad?

The talent visa for Vietnam lets you stay in the country for up to 5 years. It may be possible to renew it, but you’ll need to contact the appropriate authorities to find out more.

Crucially though - you can only stay in Vietnam for 90 days at a time.¹ This could be an annoying requirement for some, as it means having to leave the country and come back at regular intervals.

Taxes for digital nomads in Vietnam

While you’re living and working in Vietnam as a digital nomad, you may need to pay taxes on your income.

There’s no specific Vietnam digital nomad visa tax, just income tax rules that apply to anyone considered a tax resident of the country.

If you stay in Vietnam for more than 183 days, you may be deemed to be a tax resident. This means that your worldwide income can be subject to income tax.³ It’s likely that this will happen if you take advantage of the full 5 year stay the talent visa offers.

There’s also the issue of what income taxes are due in the UK, and the need to avoid paying tax twice on the same income. If you’re running a business, you’ll also need to look into corporate taxes in Vietnam.

Tax between countries can be really complicated, so it’s best to get professional advice to make sure you understand your obligations.

Save on your relocation costs with Wise

That’s everything you need to know about the digital nomad visa in Vietnam. Make sure you check for any updates to the application process or the requirements ahead of applying.

Before moving to Vietnam, you’re likely to have lots of costs to cover. Some of these, such as real estate costs, visa application fees and rental deposits, will need to cross borders and can get expensive because of the transfer fees and exchange rate markups.

Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and 140+ countries in 40+ currencies for low, transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.

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FAQs

Is it possible to extend the Vietnam digital nomad visa?

It may be possible to renew the Vietnam talent visa after the initial 5-year period, but you’ll need to contact the relevant authorities to find out if this is the case.

Does a Vietnam digital nomad visa lead to citizenship?

There isn’t a direct route to citizenship with the Vietnamese talent visa but it could be the first step. If you stay in the country for long enough, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency - and after that, citizenship.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 27-Nov-2025