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Vietnam’s new 5-year talent visa could be your fast track to living and working in one of Asia’s fastest growing economies. If you bring globally recognized skills, leadership or creative impact, this guide shows where you could fit in. You’ll see who qualifies, what evidence is typically important, and how endorsements can unlock approval. Read on to check your category and get clarification before applying.
1. Top engineers and highly qualified technology professionals
Senior engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity managers, and product architects can qualify when they demonstrate proven impact. You’ll want to showcase landmark projects, open source leadership, or patents that have improved platforms or infrastructure. Roles in AI, fintech, semiconductors and cloud carry weight.
Vietnam prioritizes digital transformation and high-growth technologies. Evidence such as CTO or principal engineer titles, certifications, and endorsements from large companies are helpful. Demonstrate how your skills upskill teams and accelerate local ecosystems.
Bring a project plan linked to productivity and training results. Quantify results with availability, efficiency or revenue metrics. Experience in cross-border collaboration is a plus.
2. CEOs, business leaders and executives of large global companies or large international corporations
CEOs, regional directors and board leaders are qualified when they lead large companies with measurable economic impact. You will need to document the extent of leadership, staffing and investment levels related to Vietnam. Previous success in market expansion and governance.
Strong cases include leaders at the head of manufacturing, logistics, financial or technological centers. Letters from the company and Vietnamese partners reinforce credibility. Company compliance records must be clean and transparent.
Prepare a policy brief outlining job creation, supply chain development and sustainability plans. Show KPIs and audited data when possible. Ministry or industry approval may be decisive.
3. Distinguished academics, researchers and scientists
University professors, research leaders and scientists whose publications or patents have a significant impact are serious competitors. You will typically need proof of tenure, principal investigator roles, or citations demonstrating your influence. Recognition from major organizations, grants or awards strengthens your case.
Expect the focus to be on STEM, medicine, and strategic areas that align with Vietnam’s development goals. Invitations from Vietnamese universities or institutes can speed up the process. Maintain a clear record of publications, affiliations, conferences and collaborative projects.
Plan to include letters from host institutions and evidence of ongoing research. A concrete knowledge transfer or mentoring plan is helpful. Align your proposal with national priorities to stand out.
4. High-value investors and influential entrepreneurs
Investors and founders with significant capital and a proven track record of growing businesses are the best candidates. You will want to show funds deployed, job creation, and compliance with Vietnamese regulations. Deals in advanced manufacturing, green energy and digital services are compelling.
Evidence may include audited investments, exits and portfolio performance. Local partnerships and technology transfer strengthen your position. Clear governance and risk controls reduce oversight.
Propose a roadmap that benefits the Vietnamese economy through innovation and employment. Quantify milestones and community impact. Secure letters from chambers, venture capital firms or ministries where possible.
5. Prominent personalities from culture, arts and creative industries
Filmmakers, artists, designers and cultural producers with international recognition can qualify. You’ll need evidence such as festival selections, museum exhibitions, awards, or streaming milestones. Collaborative projects with Vietnamese creatives are a plus.
Vietnam values cultural diplomacy and soft power. Show plans for workshops, co-productions or public programs that engage local audiences. Describe how your presence elevates creative ecosystems.
Provide press coverage, catalogs and conservation letters. Rights clearances and funding confirmations are helpful. Keep your impact story accessible and measurable.
6. Notable athletes, sports professionals or world-class sports figures
Olympians, world champions, elite coaches and sports scientists can qualify based on international honors. You will want to show medals, rankings, coaching records or federation mentions. Sports that advance national programs carry additional weight.
Vietnam is seeking expertise that improves training systems and youth development. Offer clinics, academies or knowledge transfer initiatives. Partnerships with local sports authorities are encouraged.
Include anti-doping compliance and medical clearances. Document media coverage and official statistics. Provide a seasonal plan for sustainable engagement in Vietnam.
7. Tourism and cultural ambassadors/influencers with positive public influence
Tourism ambassadors, cultural storytellers and influencers with significant reach may be eligible if the impact is positive and verifiable. You’ll need analytics, platform authenticity, and a partner-approved content plan. Ethics and brand safety are essential.
Vietnam aims to promote sustainable tourism and the promotion of heritage. Offer campaigns that highlight local culture, regional destinations and responsible travel. Multilingual content is a bonus.
Present collaborations with tourist offices and museums. Provide engagement data, audience demographics, and case studies. Crisis and disinformation policies must be documented.
8. Guests or invitees from recognized universities, research institutes or large companies – with official approval
Invited experts and visiting fellows sponsored by Vietnamese universities, institutes or large companies can qualify. You will need official invitation letters and, often, approval from the department or agency. Clear deliverables and deadlines are important.
Strong cases include joint research, industrial consultancy roles or executive training. Demonstrate how your expertise fills critical gaps. Intellectual property and data sharing conditions must be explicit.
Provide CVs, project scope and funding confirmations. Host institutions must describe the results and evaluation. Compliance with local employment and tax rules is essential.
9. Chief architects, senior technical staff or leading specialists in specific fields
Chief architects, senior engineers and senior specialists in priority sectors may be eligible. You will need to demonstrate leadership in carrying out complex projects and respecting standards. Professional licenses and scholarships add credibility.
Areas such as green infrastructure, smart cities, energy and transport are in focus. Present a portfolio with measurable results and safety records. Mentoring and local capacity building are valued.
Include BIM, sustainability certifications or peer-reviewed case studies. Provide customer and regulator references. Adapt your expertise to Vietnam’s strategic plans.
10. Foreign nationals whose work contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of Vietnam and are nominated/approved by relevant Vietnamese agencies
If your work tangibly advances the Vietnamese economy or society, an approved application may open doors. You will need evidence of measurable contributions, such as jobs, skills transfer, research results or public good programs. Support from the relevant ministries has major weight.
Develop a clear case that aligns with national strategies and local needs. Quantify impact with audited data and third-party validation. Community partnerships and training plans are helpful.
Prepare a compliance brief with timelines, governance and risk controls. Show a multi-year roadmap that maintains value. Maintain transparent communication with all stakeholders.