ĐT1 — Investor Visa ĐT1 (Major Investor)

The Investor Visa ĐT1 (Major Investor) was established under the framework of the 2014 Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which was subsequently amended and supplemented by the 2019 Law to modernize the nation's immigration landscape. This visa category was specifically designed to serve as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s aggressive economic liberalization strategy, aiming to attract large-scale foreign direct investment (FDI) that fuels industrial modernization and infrastructure development. By creating a high-tier visa class for those committing capital of at least 100 billion VND—or participating in government-incentivized investment projects—the Vietnamese government sought to bridge a critical gap in its immigration system. Previously, the regulatory environment lacked a clear, high-status pathway for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and major corporate stakeholders to secure long-term residency. The ĐT1 visa fills this void by providing a streamlined, five-year legal status that signals a preferential partnership between the state and the investor, effectively incentivizing long-term capital commitment over short-term speculative ventures and ensuring that the most significant contributors to the national economy are granted the stability required to oversee their extensive operations.

The ideal applicant for the ĐT1 visa is a high-level executive, a primary shareholder, or a legal representative of a multinational corporation who is prepared to make a substantial financial footprint within the Vietnamese market. While the visa is open to a broad spectrum of industries, it is most frequently utilized by professionals in manufacturing, high-tech infrastructure, renewable energy, and large-scale real estate development, where the 100 billion VND threshold is most easily met. What makes the ĐT1 visa particularly distinctive compared to other work or business visas is its duration and the level of administrative deference it confers; while standard business visas often require frequent renewals and provide limited rights, the ĐT1 offers a five-year validity period, which significantly reduces the bureaucratic burden on major investors. Furthermore, holders of this visa are often eligible for temporary residence cards, which facilitate easier travel, long-term habitation, and the ability to sponsor family members to reside in Vietnam. However, the visa is not without its limitations: it is strictly tied to the maintenance of the underlying investment. If the capital contribution is withdrawn or the investment project is terminated, the legal basis for the visa evaporates, necessitating a transition to a different status. Consequently, the ĐT1 serves as a powerful, albeit conditional, tool for those who view Vietnam not merely as a temporary business destination, but as a primary hub for their long-term global investment portfolio.