UĐ2 — Talent Dependent Visa (UĐ2)

The Talent Dependent Visa (UĐ2), officially introduced on July 1, 2026, represents a strategic evolution in Vietnam’s immigration framework, designed to bolster the nation’s appeal to the global elite. Established under the revised Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, this visa category was created to address a critical structural gap in the country’s talent acquisition strategy: the lack of long-term family reunification pathways for high-skilled expatriates. Previously, top-tier professionals recruited under the UĐ1 Talent Visa often faced significant personal instability, as their families were restricted to short-term tourist or temporary visit visas that required frequent renewal and departure. By codifying the UĐ2 visa, the Vietnamese government has aligned its immigration policy with international best practices, recognizing that the retention of world-class researchers, scientists, and industry leaders is contingent upon the ability of those individuals to relocate their families permanently. This policy shift serves as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s broader initiative to transform into a regional hub for innovation and high-tech manufacturing, ensuring that the country remains competitive in the global race for human capital.

The ideal applicant for the UĐ2 visa is the spouse or unmarried child under the age of 18 of a primary UĐ1 Talent Visa holder, individuals who are essential to the domestic stability and long-term commitment of the primary talent. While the UĐ1 visa is strictly reserved for individuals possessing exceptional expertise in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced semiconductor engineering, the UĐ2 category imposes no independent educational or professional requirements on the dependents, acknowledging that the primary applicant’s credentials provide the necessary sponsorship. What makes the UĐ2 visa distinct from standard family-based residence permits is its duration and administrative simplicity; it is valid for up to five years, mirroring the long-term residency status of the primary visa holder, and is notably exempt from all processing fees. This benefit significantly lowers the barrier to entry for families, allowing them to integrate into the local community without the financial and bureaucratic burden typically associated with multi-year visa renewals. While the UĐ2 visa grants the right to reside in Vietnam for the duration of the primary holder’s stay, it is strictly a dependent status, meaning that while it facilitates family cohesion, it does not automatically confer independent work authorization, requiring dependents to seek separate employment permits should they wish to enter the local labor market.