Temporary residence cards for foreign investors in Vietnam: ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3 and capital thresholds

Foreigners who invest in a company in Vietnam have their own residence route: an investor (ĐT) visa followed by an investor temporary residence card. Compared with the work route, an investor card can last much longer, up to 10 years. But both the validity and whether a card is issued at all depend entirely on the amount of capital contributed.

Capital levels and card validity

• ĐT1: VND 100 billion or more, or investment in sectors or areas eligible for investment incentives as decided by the Government. Card up to 10 years.
• ĐT2: VND 50 billion to under 100 billion, or investment in sectors in which investment and development are encouraged, as decided by the Government. Card up to 5 years.
• ĐT3: VND 3 billion to under 50 billion. Card up to 3 years.
• ĐT4: under VND 3 billion. Visa of up to 12 months only, no residence card.

These symbols apply to foreign investors and to representatives of foreign organisations investing in Vietnam. A card always expires at least 30 days before the passport.

Do investors need a work permit?

Under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, owners or capital-contributing members of a limited liability company, and the chair or members of the board of a joint stock company, with a contribution of VND 3 billion or more are exempt from a work permit and do not need an exemption confirmation. The company only notifies the authority where the person works at least 3 working days before they start.

A shareholder who is not on the board of a joint stock company, or an investor working in another role such as technical director, may still need a work permit. Establish the right status before choosing a route.

Documents for an investor card

• The sponsoring company's request for a temporary residence card (form NA6) and the application form with photo (form NA8).
• Your original valid passport with an ĐT1, ĐT2 or ĐT3 visa.
• The enterprise registration certificate and, where applicable, the investment registration certificate showing the investor's name and capital contribution.
• Proof that the capital has been contributed may be requested, especially when the registered amount is close to a threshold.
• The company's seal and signature notification filed with the immigration authority (done once).
• Proof of temporary residence registration.

The file goes to the immigration authority where the company has its head office. Under the Law, it is considered within 5 working days of receiving a complete file; preparing the documents beforehand takes as long as the case requires.

If you are in Vietnam on another visa

Someone who has contributed capital and can prove investor status may change their visa purpose to ĐT in Vietnam; this is one of the four cases the Law allows. Once the ĐT1, ĐT2 or ĐT3 visa is issued, the company files for the residence card.

Family members

The investor's spouse and children under 18 can get a TT family visa and TT residence card, valid for up to 3 years and usually no longer than the investor's card. Marriage and birth certificates need an Apostille or consular legalisation depending on the country, plus a certified translation.

Points to watch

• Changing the capital contribution, transferring your stake or leaving the company changes the basis for the card. A new procedure is needed.
• The registered capital is the main reference, but the authorities can check whether it has actually been contributed.
• When a card expires, a new card can be considered. Prepare ahead so your residence is not interrupted.
• The company must remain lawfully active. A company that has suspended operations or had its registration revoked cannot continue to sponsor you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a residence card with a VND 2 billion investment? Not as an investor. That falls under ĐT4, which only gets a visa of up to 12 months. If you also work at the company in a qualifying position, consider the work permit route and an LĐ2 card.

Can an ĐT3 card be upgraded to ĐT2? When your contribution reaches the ĐT2 threshold and the registration documents are updated, you can apply for a visa and card under the new symbol. The exact validity depends on the case.

Gateway reviews your enterprise registration, your role in the company and your capital to determine the card symbol, the validity you can apply for and the documents your whole family needs.