Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate: All You Need to Know

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What is the Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate?

• If the visa exemption certificate is valid for 6 months to 5 years:
  • The visa exemption certificate holder is allowed to stay for 180 days each time of entry.
  • If there is a need to continue staying in Vietnam, the temporary residence extension will be considered when there is a sponsor and a legitimate reason. Each extension is valid for up to 180 days (or equal to the remaining validity of the visa exemption certificate).
• If the visa exemption certificate is valid for less than 06 months: the temporary residence period will be granted equal to the validity of the visa exemption certificate and will not be extended.

Who is Eligible for 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate?

• Individuals of Vietnamese origin who hold foreign passports.
• Foreign nationals married to a Vietnamese citizen or someone of Vietnamese origin.
• Children with at least one parent who is a Vietnamese citizen or of Vietnamese origin.

Conditions for Obtaining the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate

1. For Vietnamese people residing abroad:

• Have a foreign passport or replacement document that is valid for at least 1 year from the expected date of entry;
• In case there is no passport/replacement document, a permanent residence document issued by a foreign country (e.g., a green card) must be present, valid for at least one year from the expected date of entry.

2. For foreigners who are spouses, children of Vietnamese citizens or Vietnamese people residing abroad:

• Have a foreign passport or replacement document that is valid for at least one year from the expected date of entry.

Required Documents for Obtaining the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate

1. For Vietnamese people residing abroad

1. Application Form:
   1. Completed the application form for the visa exemption certificate.
2. Passport:
   1. A valid foreign passport with at least six months of validity / Replacement document
   2. Copy of passport bio-data page or replacement document
3. 2 Passport-Sized Photos:
   1. Typically 4cm x 6cm, with a white background.
   2. No glasses, no hat.
4. Proof of Vietnamese Origin (1 original certificate and 1 copy):
   1. Birth certificate or family registry showing Vietnamese nationality.
   2. Old Vietnamese passport, ID card, or other documents proving Vietnamese descent.

2. For foreigners who are spouses, children of Vietnamese citizens or Vietnamese people residing abroad:

1. Application Form:
   1. Completed the application form for the visa exemption certificate.
2. Passport:
   1. A valid foreign passport with at least six months of validity / Replacement document
   2. Copy of passport bio-data page or replacement document
3. 2 Passport-Sized Photos:
   1. Typically 4cm x 6cm, with a white background.
   2. No glasses, no hat.
4. Marriage or Birth Certificate (1 original certificate and 1 copy):
   1. For spouses: Marriage certificate.
   2. For children: Birth certificate showing the relationship to a Vietnamese parent.

How to Apply for the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate?

1. Prepare Your Documents: Collect all required documents based on your eligibility category.
2. Submit the Application:
   1. Visit the nearest Vietnamese consulate/embassy, or the Department of Immigration in Vietnam.
   2. Submit your application form and supporting documents.
3. Pay the Fee
4. Wait for Processing: Processing time typically ranges from 5-7 working days.
5. Receive Your Certificate: Once approved, you will receive the visa exemption certificate by post.

How to Extend Your Stay Under the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate?

• Renew at the Vietnam Immigration Department according to the instructions here if there is a sponsor in Vietnam, or
• Do a visa run: exit Vietnam to a neighboring country or a country in the region such as Cambodia, Thailand, Laos,… and re-enter Vietnam with a new temporary residence period.

Benefits of the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate

• Cost Savings: Avoid the repeated expenses of single-entry or multiple-entry visas.
• Convenience: Skip the hassle of applying for a visa before each trip.
• Extended Stay: Enjoy up to 180 days per visit without requiring a visa extension.
• Multiple Entries: Enter and exit Vietnam as often as needed within the five-year validity.
• Eligibility for Extensions: Request an extension for longer stays beyond the 180-day limit.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Can I work in Vietnam with this certificate?

2. How do I extend my 180-day stay?

3. What happens if my certificate is lost?