Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP stipulates that foreigners exempt from visas are those in the following cases:
Guests of the General Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, President, Chairman of the National Assembly, Prime Minister, Standing member of the Central Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Vice President, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme People's Procuracy , State Auditor General, Ministers and equivalents, Provincial Party Secretaries, Municipal Party Secretaries, Chairmen of People's Councils, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and cities;
Scholars, experts, scientists , professors of universities and research institutes; general engineers; high-quality digital technology industry human resources;
Investors, corporate leaders, leaders of large enterprises in the world ;
People working in the fields of culture, arts, sports, and tourism have a positive influence on the public;
Honorary Consul of Vietnam abroad;
Guests of research institutes, universities, colleges, large enterprises. Based on the proposals of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and agencies under the Government, the Government decides on the list of research institutes, universities, colleges, and large enterprises that are allowed to invite foreigners;
Other cases requiring visa exemption for foreign affairs purposes or serving socio-economic development shall be decided by the Minister of Public Security based on the proposals of agencies and organizations.
Visa exemption for foreigners in special need of incentives to serve socio-economic development - Illustrative photo
Visa exemption criteria and conditions:
Regarding criteria , Decree 221/2025/ND-CP stipulates that the cases specified in points b, c, d, dd and e above must meet the criteria for determining special subjects in need of preferential visa exemption to enter Vietnam according to the List in Appendix 1 issued with this Decree.
Conclusion of Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh at the meeting on visa exemption policy
Specifically, foreigners who are investors or leaders of large corporations or enterprises in the world must meet the following criteria: The corporation or enterprise must be on the list of 100 enterprises with the largest capitalization value in the world, announced annually by prestigious international organizations.
Scientists in the field of science and technology must meet the following criteria: Achieved a prestigious international award in science and technology that is recognized.
For outstanding football players in the world, the criteria must be met: being on the list of 100 best football players announced annually by prestigious international organizations; being invited by a domestic professional football club to compete, exchange...
Decree 221/2025/ND-CP also stipulates Specific visa exemption conditions are as follows:
Have a valid passport;
For the case specified in point a above: There is a notification from the competent authority or organization.
For the cases specified in points b, c, d, and dd above: There is a written request from a ministry, ministerial-level agency, government agency, or Party or National Assembly agency.
For the cases specified in points e and g above: There is a written request from the relevant agency or organization.
Not in cases of not being allowed to enter or temporarily suspending exit according to the provisions of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.
Visa exemption period not exceeding 05 years
Decree regulating special visa exemption cards issued to foreigners who are exempted from visas to enter Vietnam to serve socio-economic development.
Special visa exemption cards come in two forms: electronic cards and hard cards with chips, which have the same legal value. Agencies and organizations have the right to choose to issue special visa exemption cards in electronic form or hard cards with chips to foreigners.
Foreigners using special visa exemption cards are allowed to enter Vietnam multiple times during the visa exemption period. The visa exemption period does not exceed 05 years and is at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the passport.
Procedures for receiving and processing requests for special visa exemption cards
Agencies and organizations specified in 2,3,4 above shall send notices and written requests according to the form with a copy of the passport personal information page directly or electronically to the Ministry of Public Security (Immigration Department).
The Ministry of Public Security (Immigration Department) shall consider issuing electronic special visa exemption cards according to form NC-01 and notify agencies and organizations of the access address to receive electronic special visa exemption cards according to form NB-01 or issue hard special visa exemption cards with chips according to form NC-02 in Appendix 2 issued with Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP; in case of refusal, reply to agencies and organizations in writing, stating the reasons.
The Decree clearly states that foreigners using special visa exemption cards are granted a temporary residence certificate for 90 days for each entry. In case the duration of the special visa exemption card is shorter than 90 days, a temporary residence certificate will be granted equal to the duration of the special visa exemption card. If they wish to continue staying in Vietnam, they will be considered for an extension of temporary residence or be granted a visa or temporary residence card in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.
The Ministry of Public Security (Immigration Department) cancels the validity of special visa exemption cards in cases where foreigners do not meet the criteria and conditions for visa exemption as prescribed or have a written notice from an agency or organization as prescribed.
It is known that the Law on Immigration does not have any provisions on temporary visa exemption for foreigners who are in special need of incentives. Therefore, the issuance of this Decree is extremely necessary to attract foreigners who are talented, high-quality human resources, creative startups, experts, and leading scientists in fields that need incentives (such as semiconductor industry, core digital technology, etc.). In addition, there are leaders, managers, investors, senior experts of a number of large enterprises, cultural figures, artists, famous athletes, etc. to build a dynamic economy with the ability to compete globally.
Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/mien-thi-thuc-voi-nguoi-hoat-dong-trong-cac-linh-vuc-van-hoa-nghe-thuat-the-thao-du-lich-co-anh-huong-tich-cuc-20250808203553931.htm
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