1. What Is an Investor Visa in Vietnam?
An Investor Visa (DT Visa) allows a foreigner to:
- Enter Vietnam for investment purposes
- Participate in management or ownership of a Vietnamese company
- Apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) later
⚠️ Important:
An Investor Visa is not a residence card and does not automatically allow employment beyond investor roles.
2. Types of Investor Visas (DT1 – DT4) Explained Simply
Vietnamese law classifies investor visas based on capital contribution:
📌 Legal reality:
Many investors misunderstand visa categories, leading to short-term stays or rejected TRC applications
3. Do Foreign Investors Need a Work Permit?
→ Usually NO, but it depends on what you actually do.
Investors are generally exempt if they:
- Are owners or capital-contributing members; or
- Hold management roles tied directly to ownership
👉 For exemption rules, read:
[Work Permit Exemption in Vietnam](INTERNAL LINK – Article 2)
⚠️ However, a work permit may still be required if:
- The investor performs day-to-day technical or employee tasks
- The role goes beyond investor or board-level functions
4. Investor Visa vs Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
Many investors ask:
👉 Learn more here: [Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam](INTERNAL LINK – Article 3)
5. Common Legal Mistakes Foreign Investors Make
❌ Mistake 1: Registering capital but acting as an employee
This may trigger work permit violations.
❌ Mistake 2: Assuming visa duration equals residence rights
Overstaying while waiting for TRC may lead to penalties.
❌ Mistake 3: Using the wrong visa type
Business visas are not substitutes for investor visas
6. Investor Visa Application – Basic Checklist
Foreign investors usually need:
- Valid passport
- Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
- Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
- Capital contribution proof
- Sponsorship documents from the Vietnamese company
📌 Note: Foreign documents may require consular legalization and notarized Vietnamese translation.
7. When Should an Investor Consult a Lawyer?
You should consult a lawyer if:
- You are both an investor and an operational manager
- Your capital contribution is complex or staged
- You plan long-term residence in Vietnam
- You want to avoid compliance risks across labor, immigration, and investment laws
A legal review at the beginning can save time, cost, and future complications.
📞 Contact DHH Law Firm Today
Investor visa matters involve multiple legal layers.
Professional legal guidance ensures your investment and residence remain compliant.
🏢 Main Office: 2nd Floor, 829 Huynh Tan Phat Street, Phu Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📞 Hotline: +84 89 9352 777 (VN) | +84 89 9351 777 (ENG)
🌐 Website: www.dhhlawfirm.vn
📧 Email: contact@dhhlawfirm.vn
✨ DHH Law Firm – Your trusted legal partner for family and foreign-related civil procedures in Vietnam.
