Vietnam exempts visas for foreigners in special cases

Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP stipulates that foreigners exempt from visas are those in the following cases:

1- Guests of the General Secretary, President, Chairman of the National Assembly, Prime Minister, Standing member of the Secretariat, 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 Secretary, City Party Secretary, Chairman of the People's Council, Chairman of the People's Committee of the province or city;

2- Scholars, experts, scientists , professors of universities, research institutes; chief engineers; high-quality digital technology industry human resources;

3- Investors, corporate leaders, leaders of large enterprises in the world ;

4- People working in the fields of culture, arts, sports, and tourism have a positive influence on the public;

5- Honorary Consul of Vietnam abroad;

6- Guests of research institutes, universities, colleges, and large enterprises. Based on the proposals of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and agencies under the Government, the Government shall decide on the list of research institutes, universities, colleges, and large enterprises that are allowed to invite foreigners;

7- 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.

The Decree clearly stipulates the criteria and conditions for visa exemption. 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 criteria: winning prestigious international awards in science and technology that are 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 specifies visa exemption conditions. The visa exemption period shall not exceed 5 years.

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.

LAM NGUYEN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/viet-nam-mien-thi-thuc-voi-nguoi-nuoc-ngoai-thuoc-dien-dac-biet-post807512.html