Vietnam Visa Exemption — 5-Year Multiple Entry
If you have a Vietnamese spouse or are of Vietnamese origin (Việt kiều), you can apply for a visa exemption (miễn thị thực) allowing unlimited entries to Vietnam over 5 years without needing a visa. This is the most convenient option for people who travel to Vietnam frequently or plan to live there part-time.
Who Qualifies?
- Foreign nationals married to Vietnamese citizens
- People of Vietnamese origin (overseas Vietnamese / Việt kiều) who hold foreign citizenship
- Children of Vietnamese citizens who hold foreign passports
Requirements (Spouse of Vietnamese Citizen)
- Valid foreign passport
- Vietnamese marriage certificate (Giấy Chứng Nhận Kết Hôn)
- Certified translation of the marriage certificate
- Your spouse's Vietnamese ID card (CCCD) and household registration (sổ hộ khẩu)
- Passport photos (4x6 cm)
- Completed application form
Where to Apply
Apply at the Immigration Department (Cục Quản Lý Xuất Nhập Cảnh) in the province where your spouse is registered, or at the main offices in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. You can also apply at Vietnamese embassies and consulates abroad.
Processing Time and Cost
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Processing time | 5–15 business days |
| Validity | 5 years from issue date |
| Entries | Unlimited multiple entry |
| Cost | ~500,000–1,000,000 VND (~$20–40 USD) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Vietnam on a visa exemption?
The visa exemption does not grant work authorization. To work legally in Vietnam you still need a work permit (giấy phép lao động) unless you qualify for an exemption category.
What happens when the 5 years expire?
Simply apply for renewal. The process is the same as the initial application. As long as you are still married to a Vietnamese citizen, renewal is straightforward.
Is a visa exemption the same as a Temporary Residence Card (TRC)?
No. A Temporary Residence Card (thẻ tạm trú) is a separate document. Many expats with Vietnamese spouses get both — the visa exemption for entry and a TRC for extended stays without leaving.
Do I need to register my residence in Vietnam?
Yes. If you stay more than 30 days, you must register your temporary residence (đăng ký tạm trú) with the local police. Most hotels and apartments do this automatically.