Chinese investors setting up projects in Vietnam usually start with one question: which investor visa category am I — DT1, DT2, or DT3? The answer depends not on the project’s total capital but on the investor’s own contributed capital — a point many dossiers get wrong from the start. This article systematizes investor visa classification under current law (updated for Law 118/2025/QH15, effective 1 July 2026), sponsorship procedures, and the pathway from e-visa to temporary residence card.
Investor Visa Classification
Under Article 8 of Law 47/2014/QH13 on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam (amended by Laws 51/2019/QH14, 23/2023/QH15, and 118/2025/QH15 — effective 1 July 2026; consolidated text VBHN 62/VBHN-VPQH 2026):
| Visa | Investor’s contributed capital | Max visa validity | Residence card |
|---|---|---|---|
| DT1 (Art. 8(7a)) | VND 100 billion+, or investment in incentivized sectors/areas | ≤ 5 years | ≤ 10 years (new from 1/7/2026) |
| DT2 (Art. 8(7b)) | VND 50–100 billion, or encouraged sectors | ≤ 5 years | ≤ 5 years |
| DT3 (Art. 8(7c)) | VND 3–50 billion | ≤ 3 years | ≤ 3 years |
| DT4 (Art. 8(7d)) | Under VND 3 billion | ≤ 12 months | Not granted |
Note: Visa validity must be at least 30 days shorter than passport validity (Article 9, post-118/2025 version).
Determining Contributed Capital: The Most Common Trap
Thresholds are measured on the investor’s own capital contribution (the foreign individual/entity), evidenced by the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) or Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC), cross-checked against Investment Law 143/2025/QH15 (effective 1 March 2026).
Example: A Chinese company contributes VND 40 billion to a joint venture with total project capital of VND 200 billion in Vietnam — this investor qualifies for DT3 (VND 3–50 billion), not DT1, even though total project capital exceeds VND 100 billion.
What’s New from 1 July 2026: Law 118/2025/QH15
- DT1 residence cards extended to ≤ 10 years (Article 38, post-118/2025) — previously capped at 5 years. A major change for large investors’ long-term stability.
- New UD1/UD2 visas for high-quality digital-technology human resources and their relatives — not investor visas; keep them clearly distinguished.
- Residence cards: DT2 ≤ 5 years, DT3 ≤ 3 years (unchanged); DT4 holders get no residence card.
Sponsorship Procedure: Form NA2
The investor is sponsored by a Vietnamese organization (the company the investor funds/establishes):
- Written request on Form NA2 issued with Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA (effective 1 July 2026).
- Sponsoring entity’s legal dossier (ERC, seal/authorized signature).
- Proof of investor status: IRC/ERC showing contributed capital.
- Investor’s passport (valid).
Immigration procedures follow Circular 87/2026/TT-BCA (effective 24 July 2026, replacing Circular 53/2016/TT-BCA).
Practical Pathway: E-visa → Investor Visa → Residence Card
For first-time Chinese investors surveying Vietnam, the typical route:
- Step 1 — Survey trip: e-visa or business (DN) visa to explore the market and meet partners.
- Step 2 — Capital contribution, entity formation: Complete investment procedures; obtain IRC/ERC recording the contribution.
- Step 3 — Switch to investor visa: The sponsor applies for the matching DT1/DT2/DT3 visa (Form NA2).
- Step 4 — Residence card: After obtaining a DT visa (except DT4), apply for a temporary residence card for long-term stay and convenient multiple entries.
Practical Notes for Chinese Investors
- Representatives of Chinese-capital FDI entities (directors, legal representatives) also qualify for investor visas based on their organization’s contributed capital.
- Family members (spouse, children) use TT visas (visiting relatives), tied to the investor’s visa/residence card validity.
- Distinguish UD1/UD2 visas (digital-tech talent, new from 1/7/2026) from DT1–DT4 investor visas — different conditions and benefits.
- Capital thresholds are measured on the investor’s actual/registered contribution, not total project capital — a common error leading to wrong visa applications.
Application Checklist
- ☐ Correct visa category (DT1/DT2/DT3/DT4) per the investor’s contribution on the IRC/ERC.
- ☐ Sponsor prepares Form NA2 request (Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA).
- ☐ Valid passport (visa must expire at least 30 days before the passport).
- ☐ Planned route: e-visa/DN → capital contribution → DT visa → residence card.
- ☐ Accompanying family: prepare TT visa dossiers.
Disclaimer: General information on investor visas under Law 47/2014/QH13 (amended by Laws 51/2019/QH14, 23/2023/QH15, 118/2025/QH15 — effective 1/7/2026), Circular 87/2026/TT-BCA and Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA, as of 14 October 2026. Immigration procedures may change under new guidance — please verify with the immigration authority before filing.
Content reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council — an AI council with the mindset of seasoned lawyers. This is not the opinion of a human lawyer and does not replace direct legal advice.
This article has been reviewed by the QA Council.
Chinese investors needing support with investment procedures, visas, and residence cards in Vietnam, please contact FLAT Law Firm.