From 1 July 2026, visa and temporary residence policy for foreign investors sees a major update: Law No. 118/2025/QH15 (effective 1/7/2026) adds two new visa categories UD1 and UD2 for high-quality digital technology personnel — with visas valid up to 5 years and temporary residence cards up to 10 years. At the same time, Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA introduces new NA6/NA8 forms and allows filing by post or electronically. This article summarises the 2026 updates investors and HR teams need to know.
1. New UD1/UD2 visas: for high-quality digital technology personnel
The most prominent innovation of Law No. 118/2025/QH15 is the addition of two new visa categories, UD1 and UD2, for high-quality digital technology personnel — the specialists and engineers Vietnam is seeking to attract under its digital economy strategy.
Duration advantages:
- UD1/UD2 visas: valid up to 5 years — significantly longer than ordinary investment or labour visa categories;
- UD1/UD2 temporary residence cards: valid up to 10 years — giving long-term stability to digital technology specialists working in Vietnam.
For technology companies with foreign specialists, the new visa categories materially reduce the burden of periodic visa/residence card renewals and serve as a talent attraction tool when negotiating employment contracts with international experts.
2. DT1/UD1/UD2 temporary residence cards: maximum duration raised to 10 years
Law No. 118/2025/QH15 raises the maximum duration of DT1, UD1 and UD2 temporary residence cards to 10 years (previously capped at 5 years). This directly serves foreign investors (DT1) and high-quality digital technology personnel (UD1, UD2).
In practice: investors holding DT1 cards nearing expiry can consider the timing of conversion/renewal to benefit from the longer new duration; HR departments should review their foreign personnel lists and plan renewals under the new duration framework from 1/7/2026.
Open point: there is currently conflicting information on whether DT4 temporary residence cards are issued at all. Employers with DT4-category workers should check clause 16, Article 1 of Law No. 51/2019/QH14 (the amending law on entry and exit) and confirm with the immigration authority before planning — do not assume the 10-year framework applies to DT4 without clear grounds.
3. New NA6/NA8 forms and postal/electronic filing: Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA
Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA issues new NA6/NA8 forms, applicable from 1/7/2026. Enterprises and individuals filing visa or residence card applications from that date must use the new forms — files on old forms risk being returned.
A notable procedural reform: Circular 70/2026 allows filing by post or electronically, in addition to in-person submission. This is particularly convenient for companies with foreign staff across multiple provinces or specialists not yet in Vietnam.
4. Note on the instrument name
Some secondary sources refer to Law No. 118/2025/QH15 by unofficial “immigration”-related names. When citing, use the correct designation “Law No. 118/2025/QH15” together with its subject matter (adding UD1/UD2 visa categories; raising residence card durations) — do not use the incorrect “Immigration Law…” label for this instrument. The full official title should be verified on the Official Gazette/vbpl.vn when citing in legal documents.
5. Checklist for investors and HR teams (from 1/7/2026)
- Review the foreign personnel list: classify by current visa/residence category (DT1, UD1, UD2, DT4, etc.);
- Assess eligibility for UD1/UD2 for the company digital technology specialists;
- Switch to the new NA6/NA8 forms for all filings from 1/7/2026;
- Consider postal/electronic filing to save travel time;
- For DT4 cases: check clause 16, Article 1 of Law 51/2019 and confirm with the immigration authority before renewal planning;
- Schedule DT1 residence card renewals under the new up-to-10-year framework.
FAQ
What are UD1 and UD2 visas?
Two new visa categories added by Law No. 118/2025/QH15 (effective 1/7/2026) for high-quality digital technology personnel, with visas up to 5 years and residence cards up to 10 years.
How long is a DT1 temporary residence card now?
From 1/7/2026, DT1 (along with UD1 and UD2) residence cards last up to 10 years, up from the previous 5-year cap.
Which forms apply for visa/residence filings from 1/7/2026?
The new NA6/NA8 forms under Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA, applicable from 1/7/2026. Files may be submitted in person, by post or electronically.
Do DT4 holders get 10-year residence cards?
Unclear — information currently conflicts. Check clause 16, Article 1 of Law 51/2019 and confirm with the immigration authority; do not assume the 10-year framework covers DT4.
Legal sources cited
- Law No. 118/2025/QH15 (effective 1/7/2026) — new UD1/UD2 visas; residence cards up to 10 years;
- Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA — new NA6/NA8 forms from 1/7/2026; postal/electronic filing;
- Law No. 51/2019/QH14 — clause 16, Article 1 (cross-check on DT4).
See also: FLAT Law Firm
Need visa and residence support? FLAT Law Firm advises on visas and temporary residence cards for investors and foreign specialists: determining the right visa category (DT1, UD1, UD2), preparing files on the new NA6/NA8 forms, filing and renewal follow-up: Contact us.
This article is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation.
Transparency note: Content reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council; it does not replace advice from a licensed lawyer.
