Vietnam 5-Year Visa: Requirements and How to Apply

The 5-Year Visa Exemption (commonly known as the "5-Year Visa") is the perfect solution for long-term travel convenience. Unlike standard tourist visas, this certificate allows you to enter Vietnam multiple times over five years and stay for up to 180 days per entry.

This guide from Your Vietnam Travel will clarify exactly who is eligible, the documents you need, and the step-by-step process to secure this valuable certificate, whether you are applying from abroad or within Vietnam.

What is the 5-Year visa exemption?

The Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption, officially called the Certificate of Visa Exemption, is a long-term travel document issued by Vietnamese authorities. It is granted to overseas Vietnamese and their eligible foreign family members, including spouses and children.

This certificate replaces a standard Vietnam visa. It allows holders to enter Vietnam to visit relatives or handle personal matters without applying for a new visa for each trip.

Unlike a tourist visa, which is usually valid for 30 to 90 days, the 5-Year Visa Exemption permits multiple entries over a longer period, making it suitable for frequent travel.

Key features of the 5-Year Vietnam Visa Exemption:

• Validity: Valid for up to 5 years, or 6 months shorter than the remaining validity of the passport, whichever comes first.
• Duration of stay per entry: Each entry allows a stay of up to 180 days (6 months). If the certificate is valid for less than 6 months, the permitted stay ends on the expiry date.
• Extension of stay: A stay beyond 180 days is possible. Applicants must apply for a temporary stay extension at the Vietnam Immigration Department and provide a legitimate reason.

The Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption is issued in two formats, depending on the applicant’s travel document.

• 5-Year visa sticker: This type is stamped directly into the passport. It is the most common option for overseas Vietnamese and eligible foreign nationals.
• 5-Year visa booklet: This format is issued to overseas Vietnamese who hold a permanent residence card instead of a passport. It also applies to passport holders from countries or territories without diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

The 5 Year-Visa exemption paper (Source: Collected)

Who is eligible for the 5-Year Vietnam visa exemption?

The 5-year visa exemption is granted to two main categories of individuals with close personal connections to Vietnam:

• Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu): This applies to individuals of Vietnamese origin residing abroad. To be eligible, applicants must hold a valid foreign passport or an equivalent document, or possess a permanent resident card issued by a foreign country (commonly known as a "green card") that remains valid for at least one year from the expected date of entry into Vietnam.
• Foreign family members of Vietnamese citizens or Overseas Vietnamese: Eligibility extends to legally married spouses and children (including adopted children) of Vietnamese citizens or Overseas Vietnamese. This exemption is strictly limited to these immediate family relationships and does not cover parents or siblings of the Vietnamese sponsor.

A type of eligible family for the exemption (Source: Shutterstock)

How to apply for a 5-Year vietnam visa exemption

Applying for the 5-Year Visa Exemption requires careful preparation of your dossier. You can submit your application either at a Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad or directly at the Immigration Department if you are already in Vietnam.

Required documents

To ensure your application is accepted without delays, applicants should prepare two sets of documents: one set for submission and one set for personal reference. The required documents vary depending on the applicant’s eligibility category, as outlined below.

For overseas Vietnamese

Overseas Vietnamese applying for the 5-Year Visa Exemption must prepare the following:

• Application form (Form NA9): A completed 5-Year Visa Exemption application form, filled out online or obtained directly from the Immigration Office or Embassy.
• Passport or residence document: A foreign passport, equivalent travel document, or permanent residence card issued by a foreign authority, valid for at least 12 months.
• Photos: Two recent photos (4 x 6 cm) with a white background, taken straight-on, without headgear or colored glasses.
• Proof of Vietnamese origin: One copy (or a copy presented with the original) of at least one of the following documents:
  • Birth certificate
  • Certificate of Vietnamese citizenship
  • Decision on renunciation or loss of Vietnamese citizenship
  • Valid or expired Vietnamese passport
  • Vietnamese identity card or household registration book
• Alternative proof (if primary documents are unavailable): A guarantee letter issued by an overseas Vietnamese association in the applicant’s country of residence.

For foreign spouses and children

Foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese must prepare:

• Application form (Form NA9): A completed 5-Year Visa Exemption application form.
• Passport: A foreign passport or equivalent travel document, valid for at least 12 months.
• Photos: Two recent photos (4 x 6 cm) with a white background, taken straight-on, without headgear or colored glasses.
• Proof of family relationship: One copy (or a copy presented with the original) of one of the following:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Birth certificate
  • Certificate of parental relationship
  • Decision of adoption

Important note: All foreign-issued documents must be notarized or legalized in accordance with Vietnamese regulations to be accepted by the authorities.

Must-have documents to apply for the 5 Year Vietnam Visa Exemption (Source: Collected)

Application procedure

Once your documents are ready, follow these steps to submit your application.

• Step 1: Submit the dossier You can bring your application to one of two places. If you are overseas, visit the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. If you are currently in Vietnam, you should go to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, located in Hanoi (44-46 Tran Phu Street) or Ho Chi Minh City (333-335-337 Nguyen Trai Street).
• Step 2: Processing The officer will check your documents. If the dossier is complete and valid, they will issue a receipt with an appointment date for the results. If any documents are missing, they will guide you on how to supplement them. During this time, the authorities will verify your information and eligibility.
• Step 3: Receive the result On the scheduled date, return to the office to pick up your passport and the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate. You will need to present your receipt and pay the issuance fee at the counter. Double-check all personal details on the certificate immediately to ensure there are no errors before leaving the office.

Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate (Source: Collected)

How long does it take to process a 5-Year Vietnam visa?

The processing time for a 5-Year Vietnam Visa Exemption Certificate is generally similar whether the application is submitted in Vietnam or at a Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad. However, applicants should take into account weekends, public holidays, and document verification requirements, which may affect the actual timeline.

• Standard processing time: Under normal circumstances, the processing time is approximately 5 to 7 working days from the date the Immigration Authority or Consular Office receives a complete and valid application dossier.
• Express processing (via third-party services): Some visa service agencies may offer expedited handling, reducing the processing time to around 2 - 3 working days.

Please note that express processing is not an official service provided by the Vietnam Immigration Department and is subject to the agency’s internal procedures and approval from the authorities.

Important planning advice: To minimize the risk of delays, applicants are strongly advised to submit their application at least two weeks before the intended travel date, especially during peak travel seasons or major Vietnamese public holidays.

The process is generally 5 to 7 working days (Source: Shutterstock)

How much does a 5-Year Vietnam visa cost?

The cost of a 5-Year Vietnam Visa Exemption Certificate depends on where you submit your application and whether you use a visa service agency. In general, the total cost may include an official government fee and optional service charges.

• Official state fee (applying in Vietnam): If you apply directly at the Vietnam Immigration Department, the official government fee is USD 10 (approximately 250,000 VND) for the issuance of the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate. This fee is regulated by Vietnamese authorities and is subject to change in accordance with government policies.
• Consular fee (applying abroad): For applications submitted at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate overseas, the fee is determined independently by each diplomatic mission. As a result, the amount may vary significantly depending on the country and local consular regulations. Applicants are advised to check the official website of the relevant Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date fee in local currency.
• Service fee (optional): If you choose to use a visa service agency to assist with document preparation or submission, an additional service fee usually applies. Based on common market rates, this fee typically ranges from USD 30 to USD 50, depending on the service provider and the level of support offered.

Note: Express processing services, if available, are provided by third-party agencies and are not an official service of the Vietnam Immigration Department.

How to reapply for a 5-Year Vietnam visa

The 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate cannot be extended once it expires. When your certificate reaches its expiration date, or if you lose it or obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new issuance.

The procedure for reapplying is practically identical to the first-time application. You will need to prepare a fresh set of documents, including the application form (NA9), photos, and your valid passport. If your previous certificate is still in your possession but expired, submitting it along with your dossier can help verify your eligibility faster. For lost certificates, you may be required to file a loss report with the police before submitting your new application.

5-Year Vietnam Visa (Source: Internet)

Learn more: Vietnamese Passport Renewal: Procedures & Fees

FAQs about the 5-Year Vietnam visa

Can the 5-Year visa be extended after expiration?

No, the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate itself cannot be extended once it expires. When the validity period ends, you must apply for a completely new certificate following the initial procedure. However, if you are currently in Vietnam and wish to stay longer than the permitted 180 days per entry, you can apply for an extension of temporary stay at the Immigration Department without leaving the country, provided you have a valid reason or a guarantee from your family.

Can children apply for the 5-Year Vietnam visa?

Yes, children are fully eligible for this visa exemption if they have at least one parent who is a Vietnamese citizen or an Overseas Vietnamese. Parents can submit the application on behalf of their children. Depending on the parents' preference, the child can be issued a separate certificate or, if they are under 14 years old and share a passport with a parent, the certificate can be attached directly to that parent's passport.

Is the 5-Year visa valid for multiple entries into Vietnam?

Yes, One of the biggest advantages of this certificate is that it functions as a multiple-entry document. You can enter and exit Vietnam as many times as you wish during the validity of the certificate.

For each entry, you are granted a maximum stay of 180 days (approximately 6 months). If you leave and re-enter, the 180-day clock resets, making it ideal for frequent travelers.

Can someone else submit the application on my behalf for a 5-Year Vietnam visa?

Yes, you do not necessarily have to submit the application in person. You can authorize a relative or a visa service agency to submit the dossier on your behalf.

However, if you choose this route, you may need to provide a power of attorney or specific authorization documents as required by the Immigration office or Embassy. This is a popular option for those who are busy or live far from diplomatic missions.

Conclusion

The 5-Year Visa Exemption is undeniably the most convenient and cost-effective travel solution for Overseas Vietnamese and their families. By securing this certificate, you remove the hassle of constant visa applications and enjoy the freedom to visit your homeland whenever you please.

Preparing the documents might seem detailed, but the long-term benefits are well worth the effort. If you need assistance with the application process or want to plan a hassle-free return trip to Vietnam, contact Your Vietnam Travel team today!