Navigating the Long-Term Visa Process for Vietnam

Jul 10, 2025·By Kim Ngan

Visa for Long-Term Stay in Vietnam – Real Options for Digital Nomads, Freelancers & Explorers (2025)
By Kim Ngân

You fell in love with Vietnam. Now you're wondering… can you stay?
The question doesn’t always come right away.
It arrives quietly, usually on a slow morning:
sipping cà phê sữa đá,
watching sunlight slip across the tiled floor,
feeling your shoulders drop for the first time in weeks.

You’re not just visiting anymore.
You’re starting to belong.
And now, you're asking:
“How do I stay longer — legally, gently, fully?”

Let’s start with the truth: Vietnam doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa.
Not yet.
Unlike Thailand, Portugal, or Bali, Vietnam hasn’t launched a dedicated visa for freelancers or remote workers.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t stay here long term.
Many people do — legally, quietly, respectfully — through a patchwork of solutions that work for this rhythm of life.

Let’s walk through them.

Option 1: The 90-Day Tourist Visa (E-Visa)
As of 2025, Vietnam offers a single-entry or multiple-entry e-visa valid for up to 90 days.
It’s the most common way digital nomads begin their stay here.

How it works:

- Apply online at Vietnam’s official e-visa site
- Cost: ~$25 USD
- Processing time: 3–7 business days
- Renewable? Not exactly — but…

Option 2: The Gentle Art of Visa Runs
Yes, the old-school method still exists.
Many long-term travelers exit Vietnam before their visa expires, spend a few days in a neighboring country (Thailand, Laos, Singapore), then return with a fresh e-visa.

It’s not glamorous.
But for those who live slowly and spend mindfully, it works.

A friend of mine — an American copywriter living in Hội An — takes a weekend trip to Bangkok every 90 days. She makes it part of her rhythm:
a reset, a new stamp, a return to the calm of Vietnam.

Option 3: Business Visas (for Freelancers or Contractors)
Some digital nomads choose to apply for a business visa — usually with the help of a local sponsor or visa agency.

Use cases:

- Freelancers working with Vietnamese clients
- Remote workers registered under a company abroad but contracting via Vietnam
- Entrepreneurs testing business models here
Important note:
This isn’t a loophole. It’s legal — but requires a paper trail and a trustworthy visa agency.
Ask questions. Avoid shortcuts.

Option 4: Teaching, Volunteering, or Part-Time Work
For those open to hybrid paths:

- Many stay longer through teaching English, volunteering in wellness centers, or co-founding retreats
- These often come with visa sponsorship, housing, or at least paperwork guidance
But remember:
If you want to stay quietly, make sure you’re not overstepping legal lines.
Always ask: Is this arrangement clear, fair, and traceable?

Option 5: Marriage, Family, and Other Long-Term Visas
A handful of expats stay through:

- Marriage to a Vietnamese citizen
- Family sponsorship
- Opening a representative office (for business owners abroad)
These are more complex — but long-term.
And they often come after years of living here, slowly and sincerely.

But what if none of these apply to me?
That’s okay.

Sometimes, staying long term in Vietnam doesn’t mean settling forever.
It means returning often, flowing with the seasons, being part of the rhythm without rushing permanence.

My quiet advice — from a local who watches many nomads come and go
Don’t worry too much about forever.
Worry about presence.

Stay for 30 days. Or 90. Or 6 months.
Come back. Come often. Come slow.

Vietnam doesn’t ask for commitment.
It simply opens the door.

💡 Visa Notes for 2025 (Updated)
Visa Type Duration Notes
E-Visa (Tourist) 90 days max Apply online. Single/multiple entry.
Business Visa 3–12 months Requires sponsor or agency
Visa Run Every 90 days Still common among nomads
Teaching Visa 6–12 months Needs employer sponsorship
Marriage/TRC 1–3 years Requires legal documentation