According to the proposal, Vietnam’s current Immigration Law lacks provisions for granting limited-time visa exemptions to foreign nationals considered to be in special categories deserving preferential treatment.

The Ministry emphasizes the urgent need for breakthrough immigration mechanisms to attract high-potential foreigners such as global talent, highly skilled professionals, startup innovators, leading scientists in prioritized fields (like semiconductors and core digital technologies), as well as executives, investors, artists, athletes, and influential cultural figures. The aim is to foster a dynamic and globally competitive economy.

The draft decree, presented by the Ministry of Public Security, outlines a visa exemption scheme of up to five years for individuals in these priority groups. Each entry allows a 90-day stay, or for shorter exemptions, the stay matches the visa-free period. Eligibility also includes the right to apply for temporary residence cards, extensions, and digital identification accounts as needed.

This special visa exemption card is a marked enhancement over existing policies, which typically offer shorter visa-free stays (up to 45 days) and only for citizens of select countries. The proposed new card would be valid for up to five years but must expire at least 30 days before the passport’s expiration.

Foreign nationals using the card would receive 90-day residence certification upon entry - significantly reducing the need for frequent visa renewals and providing more flexibility for business, academic, and creative activities.

Influencers with 1 million followers also eligible

The Ministry also outlined specific criteria for eligibility:

Investors and executives from the world’s top 100 most valuable companies (as ranked annually by trusted international organizations) are included. Experts and researchers in STEM, economics, and management fields who hold doctoral degrees and are citizens of OECD countries may also qualify - particularly if they are invited to teach, lecture, or collaborate with Vietnamese academic institutions.

Medical experts with doctoral degrees invited to work, speak, or teach at prominent Vietnamese universities and hospitals are also eligible.

The policy extends to scholars, critics, professors, cultural and artistic lecturers, coaches, athletes, referees, and members of international sports delegations participating in major regional or global tournaments hosted by Vietnam.

Internationally awarded scientists in technical fields and medicine, along with principal engineers who meet national standards under science and technology laws, are also included.

Eligible creative professionals include filmmakers, directors, musicians, singers, visual artists, and photographers who have received international awards or are widely recognized for their cultural influence.

Athletes who have won top honors from FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (e.g., Ballon d'Or, Golden Boot, Best Goalkeeper), as well as Olympic, Paralympic, ASIAD, or Asian Para Games medalists, are also on the list.

Other notable categories include Vietnam tourism ambassadors abroad and content creators with at least one million followers on social platforms, especially those promoting Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and heritage. These individuals must have verified plans approved by relevant authorities and no record of publicly harming Vietnam’s reputation.

Tran Thuong