Viet Nam has officially approved a comprehensive implementation plan for a new time-limited visa exemption scheme targeting foreign nationals classified as "special beneficiaries" — including high-level investors, researchers, technical experts, and professionals deemed essential to the country's socio-economic development — following Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh's signing of Decision No. 161 on January 29, 2026.
The initiative operationalizes Government Decree 221/2025/NĐ-CP, which introduces a special visa-free entry card system for eligible foreigners, with the Ministry of Public Security tasked with receiving and processing applications, managing card issuance and revocation, and overseeing smooth entry and exit procedures at all border gates.
By March 1, 2026, relevant ministries and agencies must complete inspections and reviews of existing legal frameworks and propose necessary amendments, while the Ministry of Education and Training will establish criteria to identify eligible major research institutes and universities, and the Ministry of Finance will define qualifying large enterprises authorized to invite special-priority foreign nationals into Viet Nam.
The scheme assigns clear responsibilities across government agencies: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will promote the policy to the international business community and foreign investors through overseas media and investment forums, while the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will coordinate nationwide publicity efforts via press, radio, and television channels.
Viet Nam's new visa waiver initiative reflects the government's strategic push to attract high-caliber foreign talent and capital, with the plan requiring annual progress reports to the Prime Minister by August 15 each year and ensuring close coordination among ministries, local authorities, and relevant organizations to implement the policy in a timely, effective, and legally compliant manner.
