Vietnam Proposes New Long-Term Visa Exemptions for Top Professionals and Influencers to Boost Global Competitiveness

In an effort to boost the country’s economy and attract top-tier professionals, innovators, and influential global figures, Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security has submitted a draft decree to the Ministry of Justice proposing long-term visa exemptions for foreign nationals in specific categories. This proposal is seen as a significant shift in the country’s immigration policy, designed to make Vietnam more competitive in the global marketplace by attracting high-potential talent in various sectors.

A New Approach to Immigration: The Need for Breakthrough Mechanisms

The draft decree is based on the recognition that Vietnam’s current immigration laws do not sufficiently address the needs of a rapidly evolving global economy. Currently, the Immigration Law does not provide specific provisions for offering long-term visa exemptions to foreign nationals who fall into special categories, such as highly skilled professionals, investors, artists, and influencers. This gap in the law has been identified as a barrier to attracting the kind of global talent necessary for Vietnam to grow its economy and increase its international competitiveness.

The Ministry of Public Security emphasized the urgent need for breakthrough mechanisms that would make it easier for top-tier foreign professionals to live, work, and invest in Vietnam. The goal is to create a dynamic, competitive environment that can harness the potential of global talent and provide opportunities for them to contribute to Vietnam’s development. By making it easier for these individuals to live and work in the country, the Vietnamese government hopes to foster economic growth, innovation, and global collaboration.

The Draft Decree: A Special Visa Exemption for Priority Categories

The draft decree put forward by the Ministry of Public Security outlines a new visa exemption scheme specifically targeting individuals in certain priority categories. This visa exemption is expected to be valid for up to five years, offering a significant enhancement over current visa policies. Under the proposed plan, individuals in these priority groups will be able to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days per entry. Additionally, they will have the option to apply for temporary residence cards, which will allow them to stay longer, as well as extensions and digital identification accounts if necessary.

This new visa exemption card represents a marked improvement over the current system, which only allows for limited visa-free stays (up to 45 days) and applies only to citizens of select countries. The new policy will make it easier for key professionals and influencers to remain in the country without the need for frequent visa renewals, thus providing them with greater flexibility for business, academic, and creative pursuits.

The proposed five-year visa exemption card would be valid for five years but must expire at least 30 days before the passport’s expiration. This ensures that individuals using the visa exemption card will have sufficient time to renew their passports without complications, making the process smoother for all parties involved.

Expanding Eligibility: Key Groups Who Could Benefit

The Ministry of Public Security has outlined specific categories of foreign nationals who would be eligible for the new long-term visa exemptions. Among the most prominent groups are global investors, executives, and entrepreneurs. Investors and executives from the world’s top 100 most valuable companies, as ranked annually by trusted international organizations, will be eligible for the new visa exemption scheme. This includes leaders in fields such as technology, finance, and international business, who are seen as essential drivers of economic growth.

Furthermore, experts and researchers in fields like science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), economics, and management could also qualify for the visa exemption, particularly if they hold doctoral degrees and are citizens of OECD countries. These individuals would need to be invited to Vietnam to collaborate with local academic institutions, teach, or carry out research. The Ministry of Public Security has emphasized that these professionals will be vital to fostering knowledge transfer, driving innovation, and improving the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Healthcare and Medical Professionals: A Vital Part of the Visa Scheme

Another group that stands to benefit from the new visa exemptions is medical professionals. Experts with doctoral degrees in medicine or healthcare who are invited to work, speak, or teach at prominent Vietnamese universities and hospitals would also be eligible for long-term visa exemptions. These medical professionals are highly sought after, as their expertise in various specialized fields could significantly contribute to improving Vietnam’s healthcare system, training the next generation of healthcare workers, and introducing cutting-edge medical practices to the country.

The Creative Sector: Artists, Athletes, and Influencers

The new visa exemptions are not limited to business and scientific professionals. Creative professionals, including filmmakers, directors, musicians, visual artists, and photographers who have received international recognition or awards, will also be included in the new policy. These individuals often bring cultural value and creativity to the countries in which they work, and their contributions are seen as vital to enriching the cultural fabric of Vietnam.

Furthermore, athletes who have won top honors in international competitions, such as FIFA tournaments, Olympic Games, and the Asian Games, are also included in the visa exemption scheme. Individuals who have earned prestigious awards, like the Ballon d’Or, Golden Boot, or Best Goalkeeper awards, will be eligible for the new visa scheme, along with Olympic, Paralympic, and Asian Games medalists. These athletes bring prestige to the country and offer opportunities for collaboration in sports development and promotion.

Influencers with at least one million followers on social media platforms are another group that will be eligible for the visa exemption. These individuals, especially those who promote Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and heritage, will be considered key players in boosting Vietnam’s image globally. To qualify, influencers must have verified plans approved by relevant authorities, and they must not have a history of actions that could harm Vietnam’s reputation.

Broadening the Scope: Other Key Figures and Notable Categories

The Ministry of Public Security has also extended the scope of the visa exemption scheme to a wider range of categories. Internationally recognized scientists, particularly those in technical fields like semiconductors and digital technologies, will be eligible for the new visa exemption. These experts play an essential role in driving innovation and improving Vietnam’s position in the global technology and research sectors.

Additionally, scholars, critics, professors, cultural and artistic lecturers, coaches, referees, and members of international sports delegations who participate in major global or regional tournaments hosted by Vietnam will also be included in the new visa exemption scheme. These individuals contribute to the intellectual, cultural, and athletic development of the country, and their presence in Vietnam is seen as an important step toward creating a more vibrant and dynamic society.

Encouraging Global Engagement: Promoting Vietnam’s Global Presence

The Ministry’s proposal for long-term visa exemptions aligns with Vietnam’s broader goals of promoting global engagement and fostering a more competitive economy. By attracting talented professionals, influencers, and other high-profile individuals, the government hopes to position Vietnam as a hub for innovation, creativity, and global collaboration. The proposed changes also reflect a desire to strengthen Vietnam’s international image, particularly in the fields of business, science, culture, and sports.

The new visa exemption scheme would not only make it easier for key professionals to contribute to Vietnam’s development but would also create opportunities for them to showcase their expertise, creativity, and cultural influence in the country. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on both the local economy and the global standing of Vietnam as a key player in the world economy.

A Bold Move to Attract Talent and Foster Growth

The Ministry of Public Security’s proposed visa exemption scheme represents a significant step toward creating a more open and globally competitive Vietnam. By targeting high-potential individuals in fields such as business, science, technology, culture, and sports, the government hopes to foster economic growth, innovation, and international collaboration. This initiative, which includes visa exemptions of up to five years for select foreign nationals, marks a bold move to attract talent and position Vietnam as a leader in the global economy.