Vietnam has become one of the most appealing tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam has managed to preserve its non-touristic character, allowing its visitors to stay in a less-crowded setting for longer and on a smaller budget.
Unfortunately, Vietnam has no legislation applicable to digital nomads. It means that they need to obtain other visas for their stay.
In addition, Vietnam has recently permitted visa-free access to several citizens from foreign countries.
Does Vietnam Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Vietnam has no special visa for digital nomads. On the other hand, some types of visas can be requested depending on your country of residence and your intentions once you are in Vietnam.
Visiting Vietnam and working online for companies based outside Vietnam is possible. You could do it with a tourist visa. But if you want to work legally, you will have to apply for a job.
The country is becoming one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads. However, Vietnam is new to international travelers, so the country’s visa requirements often change and could be a bit puzzling for foreigners.
Some agencies can help you with the visa process, but you must be aware of scammers.
The most convenient visa for digital nomads is currently the e-Visa for tourists because it is effective for most countries and can be easily issued online.
Vietnam Tourist e-Visa For Digital Nomads: Overview
Outside Vietnam, foreigners who want to enter Vietnam can apply for an e-visa themselves or through inviting/guaranteeing agencies and organizations.
E-visa fees can be paid via an electronic payment gateway as requested by the Immigration Department. The fee cannot be refunded if the application is refused.
E-visa holders in Vietnam could be considered for a new visa if they are invited/guaranteed by an authority/organization/individual in Vietnam, following the Law on foreigners' entry into, exit from, transit through, and residence in Vietnam.
Who Can Apply for Vietnam Tourist e-Visa
Vietnam is currently launching a pilot E-Visa system for citizens from 80 countries.
The list of countries can be found on the official site at the following link:
Here is also a list of the Ports that allow foreigners to enter and exit Vietnam by E-visa:
Some of the conditions to be granted an e-visa are:
- Being foreigners and residents outside Vietnam
- Holding a valid passport
- Not falling into the cases of suspension from entry
How to Apply for Vietnam Tourist E-Visas as a Digital Nomad
The steps to apply for a Vietnam Tourist e-Visa as a digital nomad are:
Step 1: Fulfill the required information:
- Upload foreigners' passport data page image and photograph (straight-looking without glasses)
- The registration code will be sent to the applicant after this step.
Step 2: Pay the E-visa fee (25 USD):
Your application will be processed in 3 working days.
Step 3: Enter the registration code:
Registration email and date of birth to check results in the e-visa search menu. If approved for an E-visa, print the E-visa to enter/exit Vietnam.
Need Help with the Vietnam eVisa Process?
Let iVisa experts streamline your application
Apply with iVisa nowRequirements for Applying To Vietnam Tourist e-Visa as a Digital Nomad
The documents you must submit when you apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa as a digital nomad include:
- A valid passport
- Two pictures:
- Size: 4 cm x 6 cm
- Taken recently
- White and plain background
- You must be staring ahead with a neutral facial expression
- You must not be wearing any glasses
You can check on the status of your application through this website.
How Much Does the Vietnam Tourist E-Visa Cost as a Digital Nomad?
For an e-visa program, the cost is $25 and grants admission to Vietnam for 30 days.
The system accepts all major credit cards. Payments for E-Visa applications are non-refundable.
Need Help with the Vietnam eVisa Process?
Let iVisa experts streamline your application
Apply with iVisa nowTimeline for Applying for Vietnam Tourist E-Visa as a Digital Nomad
The visa will be received via email in 2 or 3 working days for normal processing.
What If I’m Not Eligible for Vietnam Tourist E-Visa As a Digital Nomad?
In total, there are 6 popular types of visas in Vietnam.
The 6 visa options are the following ones:
- Tourist visa (DL)
- Business visa (DN1, DN2)
- Student/internship visa (DH)
- Investor Visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4)
- Working visa (LD1 – LD2)
- Diplomatic visa (NG)
In most cases, you should be eligible for the tourist e-Visa, but if you don't, you might be able to take advantage of any of these 6 types of visas instead.
So make sure to check the requirements for each of those on the Vietnam official website.
Need Help with Other Vietnam Visa Applications?
Let iVisa experts streamline your application
Get iVisa help nowYou may also be interested in:
Irene Lidia Wang
Annamaria Gnisci
Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Vietnam
Becoming a digital nomad in Vietnam has several advantages, among which one of the most enticing is the low cost of living. The average monthly living costs can range in fact from USD 700 to USD 1,400.
Vietnam is also unique through its landscapes, which makes it a great destination to live in, even temporarily.
Additionally, Vietnam has become a great digital nomad hub in recent years, with many co-working spaces for remote workers. Wi-Fi access is relatively easy to find in most coffee shops, hotels, and office buildings that offer free Wi-Fi connections.
You may also be interested in:
Irene Lidia Wang
Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Vietnam
Even if someone in Vietnam is not paying them, foreigners could be subject to taxable income if they stay in this country for more than 183 days.
Non-residents require a work visa if they want to work legally in Vietnam.
Foreigners cannot work in Vietnam on a tourist visa for companies in Vietnam.
Independent contractors who work online can continue doing so without a work visa. For example, a person from Ireland visiting Vietnam for a couple of months working remotely for a company in Ireland can work without worrying about paying taxes in Vietnam or needing a work visa.
A non-resident is a person who lives in Vietnam for less than 183 days a year and has no personal interests in this country.
Non-resident independent contractors must pay taxes on their Vietnamese-sourced income only. They are charged a flat tax rate of 20%.
Navigate Tax Residency with Ease
Get professional help tailored to your international lifestyle, addressing global tax concerns seamlessly
Explore Heavnn SolutionsAre You Ready to Explore Vietnam As A Digital Nomad?
If you want more digital nomad guides like these, sign up for our free newsletter and get upcoming articles straight to your inbox!
You can also follow us on Instagram and join our Facebook Group if you want to get in touch with other members of our growing digital nomad community!
We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!
Disclosure: Hey, just a heads up that some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that, if you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission that helps us create helpful content for the community. We only recommend products if we think they will add value, so thanks for supporting us!
