{"id":3613,"date":"2026-07-04T23:32:45","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T14:32:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/?post_type=news&p=3613"},"modified":"2026-07-04T23:32:45","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T14:32:45","slug":"vietnam-tech-visa","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/news\/vietnam-tech-visa\/","title":{"rendered":"New visa \"U\u01101\" of up to five years starts in July: who qualifies"},"content":{"rendered":"

On July 1, 2026, two new types of visa were added in Vietnam: the 'UD1' for highly skilled talent in digital technology, and the 'UD2' for their spouses and children under 18. Both are valid for up to five years. Given that the previous work visa was at most two years, that's a major extension. It's a change Japanese engineers working in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and those considering a posting with family, can't overlook \u2014 but jumping to conclusions from the name and marketing alone that 'this frees me from renewal hell' will trip you up. Who is actually eligible, and what hasn't been decided yet? We lay it out from the perspective of people deeply involved with Vietnam through travel or relocation.<\/p>\n

What are the \"U\u01101\" and \"U\u01102\" that began on July 1<\/h2>\n

This new visa is based on a law adopted by the National Assembly on December 10, 2025 (Law No. 118\/2025\/QH15, an amending law covering several laws related to security and public order), with an effective date of July 1, 2026. U\u01101 is issued to foreigners deemed \"highly skilled talent\" in the digital technology industry, as well as other foreigners designated as preferential targets by law or National Assembly resolution. U\u01102 covers the spouse and children under 18 of a U\u01101 holder, designed with long-term family stays in mind.<\/p>\n

The biggest feature is the length of validity. Both visas run up to five years - among the longest in Vietnam's current visa system. For those planning to settle in Vietnam for several years, it opens room to cut the effort and cost of visa renewals.<\/p>\n

How it differs from the conventional work visa (L\u01101\/L\u01102)<\/h2>\n

Until now, foreigners working in Vietnam have used the LD1 and LD2 visas intended for employment. These work visas are valid for at most two years. The temporary residence card (TRC) issued alongside is also at most two years, requiring a renewal when it expires. In other words, the longer a posting ran, the more the task of gathering documents and renewing every two years repeated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/th>\nThe conventional work visas (L\u01101\/L\u01102)<\/th>\nNew visa (U\u01101\/U\u01102)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Maximum validity period<\/td>\n2 years<\/td>\n5 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Main eligibility<\/td>\nForeigners who work, in general<\/td>\nHighly skilled talent in the digital field \/ their families<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bringing family<\/td>\nA separate procedure<\/td>\nU\u01102 is intended for spouses and children under 18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Takes effect<\/td>\nIn operation all along<\/td>\nJuly 1, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Looking at the figure of five years alone, the number of renewals could, by simple arithmetic, drop. But as explained below, the UD1 is not a visa for 'anyone who works.' Get this point wrong and you'll end up disappointed.<\/p>\n

Not something \"anyone can get\" \u2014 the reality of who qualifies<\/h2>\n

Reading through the explanations of the system, it becomes clear that U\u01101's targets are quite narrowed in practice. Those envisioned are researchers with doctorates, senior executives of companies registered at an international financial center, technical experts in approved fields, and key investors. Experts' explanations also state plainly that \"U\u01101 is not a visa for digital nomads,\" and remote workers and freelancers are excluded.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the concrete procedures and conditions for switching from U\u01101 or U\u01102 to a temporary residence card were said, before enforcement, to be awaiting implementing regulations (such as a decree). The framework of the system is set by law, but the fine details of operation remain to be worked out. Rather than being pulled in by the impact of the name, it's the stage to confirm with your employer's HR or a local expert whether you truly meet the eligibility requirements.<\/p>\n

How locals received it<\/h2>\n

Sorting through the voices around the system reveals differences in temperature. From Vietnam\u2019s IT and startup industry there is a view welcoming more long-term visa options amid intensifying competition to secure highly skilled talent. It overlaps with the government\u2019s aim of attracting investment in semiconductors and AI.<\/p>\n

From those closer to practice, meanwhile, there are more cautious takes. The concern is that the '5-year visa' headline takes on a life of its own, raising hopes even among those who won't qualify. In fact, some point out that for the vast majority of long-term stayers, the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa (costing 50 US dollars) is more realistic and simpler to apply for. It's a level-headed reminder that a system's banner and the means each individual can actually use are different things.<\/p>\n

On top of that, some see even longer-term frameworks, such as a 10-year investor visa, as unlikely to materialize before 2027, and the overall design of the long-term visa system is still in progress.<\/p>\n

Implications for people who work and live in Vietnam long-term<\/h2>\n

How should those considering an assignment or move take this change? The points can be organized into three.<\/p>\n

First, if you meet the highly-skilled requirements, U\u01101 becomes a strong option for reducing how often you renew. It\u2019s realistic to start by confirming through your employer which job types and titles are judged to qualify. Second, if you plan to bring family, U\u01102 may cover a spouse and children under 18 over the long term. It\u2019s worth considering alongside your children\u2019s school ages and your stay plan. Third, for the majority who don\u2019t meet the requirements, it\u2019s solid to plan around existing means such as the conventional work visa, or an e-visa for short stays.<\/p>\n

Residency status in Vietnam moves in tandem with immigration procedures and tax revisions. If you're thinking about a longer stay, grasping the everyday-life systems together rather than the visa in isolation keeps your judgment steady.The story of immigration procedures being consolidated onto VNeID from June<\/a>andAbout income tax and pensions changing your take-home from July<\/a>grasping this together makes the overall picture of an assignment easier to get.<\/p>\n

Ripple effects on the market and business<\/h2>\n

Behind creating this visa is Vietnam's clear intent to draw global talent and investment in the digital, semiconductor, and AI fields. Lowering the hurdle for long-term stays becomes a factor when foreign tech companies decide where to place bases and R&D functions. For Japanese companies too, it can be read in the context that a system is taking shape that lets them keep key personnel in place longer and more stably when they have an engineering base on the ground.<\/p>\n

That said, the rule's effectiveness hinges on implementing details and the transparency of operation. It is wise to judge whether the eligibility lines and the switch to a temporary residence card work smoothly by watching practice after enforcement. There is still distance between the stage where a sign goes up and the stage where things run on the ground.<\/p>\n

A practical note for those visiting on travel or business trips<\/h2>\n

If you're only visiting Vietnam on a short trip or business trip, this new visa isn't directly relevant. What most travelers use is a short-term tourist visa or e-visa, and their operation is unchanged. For those planning to visit Vietnam, changes to entry procedures may have a bigger impact. Along with the latest on getting around and transport, checking official guidance before you travel is reassuring. On recent changes at airports and in domestic travel,Ho Chi Minh City's bus routes going free<\/a>immediate news like this is useful for your trip too.<\/p>\n

Summary \u2014 first confirm 'whether you're eligible'<\/h2>\n

U\u01101 and U\u01102 are long-term visas of up to five years for Vietnam to welcome advanced digital talent and their families for the long haul. While a big step up from the previous two years, eligibility is narrowed to layers like researchers, company executives, technical specialists, and investors, with remote workers and freelancers left out. Some operational details also remain to be settled after enforcement. The next move is clear. If there's a chance you'll work in Vietnam long-term, first confirm with your employer or a local expert whether \"my occupation qualifies for U\u01101.\" If you don't meet the requirements, build a comfortable plan with an existing work visa or e-visa. Working backward from the means you can actually use, rather than the signboard, is the surest route even if it seems roundabout.<\/p>\n

Sources<\/h2>\n