How Indians can benefit from Vietnam’s 10-year Golden visa program?

Vietnam's old French district of Hanoi (AFP)

Vietnam is set to transform its image from a short-term tourist destination into a long-term hub for international visitors by introducing a 10-year Golden Visa aimed at attracting foreign investors, skilled professionals, and long-term tourists—especially from emerging markets like India.

According to a Times of India report, the initiative of the Golden Visa can be seen as part of Vietnam’s broader strategy to evolve as a center for global business, culture, and collaboration in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam has emerged as one of the most sought-after travel destinations; particularly, there is a hype among Indian travelers. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Indian tourist arrivals in 2023 surged by 231% compared to 2019.

What is the Golden Visa?

Vietnam plans to introduce a long-term Golden Visa program that will permit visa holders residency for 5 to 10 years; this will come with an option to renew, aiming to increase foreign visitors and boost economic ties.

Although applications for the Golden Visa are not yet open and the final eligibility criteria remain unclear. The program intends to offer extended residency to high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, retirees, and digital nomads seeking a more permanent base in Southeast Asia. These individuals can make significant contributions to sectors such as tourism, innovation, and economic growth.

India and Vietnam share a long history of diplomatic relations, which in recent years has led to a notable increase in tourist arrivals, cultural exchanges, and trade cooperation.

This growth in the number of Indian tourists visiting Vietnam is partly due to improved flight connectivity from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Vietnam aims to attract 23 million tourists in 2025, according to Forbes, with Indian tourists expected to play a significant role in helping the country achieve this target.

How Indians can get benefited?

This scheme can open many new aspects not only for tourism but also for investment and business. Indians who wish to expand their business or set it up overseas can invest in the emerging market of Vietnam and establish legal business.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, as of March 2025, a total of 16,024 Indians are residing abroad in Vietnam. Of these, 7,550 are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), 462 are Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and 8,012 are classified as Overseas Indians.

After the scheme of golden visa there may be a surge in these numbers.

For Indian entrepreneurs and digital nomads, Vietnam offers not only residency opportunities but also strong potential for business growth. Key sectors like IT, textiles, renewable energy, and tourism infrastructure are thriving, supported by the country’s young workforce and dynamic economy, Business Today report noted.

India has become an important market for Vietnam’s tourism sector. Combined with Vietnam’s affordability, safety, and expanding expat infrastructure, easier access has attracted Indian professionals, investors, and remote workers, according to Business Today.

If approved, the government plans to pilot the program in well-established cities for foreign visitors, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

In March, Vietnam extended visa-free stays to 45 days for travelers from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, and prolonged visa exemptions until 2028 for 12 key markets, including Japan and South Korea, reports Forbes.

The impact has been encouraging. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism reported that from January to March 2025, the country received over 7.67 million visitors—marking the highest quarterly total ever and a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024, cited Forbes.