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Vietnam
Hanoi
Vietnam raises tax deduction 41% to 15.5 million VND per month
Vietnam is overhauling its immigration framework with a new visa system and stricter health declaration requirements for all arrivals. The reforms also include updated tax regulations and cybersecurity laws that will impact foreign residents and long-term travelers.
Vietnam launches 5 year UĐ1 visa waiver for tech experts July 1
Vietnam will launch the UĐ1 visa for high-quality digital technology professionals and the UĐ2 visa for their dependents starting July 1, 2026. These new visa types offer up to five years of validity, providing a long-term residency option for specialized remote workers and tech expats.
A Reminder that Vietnam Raised Overstay Fines Under New 2025 Decree
As of December 15, 2025, Vietnam enforces steeper overstay penalties under Decree 282/2025, with the maximum fine doubling to VND 40,000,000 and the common 16 to 29 day bracket rising to VND 5,000,000 to 10,000,000. Beyond the higher fines, deportation can now be triggered at just 16 days, and serious overstays risk multi-year entry bans and a permanent immigration record.
Australia refuses 16% of Vietnamese student visa applications
Australia has increased scrutiny on student visa applications from Vietnam, leading to a 20% rejection rate as authorities target 'non-genuine' students. This shift affects expats and long-term travelers using the student route as a pathway for residency or extended stays in Australia.
Vietnam remote workers pay up to $50 for 90-day e-visa cycles
Rising hidden costs and tiered pricing for foreigners in Vietnam are eroding the country's reputation as a budget-friendly destination. Digital nomads face significantly higher rents and service fees that challenge the sustainability of long-term stays in 2026.
Record 10.6 million foreign visitors to Vietnam strain short-term rental market
Vietnam saw a record-breaking surge in international visitors through May, signaling a full recovery of the tourism sector. For digital nomads and expats, this increased demand is driving up short-term rental prices and reducing availability in popular hubs like Da Nang and Hoi An.
ASEAN Single Window 2.0 will cut trade costs for 10 member states
The 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu reaffirmed regional steps that affect travelers and cross-border movement, including work on ASEAN Connectivity, the ASEAN Single Window 2.0, and expanded customs transit participation. It also welcomed Myanmar as the seventh member of the ASEAN Customs Transit System and called for Brunei and Indonesia to join, which could eventually make regional freight and related movement easier to manage across multiple ASEAN states.
Vietnam sponsors face delays as Business VNeID becomes the sole login method
Companies in Vietnam must transition to the Business VNeID system for all immigration-related procedures, including visa pre-approvals and residence card applications. This change replaces previous e-signature login methods and affects expats whose sponsors handle their legal stay documentation.
Vietnam mandates digital arrival card filing within 72 hours of landing
Foreign travelers landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport must now pre-submit personal and trip data online to receive a mandatory QR code for immigration. This digital system streamlines clearance but makes advance online registration a standard entry requirement for all visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam moves Hanoi immigration office to Mac Thai To Street on June 1
Vietnam’s Immigration Department is relocating its Hanoi headquarters to 69 Mac Thai To Street starting June 1. Foreigners and visa applicants should expect temporary service handling at Tran Phu Street until June 15 to avoid processing delays.
Vietnam requires health declarations for all travelers starting July 1
Beginning July 1, all individuals entering, exiting, or transiting through Vietnam must submit mandatory health forms under Decree 165/2026/ND-CP. The requirement applies to digital nomads and expats, with screening intensity tied to current infectious disease risk levels.
Vietnam relaxes health and experience rules for work permit specialists
Vietnam is drafting reforms to ease work permit requirements by accepting foreign health certificates and reducing the years of experience needed for professionals. These changes aim to streamline the legal stay process for skilled expats and international workers.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways launches daily Singapore route to Vietnam on July 25
A new direct flight route now connects Singapore and Phu Quoc, offering full-service travel options for regional nomads. This expansion improves access to the island's 30-day visa-free zone for international travelers and expats based in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam shares data across 4 ministries to track tourists and nomads
Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security is proposing stricter oversight of foreign residents and visitors to manage record-breaking arrival numbers. While the government aims to maintain flexible e-visa policies, travelers should expect more frequent local registration checks and digital monitoring of their stay locations.
Vietnam requires an SGN airport health declaration from April 15
All foreign passport holders, including digital nomads and residents, must now complete a digital health declaration before arriving at Ho Chi Minh City's SGN airport. The form is required for entry and should be submitted via the official portal to avoid processing delays upon arrival.
Vietnam raises freelance tax withholding threshold to 5 million VND
Vietnam's Ministry of Finance is proposing to raise the income threshold for 10% tax withholding on freelance work from 2 million to 5 million VND. This change would reduce the immediate tax burden and administrative paperwork for digital nomads and expats performing short-term local contracts.
The small print in Vietnam's 90-day e-visa stay rule
Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security is increasing scrutiny of foreign residents while transitioning to digital-first immigration processing. Expats and nomads should ensure all local registration and visa paperwork is strictly compliant as enforcement levels rise across all administrative levels.
The Small Print in the Schengen Entry/Exit System for Remote Workers
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on 2026-04-10 across the external border crossing points of the countries using it, replacing passport stamping with digital records for non-EU short-stay travelers. For travelers from Southeast Asia, this affects short trips to the Schengen area by making border checks more automated and adding biometric registration requirements at entry and exit.
Vietnam Airlines launches 1st nonstop route to Sri Lanka in Oct
Vietnam Airlines will begin direct service between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo starting in Oct. This new route provides a more efficient connection for digital nomads and expats using Vietnam as a regional hub to explore South Asia.
Vietnam replaces paper arrival cards with a QR code within 72 hours of entry
International travelers entering Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat Airport must now complete a mandatory online health and entry declaration. The digital shift aims to streamline border controls and reduce processing times for tourists and expats.
Vietnam Updates Rules for Foreigner Deportation
New administrative procedures in Vietnam clarify the legal rights and deportation process for foreign residents and investors, adding legal structure to residency status.
Understanding Foreign Property Ownership Rules in Vietnam
Foreigners in Vietnam are now restricted to buying residential property only from developers or other foreigners, significantly limiting secondary market options for long-term residents.
Inside the Shift in Vietnam's Residential Market
Apartment prices in major Vietnamese hubs are surging by up to 30%, meaningfully increasing the cost of living for expats and nomads in the region.
Vietnam Tightens Passport Validity Rules for All Arrivals
Beginning March 1, 2026, Vietnam will strictly require all foreign arrivals to hold a passport valid for at least six months. This enforcement applies to all entry methods, including e-visas and visa-exempt entries, necessitating advance renewal planning for long-term expats and frequent travelers.
Vietnam Prepares to Open Long Thanh International Airport
The transition of international flights to the new Long Thanh airport will change transit times and logistics for travelers and expats based in or visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam Updates Deportation Procedures for Foreign Residents
Decree No. 59/2026/ND-CP introduces updated enforcement measures and rights for foreign nationals facing deportation, effective April 1, 2026. The new rules clarify the legal process and obligations for expatriates and investors, ensuring more structured administrative procedures.
Vietnam’s Expanded E-Visa and Upcoming Talent Visas
Starting July 2026, Vietnam will introduce UD1 and UD2 visas for high-quality talent and their families, offering up to five years of residency. The country will also expand e-visa acceptance to 41 additional border gates and maintain 90-day multiple-entry options for all nationalities.
Vietnam Updates Residential Property Tracking with Electronic IDs
The introduction of unique ID codes for residential units is set to professionalize the rental market and enhance regulatory monitoring of foreign property ownership in Vietnam.
Da Lat Travel Hits a Roadblock as Lien Khuong Airport Closes
The five-month closure of Da Lat's airport creates significant logistics hurdles for nomads visiting this popular hub, requiring multi-hour ground transfers from other cities.
Vietnam Updates E-visa Document and Printing Standards
Vietnam has confirmed updated e-visa rules effective March 15, 2026, maintaining the 90-day multiple-entry option for eligible nationalities including Czech citizens. Travelers must now adhere to stricter document standards, including specific passport scan formats and mandatory printed QR codes for entry at designated airports.
Inside Vietnam's Simplified Work Permit Rules
Vietnam is introducing a major work permit overhaul that eases qualification requirements for tech workers and experts while adding new exemptions for spouses of citizens and short-term consultants. The update also introduces a single permit valid for multiple work locations, significantly reducing bureaucracy for foreign professionals.
Vietnam Rolls Out Long Term Visas for Tech Professionals
Effective July 1, 2026, Vietnam will launch the UĐ1 visa for high-quality digital technology professionals and the UĐ2 visa for their immediate families. These visas offer a significant stay period of up to five years, providing a more stable long-term residency option for specialized remote workers and tech experts.
Inside Vietnam's Decade-Long Tourism Evolution
A decade-long focus on infrastructure and visa simplification directly improves the ease of living and travel for digital nomads choosing Vietnam as a long-term base.
Vietnam Updates Deportation Procedures for Foreign Nationals
Decree No. 59/2024/ND-CP introduces comprehensive new rules for the deportation and temporary custody of foreign nationals who violate Vietnamese law. Expats and travelers should ensure strict compliance with visa and local regulations as the government broadens its enforcement and management procedures.
Understanding Vietnam's TRC Requirements for Remote Workers
Vietnam has updated its immigration rules, now limiting direct Temporary Residence Card (TRC) issuance to work (LD2) and dependent (TT) visa holders. All other visa types must now undergo a mandatory visa conversion process, which adds approximately two weeks to the total processing time.
Inside Vietnam's Long-Term Talent Visas and E-Visa Expansion
Starting July 2026, Vietnam will introduce the UD1 visa for high-quality talent and the UD2 visa for their families, both valid for up to five years. Additionally, 41 new border gates, including the upcoming Long Thanh Airport, will begin accepting 90-day multiple-entry e-visas.
ExpatsLIST Streamlines the Move to Vietnam
ExpatsLIST has introduced a suite of 41 interactive tools designed to assist foreigners moving to or living in Vietnam. The platform includes visa requirement checkers, tax calculators, and cost-of-living engines to help nomads and expats manage their financial and legal obligations.
Vietnam Updates Rules for High-Level Tech Visas
Starting July 2026, Vietnam will introduce the UĐ1 visa for high-quality digital technology professionals and the UĐ2 visa for their immediate families. These visas will offer a significant residency extension, allowing eligible tech workers to stay in the country for up to five years.