Vietnam's National Assembly weighs visa pilot for remote working nomads

Vietnam's government has asked the National Assembly to approve a controlled pilot offering easier visa, entry and residence terms for foreigners who work remotely, though the plan is still a draft with no eligibility rules, fees or launch date.

What the draft resolution proposes

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh presented the draft Nov. 7 on behalf of the prime minister. The remote work pilot sits inside a wider resolution on special mechanisms for tourism, one of seven policy groups that also cover investment incentives, new flight routes and staff training.

On visas, the draft would expand bilateral visa exemptions for key tourism markets and bring in flexible visas by market, favoring high spenders, long-stay visitors, repeat travelers and conference attendees. A separate pilot would give more favorable visa and residence terms to foreigners coming for medical treatment, rehabilitation or long-term healthcare, along with people traveling with them. The remote work pilot targets people able to stay for extended periods and contribute to the tourism economy, subject to national defense and security requirements.

If parliament adopts it, the resolution would run for 10 years, from next year until the end of 2036. The government would issue detailed rules to implement it.

What the review committee and deputies want changed

The National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Social Affairs backed passing the resolution through a shortened procedure. It asked for a clearer explanation of what makes the "special visa" policy new and of its scope and content.

Some deputies want more. One proposed multiple-entry tourist visas valid for up to one year for remote workers and long-stay or medical visitors, tied to income and insurance requirements. That idea isn't in the government's draft.

Where remote workers stand for now

Nothing changes yet for nomads already in the country or planning a trip. Vietnam has no dedicated digital nomad visa and most remote workers rely on the e-visa, valid for up to 90 days. Our Vietnam guide covers those current entry routes.

• Remote workers on e-visas: the pilot could eventually offer a longer-stay option, but who qualifies, how long it lasts and what it costs are all undefined.
• Medical and long-term healthcare visitors: a separate pilot would cover them and accompanying family, with stays tied to confirmation from receiving institutions.
• Experts and artists on tourism projects: easier permits would require employment contracts with Vietnamese firms, which rules out nomads working for foreign clients.

What is still unclear

The draft doesn't set an income floor, insurance rule, stay length or fee for remote workers. It also doesn't say whether the pilot will be open to all nationalities or limited to certain locations and lawmakers haven't voted on it.