March 25, 2025
Visa tips

Purchase Residence Cards in Vietnam: What Foreigners Need to Know in 2025

Vietnam has recently taken significant steps to streamline its immigration policies, aiming to attract more foreign investment, tourism, and talent. A key development in 2025 is the Prime Minister’s Directive No. 06/CT-TTg, which tasks the Ministry of Public Security with revising visa and residence policies to simplify administrative procedures. Among the highlights is the exploration of mechanisms for purchasing residence cards in Vietnam. This article breaks down what this means for foreigners and the current legal landscape.

Can a Foreigner Purchase Residence Cards in Vietnam?

As of 2025, Vietnam does not have a direct “purchase” mechanism for residence cards. Residence permits (thẻ tạm trú) are typically granted based on specific eligibility criteria, such as:

  • Employment with a Vietnamese company.
  • Marriage to a Vietnamese citizen.
  • Long-term investment (e.g., business owners or investors meeting capital thresholds).
  • Specialized experts or scientists contributing to national projects.

Residence cards are tied to these conditions and require documentation, such as work permits, marriage certificates, or investment licenses. There is no legal provision allowing foreigners to “buy” a residence card outright without meeting these requirements.

Upcoming Reforms Under Directive No. 06

The Prime Minister’s Directive No. 06 signals potential reforms to make residence policies more flexible. Key tasks assigned to the Ministry of Public Security include:

  1. Reviewing preferential visa and residence policies for high-value individuals (e.g., billionaires, scientists, artists, athletes).
  2. Proposing streamlined procedures for temporary residence cards, e-visas, and long-term residency.
  3. Upgrading the e-visa system to be more accessible and transparent.

While the term “purchasing residence cards” appears in the Directive, it likely refers to creating expedited pathways for eligible groups—not a direct financial transaction. For example, Vietnam may introduce “golden visa” programs similar to other countries, where significant investors or talents receive residency privileges faster.

What to Expect in 2025

By March 2025, the Ministry of Public Security will finalize its proposals. Potential changes could include:

  • Residence card exemptions for specific professions or investors.
  • Fast-track processing for e-visas and temporary residence permits.
  • Simplified paperwork for renewals or family reunification.

Foreigners interested in long-term stays should monitor updates from Vietnamese authorities. While outright “purchasing” remains unlikely, Vietnam is moving toward a more open and efficient system to attract global talent and capital.

Key Takeaways

  • No direct purchase: Residence cards are conditional on employment, investment, or family ties.
  • Reforms ahead: Vietnam aims to reduce red tape and expand eligibility for high-net-worth individuals and experts.
  • Stay informed: Follow official announcements from the Ministry of Public Security for 2025 policy updates.

For now, foreigners must adhere to existing regulations. However, the upcoming reforms promise greater convenience for those contributing to Vietnam’s economic and social goals.