The government has issued Decree No. 221 on time-limited visa exemptions for foreigners in special categories who receive preferential treatment to support socio-economic development.

Eligible individuals include foreign guests invited by the General Secretary, the President, the Chair of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Standing Committee of the Secretariat, the Vice President, the Vice Chair of the National Assembly, the Deputy Prime Minister, the President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, the Chief Procurator of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the State Auditor General, ministers and equivalent positions, provincial and municipal party secretaries, and chairs of provincial and municipal People’s Councils and People’s Committees.

The list also covers scholars, experts, scientists, university professors, chief engineers, high-quality human resources in the digital technology industry, investors, leaders of global corporations, leaders of large enterprises, cultural, artistic, sports, and tourism figures with a positive public influence, as well as honorary consuls of Vietnam abroad.

For guests of research institutes, universities, and large enterprises, the government will decide the list of eligible organizations based on proposals from ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, or Party and National Assembly bodies.

Criteria include: investors or leaders of top global corporations and enterprises must belong to the annual list of the 100 largest market-cap companies published by reputable international organizations; scientists in science and technology must have received recognized international awards; top football players must be ranked among the world’s top 100 by reputable organizations and be invited by professional domestic clubs for competition or exchange.

The decree also sets out conditions for visa exemption: possessing a valid passport; in certain cases, a notification from a competent authority or a proposal from a relevant government or Party body; and not being subject to entry bans or temporary exit suspensions under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

The special visa exemption card is available in two forms - an electronic card and a chip-embedded physical card - both holding equal legal validity. Authorities can choose which form to issue.

Cardholders may enter Vietnam multiple times within the exemption period, which is capped at five years and must be at least 30 days shorter than the passport’s remaining validity. Each entry grants a temporary stay of up to 90 days, or equal to the card’s remaining validity if shorter. Extensions, visas, or temporary residence cards may be granted if the holder wishes to remain longer.

The Ministry of Public Security (Immigration Department) can revoke the card if the holder no longer meets eligibility criteria or upon formal written request from relevant agencies.

Tran Thuong