The Government issued Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP dated August 8, 2025, regulating the temporary visa exemption for foreigners who are eligible for special incentives to serve socio-economic development.
Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP stipulates that subjects exempted from visas are foreigners in the following cases:
a) Invitation of the General Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the President, the Chairman of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Standing Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vice President, the Vice President, the Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, the Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme People's Procuracy, the State Auditor General, Ministers and equivalent, Provincial Party Committee Secretaries, City Party Committee Secretaries, Chairmen of People's Councils, Chairmen of Provincial and Municipal People's Committees;
b) Scholars, experts, scientists, professors of universities and research institutes; general projects; high-quality digital technology industrial human resources;
c) Investors, group leaders, and leaders of large enterprises in the world;
d) People working in the fields of culture, arts, sports, and tourism have a positive impact on the public;
d) Honorary Consulate of Vietnam abroad;
e) Guests from research institutes, universities, colleges, and large enterprises. Based on the recommendations of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and agencies under the Government, the Government decides on the list of research institutes, universities, and large enterprises that are allowed to invite foreigners;
g) Other cases that require visa exemption incentives for foreign purposes or to serve socio-economic development shall be decided by the Minister of Public Security on the basis of the proposal of agencies and organizations.
Regarding the criteria, foreigners who are investors or leaders of large corporations and enterprises in the world must meet the following criteria: That corporation and enterprise is on the list of 100 enterprises with the largest capitalization value in the world announced annually by prestigious international organizations.
Scientists in the field of science and technology must meet the following criteria: Receive prestigious international awards for science and technology recognized.
For excellent football players in the world, the criterion to be met is to be on the list of 100 best football players announced annually by prestigious international organizations; invited to compete and exchange by the domestic professional football club...
Decree 221/2025/ND-CP also specifically stipulates the conditions for visa exemption as follows:
1. Having a valid passport;
2. In the case specified in Point a above: There is a notice from a competent agency or organization.
3. In the case specified in Points b, c, d, and dd above: Having a written request from a ministry, ministerial-level agency, government agency or Party or National Assembly agency.
4. In the case specified in Point e and Point g above: Having a written request from a relevant agency or organization.
5. Not falling under the cases of not being allowed to enter and temporarily suspend exit according to the provisions of the Law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.
The Decree stipulates that special visa exemption cards issued to foreigners are given preferential import-in visa exemptions to serve socio-economic development.
Foreigners using special visa-free cards can enter Vietnam many times during the visa exemption period. The visa exemption period is not more than 5 years and is at least 30 days shorter than the remaining period of the passport.
