Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate Service: Eligibility, Fees & Process Procedure

The Vietnam 5-year visa exemption certificate allows eligible people to enter Vietnam without applying for a visa for each trip. However, it’s limited to only a certain group of people. This article will explain everything you need to know about this certificate, who are eligible, fees and process.

What Is the Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption?

The Vietnam 5-year visa exemption certificate is a travel document that allows eligible individuals to enter and exit Vietnam without obtaining a separate visa for each trip during the certificate's validity period.

The certificate can be issued for up to 5 years, subject to the validity of the applicant's passport or other eligible travel document. Each entry allows a stay of up to 180 days, subject to applicable immigration regulations.

However, the 5-year exemption does not grant the right to work in Vietnam. Individuals who intend to work in Vietnam must obtain the appropriate work authorization or immigration status required by Vietnamese law.

The certificate is available to:

• Vietnamese citizens living abroad who do not hold a valid Vietnamese passport;
• Foreign spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens; and
• Foreign spouses or children of overseas Vietnamese.

For eligible applicants who frequently travel to Vietnam, the certificate can be more convenient than applying for a separate visa for every visit.

The 5-year visa exemption of Vietnam allows multiple-entry (Source: collected)

Who is eligible for the Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption?

You qualify if you are of Vietnamese origin, or the foreign spouse or child of a Vietnamese citizen or a Viet Kieu, with valid documents proving your eligibility or family relationship.

Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu)

Overseas Vietnamese who do not hold a valid Vietnamese passport may apply for the exemption certificate if they have:

• A valid foreign passport or passport substitute that remains valid for at least 1 year from the expected date of entry into Vietnam
• If they do not have a passport or passport substitute, a foreign permanent residence document, such as a permanent residence card, valid for at least 1 year from the expected date of entry.

Foreign Spouses and Children

Foreign nationals who are the spouse or child of a Vietnamese citizen or overseas Vietnamese may also qualify.

The applicant must hold a foreign passport or passport substitute valid for at least 1 year from the expected date of entry into Vietnam and provide documents proving the family relationship.

Vietnamese overseas and their family can get visa exemption certificate (Source: collected)

How to Apply for the Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate

The application process generally involves preparing the required documents, proving eligibility, and submitting the application to the competent Vietnamese authority.

Step 1: Prepare the Basic Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed application form for the visa exemption certificate
• 2 passport-sized photos
• Original passport, passport substitute, or foreign permanent residence document, plus 1 photocopy

The travel document should meet the required validity period at the time of application and intended entry.

Step 2: Prepare Documents Proving Eligibility

The supporting documents depend on the applicant's category.

For Overseas Vietnamese

Applicants who are overseas Vietnamese and no longer hold Vietnamese citizenship may provide one of the following documents to prove Vietnamese origin or status:

• Birth certificate
• Certificate of Vietnamese nationality
• Decision on restoration or renunciation of Vietnamese nationality
• Certificate confirming loss of Vietnamese nationality
• Expired Vietnamese passport
• Vietnamese identity card, whether valid or expired
• Voter's card
• Household registration book
• A document issued by a competent foreign authority stating the applicant's original or Vietnamese nationality

Where the applicant does not have the above documents, other legally recognized supporting documents or guarantees may be accepted in accordance with the applicable regulations.

For Foreign Spouses or Children

Foreign applicants who are spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese should provide an original document and a copy proving the family relationship, such as:

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Certificate confirming the parent-child relationship
• Adoption decision
• Other legally valid documents proving the relationship

Step 3: Submit the Application

The application can generally be submitted through the appropriate Vietnamese authority depending on the applicant's location.

• If applying outside Vietnam: Submit the application to a Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad, such as a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
• If applying in Vietnam: The application can be submitted to the Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security.

If the applicant is already in Vietnam and needs assistance preparing or submitting a 5-year visa exemption application, UrgentVisatoVietnam can assist with the application process and document preparation. Contact us via +84 904 879 729 or [email protected].

Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Fees & Processing Time

The government fee for a Vietnam visa exemption certificate depends on the application and issuing authority.

For applications submitted to the Vietnam Immigration Department, the applicable government fees include:

• First issuance: $20
• From the second issuance: $10

Additional fees may apply when applying through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate abroad, depending on the location and its applicable consular charges.

Urgent Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Service

In addition to the government fee, Urgent Visa to Vietnam provides Vietnam emergency visa service for applicants who need their exemption certificate processed more quickly.

The service fee is separate from the government fee. Processing speed depends on the completeness of the application, supporting documents, and the operating hours of the competent authority.

For weekend, holiday, or last-minute cases, contact the service team before submitting the application so the appropriate processing option can be confirmed.

Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption vs. TRC vs. Standard Visa

The 5-year exemption suits frequent short visits, whereas a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) fits those who need to live in Vietnam continuously. A standard visa is generally more suitable for travelers who do not qualify for the 5-year exemption but need temporary entry and stay in Vietnam.

The 5-year exemption should not be confused with a residence permit. It provides visa-free entry for eligible individuals but does not automatically grant the right to live or work in Vietnam indefinitely.

Related blog post: Vietnam Visa Types: Tourist, Business, Work, e-Visa & Full List 

Why Apply for a Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption With Urgent Visa to Vietnam?

Applying for a 5-year exemption certificate can involve multiple supporting documents, particularly when proving Vietnamese origin or a family relationship. Professional assistance can help identify the appropriate documents and reduce delays caused by incomplete applications.

Certificate of visa exemption requires many proof and documents (Source: collected)

• 15+ Years of Immigration Experience: In 15 years, we have processed 56,000+ immigration files with a 99.68% success rate, including complex Viet Kieu origin cases.
• Fast Processing Options: We provide multiple processing tiers, from standard expedited handling to 15-30-minute last-minute processing, depending on the case and authority's operating conditions.
• 24/7 Support: Our support team is available 24/7 to assist with urgent cases, document preparation, application requirements, and processing updates.
• Transparent Service Fees: you can always view the total fee before payment.

Contact us via:

Tel: +84.904.879.729

Tel: +1 (778) 788 2310

Email: [email protected] 

Address: No10A, Sai Dong, Long Bien, Hanoi