Vietnam UĐ1 and UĐ2 Visas: New Opportunities for Experts

Introduction: A New Era for Skilled Professionals in Vietnam

Vietnam, striving for dynamic economic development and strengthening its position on the world stage, is actively attracting international talent. As of July 1, 2026, Law No. 118/2025/QH15 came into effect, introducing significant changes to immigration legislation, including two new visa types: UĐ1 and UĐ2. These Vietnam UĐ1 visa and UĐ2 visas are intended to be a powerful tool for attracting highly skilled professionals, especially in digital technology and finance, offering them and their families long-term prospects for living and working in the country.

The goal of the new provisions is not only to simplify entry and stay for foreigners but also to create favorable conditions for their long-term integration, thereby contributing to economic growth and knowledge exchange. These changes are part of a broader strategy for digital transformation and investment attraction, particularly within the International Financial Center (IFC) in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Thus, the new Vietnam visas 2026 open new horizons for Vietnam for expats.

What are the UĐ1 and UĐ2 Visas in Vietnam?

The new UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas are specialized categories aimed at attracting strategically important personnel. The Vietnam UĐ1 visa is designed for highly skilled professionals, experts, executives, managers, and investors working in priority economic sectors. Special emphasis is placed on digital technology, innovation, and international finance, especially for those associated with the International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. The Vietnam UĐ2 visa is derivative and issued to spouses and minor children (under 18) of UĐ1 visa holders, enabling the relocation of skilled professionals to Vietnam with their families.

The validity period for UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas can be up to five years. In some cases, especially for specialists working directly within the IFC framework, the validity period may be extended to ten years. This underscores the long-term perspective that Vietnam offers valuable personnel, making a long-term Vietnam visa a reality.

Key Benefits of UĐ1 and UĐ2 Visas

The introduction of UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas offers a number of significant advantages for skilled professionals in Vietnam:

• Long-term Stay: The possibility of obtaining a visa for up to 5 years, and in some cases up to 10 years, which is one of the longest durations among non-immigrant visas in Vietnam.
• Family Reunification: The UĐ2 visa allows spouses and minor children of a UĐ1 holder to obtain a visa for the same duration, significantly simplifying the relocation of skilled professionals to Vietnam.
• Accelerated Process: Applications for UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas are processed through the state bodies of the International Financial Center, promising significantly reduced processing times – up to three business days after submitting a complete set of documents.
• Potential for TRC: Holders of UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas are eligible to apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) with a validity of up to 10 years, which is a direct step towards long-term integration in the country. After three years of working for an IFC organization or with recommendations from ministries, it may be possible to apply for Permanent Residence (PR).
• Work without Work Permit (potentially): While this aspect still requires official clarification, it is assumed that the UĐ1 visa may simplify the employment process, possibly even eliminating the need for a separate Work Permit in some cases. However, it is advisable to clarify this point with the employer and immigration authorities.

These advantages make Vietnam for expats a significantly more attractive destination for relocation and work.

Who is the UĐ1 Visa for, and Who Can Sponsor It?

The UĐ1 visa is designed for a specific category of highly skilled professionals. The primary candidates include:

• Highly Skilled Professionals in Digital Technologies: Engineers, developers, software architects, data specialists, cybersecurity experts, and other IT professionals.
• Experts and Managers: Individuals with experience in project management, strategic planning, consulting, especially in sectors identified as priorities for Vietnam.
• Investors: Strategic investors whose activities contribute to the country’s economic development.
• Specialists working at the International Financial Center (IFC) in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang: This includes a wide range of professionals involved in the financial sector, such as bankers, analysts, and asset management specialists.

It is important to note that the UĐ1 visa is not a product that can be “bought” or applied for independently online. The main condition is having a sponsor. A Vietnamese company, university, or government body can act as a sponsor. In the case of IFC specialists, sponsorship is provided through the state bodies of the International Financial Center or the relevant organization. This means that to obtain the visa, you must first find an employer or partner in Vietnam who is willing to sponsor you. This is how skilled professionals in Vietnam can take advantage of all the benefits of the new system.

Applicant Requirements and Application Process

While detailed criteria (income threshold, specific list of professions, exact document package) are still being finalized and await official clarification, the following general requirements and steps for obtaining a Vietnam UĐ1 visa and UĐ2 can be outlined:

Required Documents (anticipated):

• Valid passport.
• Completed application form (possibly an online form).
• Photographs.
• Documents proving qualifications: diplomas, certificates, proof of employment history and relevant experience in digital/IT or other targeted fields.
• Possibly proof of income (statements, excerpts, tax returns).
• Medical insurance and a criminal record check (considered likely requirements).

Application Process:

Applications are submitted not directly to standard immigration services, but through the sponsoring organization or the state bodies of the International Financial Center. This can also be done through state postal services or electronically, using electronic identification accounts and signatures via the National Public Service Portal or specialized websites. This simplifies the process and makes it more transparent.

It is crucial to monitor official updates from Vietnamese authorities, as procedural details may be clarified. In particular, clarifications are expected regarding the maximum continuous stay, temporary residence regulations, and the necessity of exits, as the long-term Vietnam visa UĐ1 can be issued for up to five years, but continuous stay regulations have not yet been published.

TRC for Experts Vietnam: Prospects with UĐ1 and UĐ2 Visas

One of the most attractive aspects of the new visa categories is the direct path to obtaining a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Law No. 118/2025/QH15 expands the scope of individuals eligible for a TRC, including holders of UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas. The validity period for a TRC for experts in Vietnam can be up to 10 years, which underscores Vietnam’s commitment to creating the most comfortable conditions for a long-term Vietnam visa and residency for foreign specialists.

Obtaining a TRC significantly simplifies many aspects of life in the country, from opening bank accounts to accessing various services. This is also an important step towards potentially obtaining Permanent Residence (PR), which may be available after three years of working for an IFC organization or with recommendations from ministries.

Thus, the new Vietnam visas 2026 UĐ1 and UĐ2 do not just grant entry rights but also open doors for full integration into Vietnamese society and long-term life planning in the country, offering relocation of skilled professionals to Vietnam at a new level.

Conclusion

The introduction of UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas is a strategic step by Vietnam to attract global talent and strengthen its economy. These visas offer unprecedented opportunities for highly skilled professionals and their families wishing to live and work in a dynamically developing country in Southeast Asia. For those who meet the criteria, this is an excellent chance to contribute to Vietnam’s development while enjoying all the benefits the country offers.

Frequently Asked Questions about UĐ1 and UĐ2 Visas

What is the Vietnam UĐ1 visa and who is it for?

The Vietnam UĐ1 visa is a new visa category introduced on July 1, 2026, intended for highly skilled professionals, experts, executives, and investors in priority sectors such as digital technology, innovation, and international finance. It targets those associated with the International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, offering them a long-term Vietnam visa.

Who can get a Vietnam UĐ2 visa and what are its benefits?

The Vietnam UĐ2 visa is issued to spouses and minor children (under 18) of UĐ1 visa holders. It allows family members to reunite and reside in Vietnam for the same duration as the primary applicant, significantly simplifying the relocation of skilled professionals to Vietnam with their families.

What is the maximum validity period for UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas, and is extension possible?

UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas can be issued for up to five years. In certain cases, especially for specialists working directly within the International Financial Center, the validity period may be extended to ten years, making them an attractive long-term Vietnam visa.

Can I apply for a UĐ1 or UĐ2 visa independently?

No, you cannot apply for a UĐ1 or UĐ2 visa independently. To obtain these visas, you need a sponsor, which can be a Vietnamese company, university, government body, or an organization associated with the International Financial Center. This ensures control over attracting skilled professionals to Vietnam.

Does the UĐ1 visa grant the right to obtain a TRC in Vietnam, and what are the future prospects?

Yes, holders of UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas are eligible to obtain a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) with a validity of up to 10 years. This significantly simplifies long-term residency in the country and is a step towards potentially obtaining Permanent Residence (PR) after fulfilling certain conditions, making a TRC for experts in Vietnam highly accessible.

When do the new UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas come into effect?

The new UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas came into effect on July 1, 2026, as part of changes to Vietnam’s immigration legislation. These new Vietnam visas 2026 aim to attract talent.

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