If you’re considering a long-term stay in Vietnam, the 5-year Vietnam visa is a fantastic option to explore. Whether you’re planning to work, travel, or simply live in this beautiful country, this long-term Vietnam visa could be exactly what you need. It allows you to enter and exit Vietnam as many times as you wish within five years.
In this article, Urgent Vietnam Visa will tell you everything you need to know about the 5-year Vietnam visa, from the application process to the benefits it offers. Let’s dive it!
What is a 5 year Vietnam visa exemption?
The Vietnam 5-year visa (also known as the Vietnam 5-year visa exemption certificate) is issued to Vietnamese overseas, foreigners who are spouses, children of Vietnamese overseas, or Vietnamese citizens. This visa is valid for up to 5 years and allows its holders to travel to and from Vietnam as many times as they want during that period.
The 5-year visa exemption is a long-term Vietnam visa for eligible individuals. To get the full 5-year validity, ensure your passport or residence document is valid for at least 5 years and 6 months.
This visa allows multiple entries and exits during its validity, with each stay lasting up to 6 months. If you want to stay longer, you can request an extension. If your visa exemption has more than 6 months remaining, you can extend your stay for another 180 days. However, if less than 6 months are left on your visa exemption, you can only stay for the remaining time, and no extension is possible.
How to apply for a Vietnam visa for 5 years?
To apply for a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption, you should follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth application process:
Step 1: Prepare the documents
To apply for the 5-year Vietnam visa exemption, applicants must provide the following documents:
- A completed visa application form (Form NA9).
- A valid passport, international travel document, or permanent residence permit.
- Two passport-sized photos: one attached to the application form and one separate.
- Additional documents proving eligibility for the 5-year visa exemption:
- For overseas Vietnamese: A notarized copy of one of the following original documents: a birth certificate, documents showing the renunciation or loss of Vietnamese citizenship, or other records proving Vietnamese citizenship or past Vietnamese citizenship (such as a passport, identity card, or voter card).
- For foreigners: A notarized copy of the original document proving they are spouses or children of overseas Vietnamese or Vietnamese citizens. This can include documents such as a marriage certificate, family relationship registration, household registration book, or birth certificate.
Step 2: Submit your application
Submit your completed application to either the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your home country, or to the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. If your application meets all requirements, you will receive a receipt. If not, additional documents may be requested.
Step 3: Receive your visa
Once the application is approved, present your receipt to receive the visa exemption.
FAQs
1. Can I get a 5-year visa for Vietnam?
Yes, you can apply for a 5-year visa exemption for Vietnam if you meet the eligibility criteria. The 5-year visa exemption allows you to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times, with each stay being limited to 6 months. You can also extend your stay for an additional 6 months if needed.
2. What documents do I need to apply for a Vietnam 5-year visa?
To apply for a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption, you need a valid passport, a completed application form, photos, and documents proving your eligibility, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, depending on your status.
3. Is a Vietnam 5-year visa a Vietnam dependent visa?
No, the Vietnam 5-year visa exemption is not a dependent visa. It is a special visa granted to certain individuals, including overseas Vietnamese, their spouses, and children, allowing them to stay in Vietnam for up to 5 years without a visa.
A dependent visa is a visa for a family member of a primary visa holder. The 5-year exemption does not fall under this category, as it is a separate entitlement for eligible individuals based on their heritage or family connection to Vietnam.
4. How much does a Vietnam visa cost?
The fees can vary depending on where you apply. If you’re applying through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, you should contact them directly for the exact fee details.
At the Vietnam Immigration Department, the fees are as follows:
- For the first-time issuance: US$20
- For subsequent issuances: US$10
5. How to extend your stay?
Even though the 5-year visa exemption allows multiple entries, each stay is limited to 6 months. If you want to stay longer without leaving the country, you can apply for a stay extension.
To extend your stay, you’ll need to submit the following documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department:
- A valid passport
- A visa issuance and stay extension application (Form NA5)
- Proof of your eligibility for the visa exemption
- A notarized copy of the sponsor’s valid passport or identity card (the Vietnamese sponsor)
- Temporary resident certificate
Once approved, the extension will allow you to stay for an additional 6 months.
Final thoughts
To wrap things up, the 5-year Vietnam visa is a great option for those who want to live, work, or travel in Vietnam without having to worry about frequent visa renewals. The freedom to enter and exit the country as often as possible makes it an extremely convenient option for long-term stays.
If you are ready to make Vietnam your home for the next few years, applying for a 5-year Vietnam visa could be the first step towards your exciting journey.