Vietnam is set to launch a transformative 10-year Golden Visa program aimed at attracting foreign investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and long-term travelers, with a special focus on emerging markets like India. This move is part of Vietnam’s broader strategy to establish itself as a long-term hub for business, culture, and international collaboration in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam’s Golden Visa Program: An Overview
Vietnam’s upcoming Golden Visa initiative will offer residency for 5 to 10 years, with the possibility of renewal, to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria. Although the application process has yet to open and the final eligibility criteria are still being clarified, the program is expected to cater to high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, retirees, and digital nomads seeking a more permanent base in the country.
Vietnam aims to expand its economic and cultural ties globally, and this Golden Visa program is expected to play a pivotal role in bringing foreign talent, investments, and tourism to the country.
India-Vietnam Relations and Increased Indian Interest
India and Vietnam share a long-standing diplomatic relationship, and in recent years, this connection has flourished with significant increases in tourism, cultural exchanges, and trade cooperation. The surge in Indian tourist arrivals to Vietnam—rising by 231% in 2023 compared to 2019—highlights the growing popularity of the country among Indian travelers.
Vietnam has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian tourists, with improved flight connectivity from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. In line with these growing numbers, Vietnam is targeting 23 million tourists by 2025, with a considerable portion of this target expected to come from Indian visitors.
How Indians Can Benefit from the Golden Visa
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Business Expansion Opportunities: Indian entrepreneurs looking to expand their business abroad can benefit greatly from the Golden Visa. Vietnam offers significant growth potential in key sectors such as IT, textiles, renewable energy, and tourism infrastructure. With a dynamic economy, a young workforce, and an increasingly supportive environment for businesses, Vietnam presents an attractive opportunity for Indian investors and entrepreneurs.
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Investment Potential: Indians interested in investment opportunities abroad can tap into Vietnam’s emerging market. As one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies, Vietnam offers a fertile ground for investments, particularly in sectors poised for rapid growth. Additionally, Vietnam’s affordability, safety, and expanding infrastructure make it an appealing option for Indian investors seeking stability and growth.
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Digital Nomads and Remote Work: For Indian digital nomads and remote workers, Vietnam offers a blend of economic affordability and an increasingly robust expat infrastructure. The Golden Visa will provide long-term residency options, allowing Indian professionals to establish a base in a country with a vibrant digital economy and relatively low living costs.
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Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Vietnam’s tourism sector has become increasingly popular among Indians. The government’s plan to attract more Indian tourists aligns with the growing trend of cultural exchange between the two nations. With the introduction of the Golden Visa, Indian nationals could enjoy longer stays, explore new business opportunities, and deepen cultural ties with Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Strategic Locations for Golden Visa Holders
The Golden Visa program is expected to be piloted in well-established cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang—areas with vibrant business ecosystems and a high concentration of foreign visitors. These cities are ideal for foreign professionals and entrepreneurs looking to settle in Vietnam and contribute to the local economy.
Increased Indian Presence in Vietnam
The number of Indian nationals in Vietnam has steadily increased, with approximately 16,024 Indians residing in the country as of March 2025. This includes 7,550 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), 462 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and 8,012 Overseas Indians. With the introduction of the Golden Visa, the number of Indian residents in Vietnam is expected to rise even further, reflecting the deepening economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Easier Access and Growing Tourism
Vietnam’s tourism sector has benefited from easier access to the country, with the extension of visa-free stays for several European and Asian markets. In March 2025, Vietnam extended visa-free stays to travelers from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, while also prolonging visa exemptions for key markets such as Japan and South Korea until 2028. This push to increase tourism has already shown positive results, with Vietnam welcoming over 7.67 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025—marking a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
A Promising Future for Indian Nationals in Vietnam
With the Golden Visa program, Vietnam is positioning itself as an attractive destination for Indian investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads seeking long-term opportunities abroad. The combination of a growing economy, expanding business infrastructure, and a welcoming environment for foreigners makes Vietnam a compelling choice for Indians looking to explore new horizons.
As India and Vietnam continue to strengthen their ties, this initiative offers a new avenue for individuals seeking to contribute to Vietnam’s growth while enjoying the benefits of living in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and rapidly developing nations.
