You've committed capital to a Vietnamese company. You have the IRC and ERC in hand. But the immigration officer is asking for bank confirmations, audit reports, and a capital flow statement you weren't told about — all in Vietnamese. The DT visa categories are not just labels; they determine your residence card eligibility, work permit exemptions, and how much paperwork you'll face every renewal cycle.
This guide breaks down the exact DT1 through DT4 thresholds, the documents that prove "real" capital contribution, and the procedural differences that separate a smooth approval from a rejection. All information is based on the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners (amended 2023) and official administrative practice.
Understanding the Four Investment Visa Categories
Vietnam classifies investor visas based on actual contributed capital, not just registered charter capital. The immigration authority requires evidence that money has physically entered the company's direct investment capital account .
| Visa Type | Capital Threshold | Visa Validity | TRC Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| DT1 | ≥ VND 100 billion (approx. USD 3.8M) or incentivized sector/region | Up to 5 years | Yes (up to 10 years) |
| DT2 | VND 50B – under 100B or encouraged sector | Up to 5 years | Yes (up to 5 years) |
| DT3 | VND 3B – under 50B | Up to 3 years | Yes (up to 3 years) |
| DT4 | Under VND 3B | Up to 12 months | No TRC |
Required Documents: What Actually Proves Your Investment
The immigration authority does not accept registered charter capital on paper. You must demonstrate actual capital contribution — money that has entered Vietnam through the correct banking channel .
For All DT Categories
- Original passport — valid for at least 13 months (longer validity allows a longer TRC)
- Visa application form (NA5) — completed and signed
- Temporary residence declaration confirmation — from local police
- Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) — certified copy
- Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) — certified copy
- Document registering seal sample (Form NA16) — for the sponsoring company
Financial Proof of Capital Contribution (The Critical Part)
- Bank confirmation letter — from a licensed commercial bank in Vietnam confirming the exact contributed amount entered the direct investment capital account (not a regular payment account)
- Audited financial report — showing owner's equity corresponding to your capital level
- For DT3/DT4: Certificate of capital contribution and company charter
Form NA5 Field-by-Field Translation Reference
The visa application form is in Vietnamese. Here is a reference translation of the key fields you will encounter.
| Vietnamese Field | English Meaning | What to Enter |
|---|---|---|
| Họ và tên | Full Name | As in passport (SURNAME, Given name) |
| Ngày sinh | Date of Birth | DD/MM/YYYY |
| Số hộ chiếu | Passport Number | As in passport |
| Loại thị thực đề nghị | Requested Visa Type | ĐT1 / ĐT2 / ĐT3 / ĐT4 |
| Cơ quan, tổ chức mời/bảo lãnh | Inviting/Sponsoring Agency | Your Vietnamese company name |
| Số giấy phép đầu tư/ERC | IRC/ERC Number | From your investment certificate |
Copyable Cover Letter for Entry Approval Request
Use this template when your sponsoring company submits the entry approval request to the Immigration Department.
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] To: Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security
[Address of receiving office] RE: Request for Entry Approval and Investor Visa (DT [Type]) for Foreign Investor Dear Sir/Madam, Our company, [Company Name], Enterprise Registration Certificate No. [ERC Number], Investment Registration Certificate No. [IRC Number], with registered address at [Company Address], respectfully submits this request for entry approval and visa issuance for the following foreign investor: Full Name: [Investor Full Name]
Passport Number: [Passport Number]
Nationality: [Nationality]
Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Position in Company: [Investor / Legal Representative / Board Member]
Capital Contribution Amount: VND [Amount]
Investor Visa Category Requested: DT [1/2/3/4] The investor's capital contribution has been fully transferred into the company's direct investment capital account at [Bank Name], Account No. [Account Number], as confirmed by the attached bank certification. Attached documents:
1. Visa application form (NA5) with photo
2. Passport copy
3. Investment Registration Certificate (certified copy)
4. Enterprise Registration Certificate (certified copy)
5. Bank confirmation of capital contribution
6. Audited financial report (if applicable)
7. Document registering seal sample (Form NA16) We respectfully request the Immigration Department to review and approve the entry and visa issuance for the above-named investor. Sincerely,
[Company Name]
[Authorized Signatory Name]
[Position]
[Company Stamp]
Submission Procedure: Step-by-Step
- Confirm your DT category. The sponsoring company determines whether your actual contributed capital falls under DT1, DT2, DT3, or DT4 based on bank confirmations and audit reports .
- Prepare company and investor documents. Foreign-issued documents (e.g., passport copies, marriage certificates for dependents) may require notarization, consular legalization, and Vietnamese translation .
- Submit entry approval or personnel approval application. The sponsoring company files the dossier with the Immigration Department, either in person or through the electronic portal if eligible .
- Receive entry approval result. Upon approval, the company receives the result and informs the investor to proceed with visa issuance at the approved location .
- Receive visa. The investor may collect the visa at a Vietnamese representative mission overseas, an international border gate, or an international airport, depending on the approval .
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection or Downgrade
1. Paper Capital vs. Actual Contribution
The immigration authority checks bank records. Registering VND 100 billion in charter capital but failing to actually transfer it within the statutory 90-day period will result in rejection or automatic downgrade to DT4 .
2. Using the Wrong Bank Account
Capital contribution must enter the direct investment capital account — a specialized account for foreign-invested enterprises. Transfers into a regular payment account are not recognized .
3. Insufficient Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the requested visa or TRC validity. A short-validity passport limits your visa duration even if your investment qualifies for a longer term .
4. Assuming DT4 Gets a TRC
DT4 investors are not eligible for Temporary Residence Cards under the amended law. If you fall below VND 3 billion, you will face annual visa renewals and cannot sponsor dependents for long-term residence .
5. Skipping Temporary Residence Declaration
You must have completed temporary residence declaration with local police through the national electronic system before applying. Missing this step delays the entire process .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum capital contribution for a Vietnam investor visa?
The minimum threshold for DT4 is any amount under VND 3 billion. DT3 requires VND 3 billion to under 50 billion. DT2 requires VND 50 billion to under 100 billion. DT1 requires VND 100 billion or more, or investment in incentivized sectors or regions .
Can DT4 visa holders get a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam?
No. Under the amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence, DT4 visa holders are not eligible for Temporary Residence Cards. They receive a visa valid for up to 12 months and must renew annually. Only DT1, DT2, and DT3 holders can apply for TRCs .
How do I prove actual capital contribution to immigration authorities?
You need a bank confirmation letter showing the exact amount entered your company's direct investment capital account, plus an audited financial report showing owner's equity corresponding to your capital level. Registered charter capital alone is not sufficient .
Do investor visa holders need a work permit in Vietnam?
DT1, DT2, and DT3 investors who are shareholders or legal representatives are generally exempt from work permits. DT4 holders may need a work permit if they directly participate in technical management. Always confirm your specific situation with the local labor authority .
Can I sponsor my spouse and children on an investor visa?
Yes. DT1, DT2, and DT3 visa holders can sponsor spouses and children under 18 for TT (family visit) visas. The dependents' TRC validity generally matches the principal investor's, but does not exceed 5 years. DT4 holders cannot sponsor family members for long-term residence .