As reported Open4Business, Vietnam plans to introduce a special visa for foreign highly qualified specialists (Vietnam Talent Visa), which will provide simplified residence permit procedures, exemption from the need to obtain a work permit, and preferential conditions for family members. At the same time, it is proposed to exempt specialists involved in strategic projects from paying personal income tax for five years.
The relevant draft resolution of the National Assembly of Vietnam was published by the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs 16 October 2026 for public discussion.
The legislative initiative consists of 16 articles and is aimed at attracting foreign experts, scientists, researchers, technology entrepreneurs, and other highly qualified specialists to implement strategic state programs, investment projects, and the development of the innovation economy.
The document applies not only to foreigners but also to citizens of Vietnam and representatives of the Vietnamese diaspora living abroad.
What advantages does the talent visa offer?
According to the draft, foreign specialists who meet the established criteria will be able to obtain a special visa and a corresponding temporary residence card.
It is envisaged that the duration of stay can be extended and the purpose of residence can be changed in accordance with immigration legislation.
Visa holders will be allowed to work simultaneously in several companies, scientific institutions, or government organizations without obtaining a separate work permit for each employer.
When changing jobs, foreign specialists will not need to re-issue the current visa.
Simplification will also apply to family members. Spouses and children under 18 years of age will be able to obtain UĐ2 category visas and corresponding temporary residence documents.
In addition, the state is to provide favorable conditions for the residence and education of children of foreign specialists.
Five-year tax holidays
One of the key provisions of the legislative initiative is exemption from personal income tax for five years.
The benefit will apply to the salary and bonuses of qualified specialists and employees involved by them who perform strategic tasks.
The five-year period is proposed to be counted from the moment the corresponding income arises.
In this case, tax incentives can be received not only by specialists working in government agencies but also by employees of private companies involved in the implementation of strategic projects.
Separate benefits are provided for employers. Companies that hire qualified specialists to perform strategic tasks will be able to additionally include in tax expenses an amount equivalent to 50% of the actual salaries and bonuses paid to such employees.
Thus, the total amount of labor costs that can be taken into account when determining taxable income will potentially amount to 150% of actual payments.
Vietnam plans to allocate about 0.1% of GDP annually for talent development
The government also proposes to create a special mechanism for financing programs to attract and develop highly qualified personnel.
About 0.1% of GDP is planned to be allocated annually for these purposes within the framework of the general financing of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
Priority will be given to projects that are strategically important for the country's economy, particularly in the field of high technologies, scientific research, digitalization, and production modernization.
At the same time, the proposed selection system involves assessing real professional achievements and the ability of specialists to perform specific tasks.
The presence of a scientific degree, academic title, or long-term professional experience will not be a mandatory condition, except in cases where such requirements are directly stipulated by legislation for a certain type of activity.
According to the developers' idea, this will make it possible to attract not only famous scientists but also young technology entrepreneurs, engineers, and developers of innovative products.
What will the new rules mean for foreign investors?
The proposed changes may increase the attractiveness of Vietnam for international technology companies, research centers, and enterprises implementing high-added-value investment projects.
Simplification of the employment of foreign experts and the possibility of simultaneous cooperation with several organizations can reduce business administrative costs and facilitate technology transfer.
At the same time, the proposed program is not a universal visa for digital nomads or an automatic way of obtaining a residence permit through the purchase of real estate.
Its main goal is to attract specialists to specific strategic programs and projects defined in accordance with state priorities.
The resolution has not yet been adopted. After the completion of public discussion, the document is to be considered by the National Assembly of Vietnam. The final selection criteria, application procedures, and validity periods of special visas will depend on the approved legislation.
Vietnam is one of the economies of Southeast Asia that actively attract foreign investments in industry, electronics, digital technologies, and infrastructure. In recent years, the country has been developing special mechanisms to support investors and highly qualified specialists in order to modernize the economy and increase its international competitiveness.
