As part of its roadmap to making Vietnam a leading financial destination in the region, the Government issued Decree No. 327/2025/ND-CP on December 18, 2025. This is a crucial legal document establishing unprecedented residency privileges for foreigners working at International Finance Corporations (IFCs) in Vietnam. Below is detailed information on the visa and permanent residency policies effective from January 17, 2026.
Scope of application of Decree 327/2025/ND-CP
This Decree regulates the issuance of visas and temporary residence permits for foreign nationals who are significant investors, experts, managers, and highly skilled workers employed by organizations in the International Financial Center and their families (Article 1.1). Simultaneously, the Decree also regulates the granting of permanent residence permits to foreign nationals who are significant investors, experts, scientists, exceptionally talented individuals, and senior managers working long-term at these organizations (Article 1.2).
Eligible beneficiaries
Decree 327/2025/ND-CP clearly identifies the key target groups to attract both global capital and intellectual resources. These groups are divided into two main categories based on their residency needs:
Visa and temporary residence permit groups
This applies to foreigners working for organizations within the International Finance Centre (IFC) and their families, including:
- Significant investors: Determined according to the IFC Executive Authority's criteria for strategic investors (Article 3.1).
- Experts, Managers, and Highly Skilled Workers: Must meet the criteria stipulated in Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP.
Group eligible for permanent residency benefits
For long-term contributors, including:
- Key investors and senior managers.
- Experts, scientists, and individuals with exceptional talents (according to the criteria in Decree 221/2025/ND-CP).
Visa and Temporary Residence Permit Privileges (VIP 1 and VIP 2)
The most significant breakthrough of this Decree is the residency period of up to 10 years, which allows experts to work with peace of mind without worrying about administrative barriers.
| Type of card/visa | Applicable objects | Maximum time limit |
| Symbol UĐ1 | Main target groups for incentives (Investors, experts, managers, etc.) | 10 years |
| Symbol UĐ2 | Spouses and children under 18 of a UĐ1 cardholder. | Equivalent to the validity period of the UĐ1 card |
The issuance of 10-year temporary residence permits, as proposed by the IFC Executive Authority (Article 4.1), significantly reduces the costs and time involved in the previously required periodic renewal procedures.
Permanent Residency Pathway: Long-term Settlement in Vietnam
If you are a scientist or strategic investor looking for a long-term commitment to IFC, Decree 327/2025 provides a clear pathway for permanent residency consideration in Article 5:
- Employment duration: Must have worked continuously at IFC for 3 years or more.
- Long-term contract: Documentation proving commitment to long-term employment.
- High-level endorsement: Directly requested by the Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, or the Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang.
Holders of permanent residency cards do not need to apply for visas when entering or exiting the country and only need to renew their cards periodically every 10 years at the immigration office.
Procedure and documentation requirements
To ensure professionalism and speed, procedures are carried out through a coordination mechanism between the IFC Executive Agency and the Ministry of Public Security.
The documents that need to be prepared are as follows:
- The application for permanent residency must be submitted using the prescribed form.
- Criminal record certificates are issued by competent authorities.
- A diplomatic note from the representative agency of the country of which the person is a citizen.
- The request letter and supporting documents from the IFC Executive Office.
Please note the processing time: The Minister of Public Security will review and make a decision. After the decision is made, the foreigner needs to collect their permanent residence card within the specified timeframe.
Responsibilities of the Card Issuing Authority and Card Cancellation
The IFC's governing body plays a crucial role as stipulated in Article 8. Their responsibilities include:
- Assess eligibility to ensure that benefits reach the right people.
- Immediately notify the immigration authorities to invalidate the visa or card if the foreigner is no longer working or violates the preferential criteria stipulated in Article 7.
Do you have questions about the incentive policies or specific procedures? Please contact MAN – Master Accountant Network for the most detailed guidance before the Decree takes effect on January 17, 2026.
Contact information MAN – Master Accountant Network
- Address: No. 19A, Street 43, Tan Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Mobile/Zalo: 0903 963 163 – 0903 428 622
- Email: man@man.net.vn
Content production by: Mr. Le Hoang Tuyen – Founder & CEO MAN – Master Accountant Network, Vietnamese CPA Auditor with over 30 years of experience in Accounting, Auditing and Financial Consulting.
References
- Decree 327/2025/ND-CP
- Article by LuatVietnam
