How to Get a Visa to Live in Nha Trang in 2025: Practical Guide

Introduction

Dreaming of moving to Vietnam and living in Nha Trang, with its stunning beaches and laid-back lifestyle? Before packing your bags, it’s essential to understand your 2025 Vietnam visa options, visa requirements, visa information, types of visas, consular steps, visa fees, processing times, validity periods, and how to apply. Whether you’re a passport holder from the Schengen area, applying for a Russian visa, Indian visa, Chinese visa, Thailand visa, Malaysia visa, or simply transiting, this guide covers it all.

Here is your complete, step-by-step guide to securing the right visa, travel authorization, or residence permit to start your new life in Nha Trang!

1. What Are the Visa Options in 2025?

Long-Stay Tourist Visa

• Valid for 90 days

• Can be extended in Vietnam via a local agency

• Ideal for initial visits or lifestyle trial periods

• Not valid for employment or business activities

Business Visa (DN)

• Valid for up to 12 months

• Ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, or business owners

• Usually requires a local sponsor (company, client)

"Vietnam Horizon" Digital Nomad Visa (New in 2025)

• Valid up to 12 months, no sponsor needed

• Requires proof of online income (~$1,500/month)

• Allows multiple entries

Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

• Available after 2 years of legal stay, or via marriage/work contracts

• Valid for 2 to 5 years

Immigrant Visa

• Requires additional documentation

• May lead to citizenship or permanent residency

Work Permit & Non-Immigrant Visa

• Needed for foreigners seeking employment

• Often accompanies a long-term visa or TRC

2. How to Apply for a Visa

Online via Vietnam’s E-Visa System

• Applies to tourist visas

• Fast processing (3–5 working days)

• Submit your online visa application form

• Average visa fee: $25–50

• Fill out the application form accurately to avoid delays

• May involve electronic submission and visa status updates

Through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

• Recommended for business, student, short-stay, or long-term visa applications

• More flexible durations and renewal options

• Submit your visa application at your home-country embassy, consulate, or consulate-general

• Visa processing time and fees may vary

Through a Local Agency in Nha Trang

• Personalized visa services

• Helps with visa extensions, status check, or authorization for residence permit

• More expensive, but faster and reliable

Tip: Use reputable visa services or courier assistance to avoid scams or delays in issuance.

3. Required Documents for a Visa

• Passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry date

• Photocopy of passport and national ID

• Recent passport-sized photo

• Completed visa application form

• Proof of income or letter of invitation (business, digital nomad, student visa)

• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

• Flight reservation or travel document with itinerary

• Hotel booking confirmation (for visitor visa or travel visa)

• Invitation letter (diplomatic, business, or visa-waiver programs)

• Copy of previous visa (for renewals)

• Authorization documents if transiting or needing visa-on-arrival

• Supporting documents may be required for permanent residence, medical treatment, or working holiday

• Biometric data (fingerprint scan) submission may be required

• Passport number and blank pages available

• Bank statement showing financial stability

• Affidavit of support if required

• Appointment letter (for work visa or residency interviews)

• Documents verifying travel plans, onward tickets, or return travel

• USCIS documentation (for U.S. visa comparisons or dual-citizenship contexts)

• Proof of visa fee payment and refund policy awareness

Note: Visa requirements may vary based on nationalities and visa type (nonimmigrant visa, immigrant visas, short-stay, transit visa, exempt entries).

4. Local Tips for Extending Your Stay

• Apply to extend your visa before it expires (2–3 weeks early)

• Visa run: Leave Vietnam briefly to reset your visa (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand)

• Convert to a long-term visa after multiple renewals

• Short-term exemptions: 14–30 days for certain passport holders

• Entry visas and port of entry rules: Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free or visa-waiver programs

• Permanent-resident or residency status may be possible after long-term stays

• Use expedited services or apply for visa extension through trusted visa services

• Be prepared to answer questions from immigration officers or border-protection authorities about your visa status and travel purpose

• Know your expiration dates to avoid penalties and ensure your visa doesn’t expire unexpectedly

Example: Agencies in Nha Trang offer express visa issuance with consular officer approval for ~$100–150 USD.

FAQ – Visa for Living in Nha Trang

Can I work on a tourist visa in Vietnam?

No, you need a valid work visa, business visa, or residence permit.

How long does visa processing take?

E-visas: 3–5 working days. Other visas: depends on embassy, visa type, and application process.

Is the Vietnam Horizon visa active in 2025?

Yes, this digital nomad visa allows 12-month stay with proof of online income.

Can I apply for a visa online?

Yes, many foreign nationals can apply online for various visa types.

Which visa is best for living long-term in Nha Trang?

Business visa or digital nomad visa initially, then upgrade to a temporary or permanent residence permit.

What is visa-waiver or exemption?

Certain nationalities are exempt from visa for short-stays under the visa waiver program.

What if I overstay my visa?

Immediately contact immigration services or a visa agency. Overstaying may result in refusal of future visas.

Do I need to get a visa before traveling to Vietnam?

Depending on your nationality and length of stay, you may need to obtain a visa in advance.

Can my visa be stamped at the airport?

Yes, with pre-approved authorization via electronic systems or agency support.

What happens if my visa is refused?

You may reapply or appeal. Understand your rights and correct any missing documents.

What if my visa expires while I’m still in Vietnam?

Contact immigration immediately. Overstaying beyond the allowed period of time may incur fines or deportation.

Is a visa needed for short-stays or transit through Vietnam?

Some travellers are exempt; others require a valid travel visa or transit visa. Always check official sources.

Where can I apply for a visa?

Online, via a Vietnamese embassy/consulate, or using local visa service providers in Vietnam.

What documents are needed to apply?

Travel documents, passport-size photos, itinerary, and supporting documents depending on visa type.

Can I use the same visa for other countries in Asia?

No, you need separate visas for countries like Thailand, Malaysia, or China. Always confirm if required to obtain a visa for each destination.

Conclusion

In 2025, getting a valid visa to travel to or live in Vietnam is streamlined thanks to digital systems, expanded visa waiver programs, and new visa types tailored to global travelers. Whether you’re applying for a nonimmigrant visa, tourist visa, working holiday, immigrant visa, or permanent residence, Vietnam has a path for you.

Carefully follow the visa application process, prepare your supporting documents, and stay updated through your nearest consulate, embassy, or immigration services. With proper planning and awareness of your visa status, you’ll travel to Nha Trang with ease and confidence.

Now is the time to apply for your visa, avoid expiration or visa denial, and begin your new journey in one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations!